UK
USA
Cherry blossom
Spring not only brings a temperate respite between the bitter winter and sweltering summer – it also brings Japan’s most cherished natural event: the cherry blossom. This yearly celebration of the transient beauty of life provides the perfect backdrop to any honeymoon, with an atmosphere of merriment and optimism filling every park and garden. Whether glowing in the sun by day or illuminated by lanterns at night, it’s impossible not to be beguiled by Japan’s beautiful sakura season.
Yearning fills my heart
When the candles are lit
Cherry blossom fall
- famous Japanese haiku, Shirao Kaya
Japan's unofficial national flower is sakura or cherry blossom, and the annual appearance of the blossom in late March or early April is front page news. When the trees turn pink, the Japanese grab picnic blankets and rush to the parks to take photos, drink sake and relax, a custom known as hanami (literally "seeing flowers").
The fleeting nature of sakura (the blossoms are at their peak for around a week) strikes a deep chord in the Japanese psyche. In the days of the samurai, sakura represented the short life of a warrior often cut off in its prime. In today's Japan, sakura serves as a reminder of the power of nature, the changing of the seasons and that life may be all too short.
It's easy for visitors to take part in hanami which takes place across Japan. Famous spots include Ueno Park in Tokyo and Kyoto's Maruyama Koen, although you'll need to arrive early in the morning to find room to sit! Grab a bento box from a nearby convenience store, enjoy a picnic with a backdrop of sakura trees and you'll soon make friends with the Japanese people around you.
When to go:
The cherry blossom opens as a wave, blooming as early as February in Okinawa then slowly climbing north, usually peaking in Tokyo and Kyoto in early April and reaching Hokkaido by late May.
For more information email us: [email protected] or call: + 61 7 3186 8800
A quick note about our experiences: Our experiences are designed to be part of a complete, tailor-made travel package and are not available to book individually. This allows us to ensure every detail – from accommodation to transport – is perfectly coordinated for you. If you're interested in one of these experiences, we'd love to help you build a full itinerary around it!
Cherry blossom
Available throughout Japan
Other Honeymoons experiences
View more >
Tokyo Skytree
The magnificent, fully accessible 634 metre tower in the Asakusa area of Tokyo.
Beautiful beaches of Ishigaki
Not many people realise that Japan has such fantastic beaches on the sub-tropical islands of the Okinawa archipelago.
Oysters and Chablis on Miyajima
Watch the sun go down on Miyajima Island with some of the freshest locally farmed oysters washed down with a glass of fine wine
Wedding kimono
Perfect for honeymooners: get dressed up in layers of the finest wedding kimono for a very special photo session
Sumida River fireworks
Japan's most historic fireworks display illuminates the Sumida River in Tokyo.
Views of Mount Fuji
Pray for good weather and you may just be rewarded with perfect Fuji views.
Inside Japan UK office
Inside Japan US office
Inside Japan Australia office
Inside Japan - Japan office
