Toyota in Aichi Prefecture is a city abundant with nature and one home to countless famous flower spots. Tourism Toyota has outlined a list of the perfect places to visit there this spring to enjoy viewing the cherry blossoms for this year’s Hanami.

Asian Fawnlily | Korankei

Korankei is a valley created by the Yodo River in Toyota, Aichi, and is said to be one of the best places in Japan to enjoy the autumn colours. In spring, an area covering 5,000m² blooms with beautiful Asian fawnlilies, dyeing the grass as a light purple carpet.

Best Time To See: Mid March – Late March

Location: Korankei, Iimori Asukecho, Toyota, Aichi

Access: Board the Meitetsu Bus bound for Yamani (矢並線) at Toyotashi Station’s East Exit, get off at Korankei (香嵐渓), and walk for 10-minutes

Official Website: https://www.tourismtoyota.jp/spots/detail/272/

Cherry Blossoms & Spiraea Thunbergii | Aichi Greenery Center

Every year at Aichi Greenery Center from late March to early April, the Spiraea Thunbergii, also known as Thunberg’s meadowsweet, blossom their white flowers in full along a path stretching 200 meters, which makes it look like the area is covered in snow. When the cherry blossoms bloom, their light pink flowers offer a beautiful contrast with the snowbound meadowsweet.

Best Time To See: Late March – Early April

Address: Saruta-21-1 Nishinakayamachō, Toyota, Aichi

Access: Board the Oiden Bus bound for Fujioka/Toyota Via Nishinakayama (藤岡・豊田線(西中山経由)) and get off at the Greenery Center (緑化センター)

Official Website: https://www.tourismtoyota.jp/spots/detail/277/

Weeping Cherry Blossoms | Kaminaka

Kaminaka is home to some incredible weeping cherry sights. Around 3,000 weeping cherry trees stretch 1km from the car park, dyeing the mountainous landscape white, red, and pink.

Best Time To See: Early to Mid April

Address: Makigahora Kaminakacho, Toyota, Aichi

Access: 27km from Shidare Interchange (枝下IC) via Sarugata Green Road (猿投グリーンロード)

Official Website: https://www.tourismtoyota.jp/spots/detail/225/

Weeping Cherry Blossoms | Zuiryuji Temple & Daian-ji Temple

Zuiryuji Temple is home to a weeping cherry tree that is said to be 400 years old. It is officially listed as a Natural Treasure of Aichi Prefecture. Its flowers are best enjoyed in early April when it offers a spectacular sight next to the temple gate.

Daian-ji Temple also has an ancient weeping cherry tree that is 260 years old and listed as a National Treasure of Toyota. Another row of cherry trees are located next to it, wrapping the area in gorgeous pink hues. Both of these temple trees are also lit up in the evenings, offering a different kind of beautiful atmosphere from a daytime viewing.

Best Time To See: Early April

Address: Terayama-3 Inabuchō, Toyota, Aichi

Access: Board the Oiden Bus [Kaisoku Inabu] at Toyotashi Station’s East Exit, get off at Dongurinoyu Mae (どんぐりの湯前), and walk for 10-minutes

Official Websites:

https://www.tourismtoyota.jp/spots/detail/39/ (Zuiryuji Temple)

https://www.tourismtoyota.jp/spots/detail/697/ (Daian-ji Temple)

Wisterias | Fuji no Kairo

This 370-meter long path is known as Fuji no Kairo, or “Wisteria Corridor,” which is home to four different species of wisteria that bloom fully in the spring to the delight of those passing under it.

Best Time To See: Late April – Early May

Address: Mitsukuricho, Toyota, Aichi

Access: Board the Oiden Bus bound for Fujioka/Toyota Via Kanocho (藤岡・豊田線(加納経由)) and get off at Toyota City Hall (藤岡支所). Change onto the Fuji Bus bound for Kawaguchi/Ino (川口・飯野線), then get off at Fuji no Kairo (ふじの回廊口).

Official Website: https://www.tourismtoyota.jp/spots/detail/191/

Shirasagi Coffee, a cafe in Ehime Prefecture, has released a new seasonal menu full of strawberries and cherry blossoms to commemorate the spring season.

Shirasagi Coffee’s logo features a heron, a reference to a legend that says the locals of Matsuyama in Ehime noticed that a white heron healed its injured leg by bathing in the hot springs of Dōgo Onsen, one of the oldest hot springs in  Japan. The cafe was renovated using furniture made from scrap wood from when Dōgo Onsen was built. It’s an artistic cafe that has garnered much attention from both locals and tourists.

Thick-Cut Natural Yeast Toast

This thick-sliced bread is provided by Panya Uzu, a bread shop also in Matsuyama, Ehime. Perfect for breakfast or lunch, it’s topped with a cherry blossom jam and mascarpone cheese cream.

Top: Cream Soda / Right: Cherry Blossom Tea Latte / Left: Cherry Blossom & Strawberry Mint Sour

This line-up of three drinks are made using seasonal strawberries grown in Ehime Prefecture.

Sweet Bavarois

Bavarois is a classic dessert at Shirasagi Coffee, and this one is made using matcha grown in the village of Shingu in Ehime and is coated in a cherry blossom cream.

Spring Madonna Parfait

This limited-time parfait is stacked with 12 different ingredients of varying textures and flavours, including cherry blossom, as well as Ehime strawberries, chestnuts, and matcha. It’s the culmination of Ehime’s springtime ingredients.

Takeout Drinks

Mini Parfait

The cafe also serves mini parfaits, drinks and other items for takeout. Pick something out and go and observe the cherry blossoms for Hanami at Dōgo Park.

An adorable new collection of items fitting for Japanese springtime have been released featuring Lisa Larson’s popular hedgehogs and cherry blossoms. Larson has an interest in Japanese culture, and has designed this line-up in time for the Hanami season.

Letter Paper Set – ¥440 (Tax Included) / Masking Tape (35mm) – ¥550 (Tax Included)

The letter paper and masking tape features cute illustrations of the hedgehogs taking a stroll amongst the cherry blossoms. A great spring gift or souvenir from Japan.

Water Absorbent Cloth – ¥660 (Tax Included) / Tea Towel – ¥660 (Tax Included)

The cloth and tea towel are perfect additions to the kitchen, whether for drying the plates, for food prep, wiping the counter, and so on. The adorable strolling hedgehogs will add a warm touch to any kitchen.

Printed Hand Towel – ¥1,540 (Tax Included)

The hedgehogs are enjoying observing the cherry blossoms on this hand towel, which is light-pink and has a gentle Japanese taste to it. The towel is made using a dyeing technique known as kata-yuzen which is used to dye fabrics for kimono in Kyoto. It’s a versatile item: it can of course be used as a kitchen towel or cloth, but also for wrapping gifts like wine too.

Mamezara Dish (Hasami Ware) – ¥1,430 (Tax Included)

The hedgehogs are in the thick of the fully-bloomed cherry blossoms on this mamezara dish, which can be used for food or placing small items like keys and accessories.

Waffles – ¥1,620 (Tax Included)

These tins, which feature Mikey and the hedgehogs, are filled with a traditional waffle confection that has been sold by Tokyo Fugetsudo since 1927. They are light and crunchy round wafers stuffed with cream.

Hanami Set 2020 (Online Orders Only) – ¥11,000 (Tax Included)

Available online only, this special set is the perfect way to enjoy Hanami in Japan this season, featuring a cute bird sake jug and more.

Celebrate the arrival of the cherry blossoms in Japan with this new line-up from Lisa Larson.

The town of Chikuzen in Fukuoka Prefecture is home to a 2km strip of cherry blossom trees which bloom their pink beauty along the Kusaba River in spring. The area sees countless people flock there during the Hanami season to see the trees in full bloom.

But Kusaba River isn’t only home to cherry blossoms; it also sees rape blossoms sprout their yellow flowers during springtime, which offers a beautiful contrast to the overhead pink from the cherry trees.

The place is lit up in the eveningsーa great chance to see the cherry blossoms in a different light at night.

Rich verdure lines the whole of Kusaba River, so be sure to visit if you’re heading to Fukuoka this spring to see the cherry and rape blossoms.

FLOWERS BY NAKED is an annual flower-themed digital art event held by NAKED Inc. As part of this year’s event, FLOWERS BY NAKED 2020 – Sakura –, a special addendum event entitled “Nijo Castle Sakura Matsuri” will take place during the evenings at the World Heritage Site Nijo Castle From March 20 to April 12 this year.

FLOWERS BY NAKED is an interactive digital art experience. It has been held at Nijo Castle during the autumns of 2018 and 2019, but this will be the event’s first time being held in Kyoto during the spring season. 2020’s theme is cherry blossoms, and this will be showcased in a number of wonderful ways.

Prologue | NAKED BIG BOOK

“NAKED BIG BOOK, a monument of the beginning of this exhibition, will show collaboration works by an artist Ryotaro Muramatsu and a photographer LESLIE KEE. LESLIE KEE contained energy into photographs as the quiet expression, and Ryotaro Muramatsu reinterprets his works to dynamic photography art.​”

Arrival of Spring | Kara-mon Gate (Important Cultural Property)

“Projection mapping expresses the coming of Spring on Karamon-Gate as an important cultural property.”

Flowers Wall ~ SAKURA ~ | Inner Moat

“Projection mapping of impressive sakura on the moats in Nijo-jo Castle. The landscape will transition following sakura.”

Sakura Droplets | Seiryu-en Garden

“A mystical space surrounded by real sakura where bubbles confined spring fragrance float as the sakura droplet.​ ​”

The event is working on countermeasures against the coronavirus, such as installing disinfectants and having staff wear masks. It requests that visitors take normal measures against the infection such as cough etiquette and washing your hands. Click here for more information.

Appreciation for the Seto Inland Sea in Japan is on the rise: American company Discovery named Shikoku one of its Top 10 must-visit rising locations around the world for 2020, and the city of Setouchi in Okayama has featured as a recommended travel destination in Western media. One particular location, Kagawa Prefecture, has been featured on many international travel sites as a must-visit place, including on Booking.com, Skyscanner, and REMOTE LANDS, with places such as Takamatsu, Teshima, and Shōdo Island being picked up.

Takamatsu is known as the doorstep that brings together the many islands of Seto Inland Sea. It’s a port city with great fresh food, highly convenient for travellers wanting to visit lots of different islands, and a popular region that brings together elements of Japanese culture.

Today, we take a look at some must-visit locations around Takamatsu, including a new facility opening, must-visit spots for spring to early summer, food, and more.

Shikoku Aquarium – The largest aquarium in Shikoku

Shikoku Aquarium is set to be the largest across Shikoku when it opens its doors to the public on March 20, 2020. It’s located inside Utazu Seaside Park in the town of Utazu where it will exhibit the creatures that live in Shikoku and feature the many different seaside landscapes located there. But the aquarium won’t just stop at showcasing animals, it will also be a cultural facility where you can learn about the history, culture, and natural environment of Shikoku, and there’ll be artwork perfect for the Setouchi Triennale contemporary art festival which is held around Seto Inland Sea every three years.

Shikoku Aquarium

Address: Utazu Rinkaikoen, 4-1 Utazu, Ayauta District, Kagawa

Opening Hours:

[March 20, 2020 – September 30, 2020] 9:00-18:00

[October 1, 2020 – March 19, 2021] 10:00-18:00

[Golden Week/Summer Break] 9:00-21:00

No Fixed Holidays

Price: General (16+ Years & High School Students) ¥2,200 / Children (Elementary School Students) ¥1,200 / Toddlers (3+ Years) ¥60

Official Website: http://shikoku-aquarium.jp/

Well-Known & Little-Known-Good Cherry Blossom Spots

Kagawa Prefecture is home to many spots that offer beautiful sounds and sights throughout the four seasons. Cherry blossom season is right around the corner in Japan, so let’s take a look at some must-visit spots, both popular and little-known good ones.

■Well-Known Spots

Ritsurin Garden (Takamatsu)

One of the most famous historical gardens in Japan, Ritsurin Garden is home to around 320 Yoshino cherry trees, whose pink colour reflects beautifully off the lake together with the 1,000 green pine trees.

Marugame Castle (Marugame)

Marugame Castle is one of only 12 castle in Japan to have an original wooden tenshu, or castle tower, built. From the great height of the castle’s stone wall, which is the tallest in Japan, one can gaze down at 1,000 cherry blossom trees in bloom.

■Little-Known-Good Spots

Megijima (Takamatsu)

Around 3,000 cherry trees bloom on t he island, including Yoshino cherries, yama-zakura, and yae-zakura, which roll from the port to the lighthouse.

Asahiyama Forest Park (Mitoyo)

Asahiyama Forest Park is located on the peak of Mt. Asahi, up 238 meters high. There, you can witness 2,000 vibrant cherry blossom trees bloom in spring, including Yoshino cherries. The park’s observation deck is popular too, offering a 360° panoramic view.

Experience the world of bonsai in Kagawa, the only place in Japan which produces pine bonsai trees

Interest in bonsai trees continues to grow every year not just in Japan but overseas too. The number of people incorporating them into their lives as interior decoration is on the rise. Kagawa Prefecture is the only place in Japan which produces pine bonsai trees, the largest places being Kinashi and Kokubunji in Takamatsu. There are around 60 bonsai makers in both of these towns, so you are sure to spot some if you walk through them.

Official Website: https://takamatsu-bonsai.com/en/

The new Takamatsu Bonsai no Sato is also set to open on April 17, which will include an information centre providing information on bonsai culture in Takamatsu, and there will be workshops too. Whether you’re new to bonsai or a pro, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Takamatsu Bonsai no Sato

Grand Opening: April 17, 2020

Address: 353-1 Kokubunjichō Kokubu, Takamatsu, Kagawa

Travel to Kagawa this spring to enjoy the cherry blossoms and pay a visit to the new Shikoku Aquarium.

Online Japanese travel website Jalan has published an article listing the Top 10 cherry blossom furo (bath) locations in Japan based on the results of a questionnaire it held.

Experiencing an outdoor Japanese bath is one thing, but it’s made even more special when coupled with the view and scent of the springtime cherry blossoms. The line-up features a list of locations praised for their scenery and the blossom of the cherry trees.

1st Place: Hotel Keikyu Aburatsubo Kanchoso | Kanagawa Prefecture

The baths at Hotel Keikyu Aburatsubo Kanchoso offer a clear view of Koajiro Bay from the hills of the Miura Peninsula. The bright blue shimmer of the ocean and the overlooking sky is made even more vibrant by the Yoshino cherry and kawazu-zakura trees that stand around the bath. It’s a tranquil spectacle as you gaze at the blue sea and enjoy your hot bath, which is full of beneficial minerals, as cherry blossom petals dance down from the trees onto the water surface.

2nd Place: Hotel Suehiro | Aichi Prefecture

This popular hotel offers a spectacular view of the ocean from the open-air rooftop bath. Around this time, the 300 Yoshino cherry trees are in full bloom down below. The common way of viewing cherry blossoms is to look up at the trees; but Hotel Suehiro offers the opposite for a unique Hanami experience.

3rd Place: Onsen Yumoto Hounoya | Nara Prefecture

Mount Yoshino is a famous cherry blossom spot as well as a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Onsen Yumoto Hounoya sits in the centre of it all, with cherry blossom trees rolling up and down all around. Enjoy a dip in the hydrogen carbonate spring water while you soak up the sights.

4th Place: Goriyaku no Yu | Chiba Prefecture

Among the mountains of the lush green city of Minamiboso lies Goriyaku no Yu. Three cherry trees bloom right in front of the open-air bath, which can be enjoy together with the striking mountains of the Yoro Ravine. Depending on the day, the petals of the cherry trees fall into the bath, dyeing it a beautiful pink.

5th Place: Fuga No Yado Chouseikan | Niigata Prefecture

Fuga No Yado Chouseikan is home to the largest open-air bath in the prefecture. It’s surrounded by 10 Yoshino cherries, which are lit up at night to create a magical atmosphere. Enjoy their full bloom together as the season for the petals’ fall begins.

6th Place: Hotel Kami no Yu Onsen | Yamanashi Prefecture

100 cherry trees can be enjoyed from the guest rooms, various baths, and inside the hotel at Kami no Yu Onsen. There are three kinds of cherry blossoms to see: the Yoshino cherry, yoshino-zakura, and yae-zakura. You can see them from the large public baths, but it’s the Hanami Furo baths that you can rent out which provide the best experience. They must be booked via telephone.

7th Place: Fujino Yamanami Onsen | Kanagawa Prefecture

This spacious open-air bath is enveloped by a gorgeous garden which blooms many different flowers through the season, including the 11 cherry blossom trees. During the day, you can enjoy the elegance of the garden, and at night it is lit up to provide a bewitching experience. The hot water is pulled from 1,800 meters below ground. The water is praised for its rich minerals which warm you from the inside.

8th Place: Awanoyu Ryokan | Nagano Prefecture

Five Yoshino cherries are planted beside this milk-coloured bubbly bath. Only in a mountainous land such as this where spring arrives late can you enjoy the cherry blossoms together with the leftover snow atop the mountains. The ryokan’s sulphur spring water contains carbon dioxide which warms the bath.

9th Place: Okayama Ikoi No Mura | Okayama Prefecture

Okayama Ikoi No Mura is a facility that offers a range of experiences, including coming into contact with animals. There are three bookable baths which offer your very own Yoshino cherry blossom tree view. The observatory deck at the facility is also popular as it overlooks the Seto Inland Sea.

10th Place: Shigisan Kanko Hotel | Nara Prefecture

Shigisan Kanko Hotel in Nara is easily reachable even from Osaka. There, guests can enjoy the full extent of the outdoors with the hot springs that reflect the mountains and the light pink Yoshino cherry trees.

These cherry tree furo baths, where even the steam of the water is dyed pink, can only be enjoyed for about half a month! So if you’re planning a trip to Japan for the spring, cherry blossoms, and Hanami, be sure to put one of these picks on your list of must-visit places.

PLUS Corporation and The Sailor Pen Co., Ltd. have teamed up to created a limited edition cherry blossom themed notebook, fountain pen and bottled ink set which will be released on March 16, 2020.

The set includes SAILOR’s “Professional Gear Slim” fountain pen, PLUS’s “Ca.crea Premium Cross” notebook which is perfect for writing on with the pen, and a bottle of ink.

The notebook features a gorgeous gold leaf design and a cherry blossom pink cover. The three-fold notebook is A4 size, and the durable front cover uses cross paper. The inside pages are a subtle cream colour, and the ink from the fountain pen does not leak through the pages. The pages are also smooth and level and so is nice to write on.

The pens come in two colours: pink which reminds one of cherry blossoms, and clear gold. Both pens are also glossed with golden glitter and feature a beauty cherry blossom design.

The extravagant 14k golden pen tip and lid also have cherry blossom flowers on them, as does the label of the bottled ink.

This set comes in a fitting pink gift box, making it a perfect present to stationery lovers whether to yourself, a friend, or someone starting at a new school.

The Pokémon Cafe in Nihonbashi Tokyo is bringing two new “Sakura Aloha Pikachu” items to its menu this spring for a limited time. They will be served between March 14 and April 19.

The Pokémon Cafe previously served up a cherry blossom Aloha Pikachu-inspired dessert and latte last year too to celebrate one year since the cafe opened. This year, they’ve changed their designs.

Sakura Aloha Pikachu Fruit Sandwich Cake – ¥1,738 (Tax Included)

Sakura Aloha Pikachu Latte 2020 – ¥770 (Tax Included)

The fruit sandwich is filled with flurry strawberry cream and fruits, while the latte features cute latte art of Aloha Pikachu who has a fluffy cherry blossom afro.

Don’t miss these seasonal picks at Tokyo’s Pokémon Cafe this year.

© 2020 Pokémon.©1995-2020 Nintendo/Creatures Inc./GAME FREAK inc.
Pokémon, ポケットモンスター, and ポケモン are trademarks of Nintendo, Creatures Inc., and GAME FREAK inc.

The all-new Sumikko Gurashi Dou store is set to open permanently at Ginkaku-ji Temple in Kyoto on March 19, 2020.

Ginkaku-ji is a famous temple in Kyoto that was first built in 1490. It lives as a representation of the Higashiyama culture which flourished towards the end of the Muromachi Period. In 1994, it was designated as a World Heritage Site. The temple stands as a famous tourist spot of Kyoto.

Glasses Case – ¥1,500 / Contact Lenses – ¥1,100 / Mini Towels – ¥600 / Hanging Plush Toys – ¥1,100 / Cookies – ¥1,000 (All prices are pre-tax)

The new Sumikko Gurashi Dou store will be based entirely on the Sumikko Gurashi characters created by San-X. “Sumikko Gurashi” translates roughly to “life in the corner.” The shop will take on a cherry blossom theme, where you can get your hands on exclusive and licensed products.

Sumikko Gurashi Yaki Takeout Cup (Contains 6) – ¥300 / Sumikko Gurashi Yaki Omiyage Bag (Contains 12) – ¥700 / Tapioca Drinks (3 Flavours) – ¥500 / Ice Cream (3 Flavours) – ¥500 (All prices are pre-tax)

There’s also takeout food and drinks, like sweet and fluffy baby castella sponge cake, tapioca drinks, soft serve ice cream, and more.

And of course, the entire store will be adorably decorated in all things Sumikko Gurashi to ease your soul. If you’re travelling to Kyoto and Ginkaku-ji Temple, then make sure you pop into Sumikko Gurashi Dou.

©2020 SAN-X CO., LTD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Lobby Lounge FONTAINE on the first floor of Royal Park Hotel in Tokyo never fails do outdo themselves in terms of intricacy and cuteness when it comes to their afternoon teas. For the spring season this year, they’re serving their adorable pink “Sakura Afternoon Tea” set which is inspired by a garden in full bloom during Hanami.

Sakura Afternoon Tea For One – ¥4,235 / With Sparkling Wine – ¥4,840 (Tax Included)　*Photo shows serving for two people

This is the kind of food you want to eat but also want to keep staring at because of how good it looks. This pink perfection comes with light coloured chocolate creations made to look like Japanese umbrellas with fallen cherry blossom leaves fallen on them, a glass dessert which has a faint cherry blossom scent that goes deliciously with the cheese of the crémet d’Anjou, a cherry blossom roll cake, macarons, and more.

Line-Up:

・Top Tier

Sakura Chocolate Saiku / Glass Desserts (Crémet d’Anjou & Sakura Jelly)

・Middle Tier

Sakura Roll Cake / Matcha Madeleine / Raspberry Cream Puffs / Scones (Sakura & Plain) / Macarons

・Bottom Tier

Open Brioche Sandwich With Broad Bean and Egg / Rape Blossom and Seafood Quiche

・Drink

Tea or Coffee

Sakura Roll Cake – ¥486 / Sakura Verrine – ¥540 / Sakura Anpan Bread – ¥216 / Sakura Sweet Bean Danish – ¥324 / Sakura Sweet Bean Brioche Cube – ¥216

Sweets & Bakery IKI is also located on the first floor of the hotel, where they too are serving up the perfect sweets and pastries for the spring season, like cherry blossom roll cake, cherry blossom cream puffs, and more. These cute treats are great as gifts too.

Treat yourself to a lovely afternoon tea time with the Sakura Afternoon Tea in the hotel’s luxurious lounge.

Writer: Shihori Shibui

KAI, a hot spring ryokan brand managed by Hoshino Resorts, has announced an exciting new experience at 14 of its branches called “Otsu na Hanami Tabi” (A Chic Flower-Viewing Trip) which will run from March 15, 2020 to May 31, 2020.

The service offers a new kind of Hanami, or flower-viewing, experience for guests that doesn’t stop at just admiring the cherry blossoms, but enables them to enjoy both local history and customs too. Guests will be provided with a wicker basket of delicious Hanami goodies to enjoy, just like they did in the past.

We’ve picked five of the Hoshino Resorts KAI hot spring inns that we think our readers will be most interested in. Let’s take a look!

Hoshino Resorts KAI Tsugaru | Aomori

Hoshino Resorts KAI Tsugaru is located in the town of Owani, which sits in southern Tsugaru in Aomori Prefecture. They are offering an exciting experience this May: “Shidare-zakura Hitorijime Taizai,” which lets a single group have exclusive access to an area of seven shidare-zakura weeping cherry trees blooming in the inn’s spacious garden, which sit far away from guest rooms. Those lucky enough to experience this service can sip on cider and tuck into some delicious apple pie while listening to a Tsugaru-style shamisen performance, known as tsugaru-jamisen.

Shidare-zakura Hitorijime Taizai

Running: May 1, 2020 – May 7, 2020

Price: ¥5,000 per person

No. of People: 1 group per day (2-4 people per group)

Booking: 0570-073-011 (KAI Reservation Centre)

Note: The tsugaru-jamisen performance will take place 15:30-16:30

Hoshino Resorts KAI Kawaji | Tochigi

Feel what it’s like to live the life of someone living in a satoyamaーa village centred around an agricultural lifestyleーby waking up with the sunrise to start work early. Your morning job will be making tea at the watermill. You will use traditional and ancient tools like the suribachi mortar and the houroku pan to make tea grown from tea leaves in the area which you can enjoy a cup of to start your Hanami. As well as making tea, you’ll be able to enjoy a quiet breakfast while gazing at the Yoshino cherry trees, so you can get that real satoyama spring experience.

Running: April 18, 2020 – April 25, 2020

Hoshino Resorts KAI Izumo | Shimane

Hoshino Resorts KAI Izumo is located in Tamatsukuri Onsen in Shimane Prefecture, where all guest rooms have their own open-air bath. The hot spring ryokan’s “Sakura Koraku” experience gives you a chance to try wariko sobaーa style of soba noodles originating in Shimane’s city of Matsueーunder the cherry blossom trees.

Sakura Koraku

Running: April 1, 2020 – April 20, 2020

Time: 15:00-19:00

Price: ¥500 for one Hanami picnic set for two people (5 sets prepared per day)

Booking: Hoshino Resorts KAI Izumo front reception

Notes: Rickshaw will run from April 1, 2020 to April 7, 2020 costing ¥1,300 per person. 30 minute ride. 5 groups per day (2 people per group).

Hoshino Resorts KAI Kaga | Ishikawa

Head to one of Kaga’s famous weeping cherry blossom tree spots to enjoy a cup of Japanese tea prepared yourself. This plan offers the chance to experience Ishikawa culture in a spot that has been loved by locals for decades.

Running: April 1, 2020 – April 30, 2020

Hoshino Resorts KAI Aso | Kumamoto

Hoshino Resorts KAI Aso stands in Aso-Kuju National Park. Gaze at the five peaks of Mount Asoーthe largest active volcano in Japanーwhile sipping on water drawn from one of Japan’s 100 famous water sources. Change up the water of the water to your liking: carbonate it, add syrup, and so on. You’ll also get some refreshing fruits that have sat in carbonated water. Sit amongst the colourful flowers, like tulips and baby blue eyes, while soaking up the beautiful sights of Aso.

Tansan Ohanami

Running: April 20, 2020 – May 31, 2020

Price: ¥3,000 per person

No. of People: 3 groups per day (two people per group)

Booking: 0570-073-011 (KAI Booking Centre)

Note: In the case of rain, Tansan Ohanami will not run on that day

This is just 5 of the 14 Hoshino Resorts KAI branches offering a chic Hanami experience. If you’re travelling to Japan this spring, be sure to check out what they’re offering.