View Top places for cherry blossom viewing in Japan in a larger map

The list is in alphabetic order. You can just pick one which one is closer to your location by looking to above map. So, lets start.

• Himeji Castle

  When: Early April
  Castle is in walking distance from Himeji station. There are hundreds of cherry trees at castle grounds. Free admission to the outer castle grounds.

  

   

• Hirosaki Castle

  When: Late April to early May
  Over 2500 cherry trees with picnic areas, boat rental, trees illuminations at night.

  

   

• Kema Sakuranomiya Park, Osaka

  When: Early April
  Admission free entry. Almost 5000 cherry trees along Okawa River for several kilometers.

  

   

• Philosopher’s Path, Kyoto

  When: Early April
  Admission free entry. Path along canal between Ginkakuji and Nanzenji Temples lined by hundreds of cherry trees.

  

   

• Shinjuku Gyoen, Tokyo

  When: Early April
  Close to Shinjuku Station. Entry 200 yen. This park is very popular between locals and it can be very busy, but you will love it and atmosphere in the park.

  

   

• Yoshinoyama

  When: Early to mid April
  Mount Yoshino is very famous for cherry blossom viewing. There are approximately 30,000 cherry trees on the mountain.

  

It is six but not five spot, but I think more choice is better
Check this list if it is still not enough for you.

The post Top 5 cherry blossom viewing places in Japan appeared first on Vi Travel Tips.

Is it very expensive? Cherry blossom season is coming in Japan and a lot of people would love to visit Japan, but afraid it can be very expensive.

Actually it is not so expensive. Except transport. I want o list expenses I had on my 10 days/9 nights visit to Japan. It was couple years ago and prices probably are up now, but it still can be good for orientation.

Currency exchange rates you can find at XE.
In Tokyo I had where to stay, so it didn’t cost anything, but in Hakone and Hiroshima I think it is possible to find cheaper accommodation to keep average price at ¥2000 per night
I didn’t include souvenirs or some snacks to this list, but that doesn’t cost much.
As you can see the price for 10 days visit would be around 1200USD/900EUR, but more then half of it is price for transport and JR pass saves at lot. It would be even more expensive without it. If you are staying in one place and not alone as I was (you can save on accommodation) the price will be half of this and that won’t look so expensive.

The post Travel cost in Japan appeared first on Vi Travel Tips.

But what is best time to go where?

It depends what you want to see and how many things you want to see.

If you are up for cherry blossom viewing, so it is much easier to find out what is best time to visit Japan.

Of course the time can be different each year, but usually cherry blossom bloom from late March until end of April.

Here are average dates from previous years to make your planning easier http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2011_when.html.

The time also can vary depending to which place you are going because Japan is not such small country after all. Here is a list of top 5 most popular places for cherry blossom viewing with best time to do it in that place. Have a nice viewing. It is really wonderful experience.

The post Best time for cherry blossom (sakura) viewing in Japan appeared first on Vi Travel Tips.