春 · Seasonal guide
Spring in Japan
Cherry blossoms, hanami picnics and pastel temple gardens.
spring
Before the Sakura: Japan's Plum Blossom Season
Weeks before the cherry trees stir, Japan's plum blossoms open in the cold. When and where to see ume season, from Mito's Kairaku-en to Kyoto's shrines.
spring
Beyond Sakura: Japan's Other Spring Blooms
Japan's spring outlasts the sakura: wisteria at Ashikaga, nemophila at Hitachi Seaside Park, moss phlox under Fuji — when and where to catch each one.
spring
Cherry Blossom Viewing Beyond the Crowds
Where to see cherry blossoms in Japan without the crowds — Chidorigafuchi's moat boats, Hirosaki Castle's petal rafts, and how to time the bloom.