For those looking to go all out on their spring vacation, there’s no better place to visit than Japan.
The stunning cherry blossoms that flood just about every street, trail, or park have long become the symbol of the season.
They create the perfect atmosphere for you to experience a sense of renewal along with the famous pink flowers.
If you’re tempted to pack up your bags and take the 10+ hours-long flight to Japan, know that you’re not alone.
Data from Agoda, one of the biggest digital travel platforms of the moment, shows that millions of travelers are constantly researching and booking stays in Japan this time of year.
So, the company decided to take the time to figure out which destinations were generating the most buzz.
Agoda looked at the searches made this past February for trips in Japan between 15 March and 15 May 2024 and discovered that these were the 5 cities that travelers wanted to book the most:
5. Fujikawaguchiko
Though more of a resort town than a fully-fledged city, Fujikawaguchiko has still managed to nab a spot in the top 5 thanks to its breathtaking landscapes and its more laid-back, authentic feel compared to bigger hubs.
Travelers coming to Fujikawaguchiko are dying to catch a glimpse of the pastel-pink sakura trees against what’s arguably the most recognizable backdrop in all of Japan – Mount Fuji.
The only thing that could make this entire view better would be a tranquil lake, and guess what?
Fujikawaguchiko has that, too!
Lake Kawaguchi gets surrounded by so many blooming trees in spring, that it takes on a whole different hue, creating a once-a-year opportunity to take some truly mesmerizing pictures.
And if you decide to actually make Fujikawaguchiko your destination of choice this spring, you won’t want to miss out on the iconic Fuji Shibazakura Festival, set to take place between the 13th of April and the 26th of May this year.
4. Kyoto
Widely regarded as the cultural heart of Japan, Kyoto promises the most intoxicating blend of history, tradition, and gorgeous natural sights this spring, and yes – the cherry blossoms won’t be missing, either.
Travelers have especially loved exploring iconic sites like Maruyama Park, the Philosopher’s Path, and the Kiyomizu-dera Temple, which were only made more visually stunning this time of year thanks to the nature surrounding them coming back to life.
Here, you can take some time to yourself and partake in the centuries-old tradition of hanami, which is even more delightful than it sounds.
The word literally translates to “flower viewing,” and all you have to do is go picnicking beneath the blossoming trees and take in their beauty – if there’s a better springtime experience than that, I’ve yet to see it.
3. Fukuoka
While there’s certainly a lot to love about Fukuoka, most travelers looking to fly there this spring are after one attraction and one attraction only – the famous Maizuru Park.
Home to over 1,000 cherry trees, including some one-of-a-kind varieties, the park turns into a sea of white and pink in the spring, providing some of the most jaw-dropping views you’ll ever come across in your life.
2. Osaka
If you want to make those cherry blossom viewing sessions just part of your experience, not the focus of it, Osaka is one of the best places you can visit.
Don’t get me wrong—the view of the hundreds of cherry trees that adorn the Osaka Castle Park grounds is one of the most breathtaking sights on Earth.
However, the city also promises a bustling atmosphere, vibrant nightlife, and an unforgettable food scene that’ll make your travels much more well-rounded.
1. Tokyo
While admittedly expected, Tokyo’s emergence as the No. 1 destination in Japan this spring is still worth being applauded – after all, the competition is stiff.
However, if you, too, are planning on experiencing the Japanese capital in full bloom this season, remember that the clock is ticking.
Cherry blossoms are predicted to reach full bloom in March, and after that, there’s only a short 1-2 weeks window during which you can take in their peak beauty, so you should book those tickets ASAP.
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