Marvelous Japan, in Bloom
Sakura cherry blossoms are more than just the county’s national flower and a pleasant backdrop for a selfie session.
Deeply symbolic, the sakura cherry blossoms represent destiny and karma, and can be found throughout Japan’s arts and culture, as well as on stationery and kitchenware. While many assume that the blossoms bloom exclusively in spring, it actually varies throughout the country and year to year: Now’s the time to start planning if you hope to catch some flower power in 2016.
Where can you catch the real thing? Pretty much everywhere, depending on the month: The subtropical islands of Okinawa can see them as early as January, while on the northern island of Hokkaido it’s frequently not until May that the fabulous fronds reveal themselves. In between, Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka are in flower from around March. Milder weather will also see an earlier blooming.
Go Gold
All Japan Tours’ most popular sakura experience is the Golden Route Japan Cherry Blossom Special Tour, which takes place March 27-April 10. Taking in hanami, or flower viewing/picnicking spots in gardens and parks famous for their blossoms, the trip begins at Osaka Castle, which boasts more than 4,000 cherry trees, before a visit to the gardens and temples of Kyoto, followed by a day at Hakone with its hot springs and views of Mt. Fuji, plus a guided tour of Tokyo.
The tour costs US$2,198 ($17,140) per person, including five nights western-style and one night Japanese-style accommodation (double or triple occupancy). Also included are airport transfers, coach transfers, bullet train ride, tour guide, daily breakfast and some other meals, entry to sites and activities. You’ll need to organize your own flight to Japan. Book before January 31 to save US$50 ($390). alljapantours.com.
Budget Blossoms
There are some good deals to be had on a first come, first served basis through Zuji, who has partnered with the Japan National Tourism Organization to launch a bundle of promotional offers, including 10 percent off hotel prices, free roaming data SIM card, free three-day rail pass and even free selfie sticks (if you’re a university student).