One of the best times to visit Japan is during their Spring season. The famous cherry blossoms or sakura in their language can be viewed during this time. Cherry blossoms spread throughout Japan but it is in Osaka where it’s truly widespread and popular.
In the middle of April thousands of tourists and locals alike head to Osaka Mint Bureau where hundreds of cherry blossoms are lined up to welcome you. Walking around this path gives such a blissful feeling. The crowd is usually overwhelming but the sight is always good to encounter.
Kema Sakuranomiya Park is also a nice place to chill and see the beautiful sakura. Riverboats pass through this river park. Wether you are riding the boat or strolling on land, the beauty of cherry blossoms is remarkable on both ends.
Enjoy street food in the midst of April around this park. Come in just the right appetite as you don’t want to be too full and end up not trying their street food. Don’t come hungry too as you might end up eating in every kiosk. The varieties are quite excellent.
The Osaka Castle built by samurai warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi after accomplishing his goal of unifying Japan. It was built in 1586 and was rebuilt during the 1800s. This castle and park has stunning cherry blossoms around it during spring season.
Don’t get left behind in shopping for Japanese goodies. Shinshibaishi station until the Namba station has the the wasabi crackers, matchas, KitKat green teas, kimonos, yukatas and local Japanese restaurants can be found along the alleys.
Not so far from Osaka is the charming Kyoto. Ride the train (bullet train available ) towards the Hankyu Arashimaya station. This is the nearest stop to the famous Hozu river.
Hozu River or Hozugawa in Japanese is a must see place to visit in Kyoto. This river is scenic and truly wonderful. During spring, sakura or cherry blossoms flourishes around it. During fall, the orange color is the hue that populates it. If you do not enjoy rafting you could opt to roll with a hired rickshaw.
The Tenryuuji temple is the biggest temple and the access to the famous bamboo grove. Arashiyama bamboo forest is one of the most photographed sites in the city. Stay and enjoy this zen garden. Bring a book if you must. This is a place to breathe fresh air.
Another zen temple and truly splendid site is in Kinkakuji temple. This is the place to visit the beautiful Golden pavillion. The shining Kinkaku is recognised by UNESCO as a world cultural heritage. The gold leaf is breathtaking and the pond mirrors the ground around it. It is Kyoto’s prime symbol.
Not also far from Osaka is Nara. This is a more quite and peaceful side of Japan. Sakura spreads around it but this time you can listen to the leaves of the trees being blown by the wind.
Come up the Nara prefecture Government building to see the view of Nara. You will see here the two temples who fought for its territory in Japanese history.
Come enter the Yoshikien- Japanese Garden and live the zen life. This is a beautiful Japanese garden. For foreign tourists, the entry fee is waived. Find techniques on how to build a beautiful zen garden at this haven.
Todaji Temple or the Great Eastern Temple is a massive temple found in the middle of Nara. This temple was constructed in 752 and made Nara the capital in 784 because of its greatness. Found inside is the Daibutsuden or the great Buddha Hall. This the world’s largest wooden building and houses one of Japan’s largest bronze Buddha.
Feeding deers at the entrance and exit is one of the most famous and fun thing to do here. Shika senbeior deer crackers are their favorite and are available in kiosks at the exit. They sell for about 150 yen. However, the deer seems to eat everything from bread to banana to banana peel.
