[spring][ Hokkaido Sapporo City]Cherry blossoms at Maruyama Park and a stroll around the city
Maruyama Park is a must-see spot for tourists visiting Kyoto as a cherry blossom viewing spot. There are about 650 cherry trees planted in the park, and the most famous is the weeping cherry tree known as "Gion's Night Cherry Blossoms". This magnificent weeping cherry tree is in full bloom until early April every year, attracting many visitors. Another great attraction is that you can enjoy cherry blossom viewing for a long period of time, as the double cherry blossoms can be enjoyed until mid-April. In 2024, the cherry trees are scheduled to be lit up from March 23rd to April 7th, allowing you to enjoy the fantastic view of the cherry blossoms at night. The illuminated cherry blossom petals shine in the dim light, creating a special atmosphere throughout the park. It gets particularly crowded at night, so it is recommended that you arrive early in the evening to enjoy the start of the illuminations as the sun sets. Another feature of Maruyama Park is its easy accessibility. It is conveniently located about a 10-minute walk from Gion-Shijo Station on the Keihan Main Line and Kawaramachi Station on the Hankyu Kyoto Line, and from JR Kyoto Station, take city bus route 206 and get off at "Gion" and you'll arrive in 3 minutes on foot. This convenience is a big advantage for tourists.
Cherry blossoms at Maruyama Park and a fantastic night cherry blossom experience
Maruyama Park is a must-see spot for tourists visiting Kyoto as a cherry blossom viewing spot. There are about 650 cherry trees planted in the park, and the most famous is the weeping cherry tree known as "Gion's Night Cherry Blossoms". This magnificent weeping cherry tree is in full bloom until early April every year, attracting many visitors. Another great attraction is that you can enjoy cherry blossom viewing for a long period of time, as the double cherry blossoms can be enjoyed until mid-April. In 2024, the cherry trees are scheduled to be lit up from March 23rd to April 7th, allowing you to enjoy the fantastic view of the cherry blossoms at night. The illuminated cherry blossom petals shine in the dim light, creating a special atmosphere throughout the park. It gets particularly crowded at night, so it is recommended that you arrive early in the evening to enjoy the start of the illuminations as the sun sets. Another feature of Maruyama Park is its easy accessibility. It is conveniently located about a 10-minute walk from Gion-Shijo Station on the Keihan Main Line and Kawaramachi Station on the Hankyu Kyoto Line, and from JR Kyoto Station, take city bus route 206 and get off at "Gion" and you'll arrive in 3 minutes on foot. This convenience is a big advantage for tourists.
walking course in Kyoto city starting from Maruyama Park
Maruyama Park is not only a great place to enjoy the cherry blossoms, but also a great base for touring other tourist spots in Kyoto City. Famous temples, shrines, and historic streets are dotted around the area, so you can fully enjoy the charm of Kyoto within walking distance. Below are some recommended walking courses starting from Maruyama Park: Maruyama Park (cherry blossom viewing: about 30 minutes) Spend a leisurely time strolling through the park as cherry blossom petals flutter about. Yasaka Shrine (prayer: about 30 minutes) A shrine adjacent to Maruyama Park that is open 24 hours a day. The beautiful vermilion tower gate and the garden within the precincts are highlights. Sanneizaka/Ninenzaka (walk: about 15 minutes) Souvenir shops and cafes line the stone-paved streets, allowing you to enjoy the traditional atmosphere of Kyoto. Kiyomizu-dera Temple (visit: about 1 hour) The view from the "Kiyomizu Stage" is spectacular. During the cherry blossom season, the view is even more special. Kodaiji Temple (visit: approx. 40 minutes) This temple was built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi's wife, Nene, and is known for its beautiful gardens and special nighttime viewing. On this course, you can enjoy not only the beauty of the cherry blossoms, but also Kyoto's traditional culture and historical architecture. Each spot is within walking distance, and the time you spend strolling through the Kyoto-style streets is exceptional.
Enjoy Kyoto's food culture and traditional experiences
There are many spots around Maruyama Park where you can experience Kyoto's traditional culture and enjoy delicious local cuisine. Cultural Experiences Workshops on tea ceremony and flower arrangement are held in and around the park, providing an opportunity to experience culture unique to Kyoto. In the tea ceremony experience, you can make and taste matcha yourself, and tea ceremonies held during the spring cherry blossom season are a special experience that allows you to deeply feel the seasonal feeling of Japan. Local Cuisine In the Gion area near Maruyama Park, you can enjoy traditional Kyoto cuisine and sweets. The following are particularly recommended gourmet foods: Yudofu: A simple yet luxurious dish of tofu warmed in kelp stock and served with ponzu sauce. Kyoto Tsukemono: Pickles that make use of Kyoto's rich nature and climate, perfect as a meal accompaniment or souvenir. Matcha Sweets: Parfaits and cakes made with matcha are especially popular with foreign tourists. In addition, long-established Japanese sweets shops are dotted around the park, and you can enjoy seasonal Japanese sweets in the shape of cherry blossoms. We recommend stopping by during your sightseeing trip to take a break and enjoy the unique flavors of Kyoto.
[ Flower viewing and nature appreciation]Other recommended spots
Cherry Blossom Viewing at Matsumae Park
Hokkaido Matsumae Town
Take the Hakodate Bus bound for Matsumae from JR Kikonai Station and get off at the "Matsushiro" bus stop after about 90 minutes. It is about a 3-minute walk from the bus stop to the park entrance.
Lake Mashu: Cherry blossoms and a stroll along the clear lake surface
Hokkaido Teshikaga Town
Bus from JR Mashu Station: Take the Akan Bus regular route bus to Lake Mashu, it takes about 20 minutes. Bus from JR Kawayu Onsen Station: Take the Akan Bus regular route bus to Lake Mashu, it takes about 40 minutes. Train from JR Kushiro Station: Take the JR Senmo Line, it takes about 90 minutes.
Cherry blossom viewing at the lakeside of Onuma Park
Hokkaido Nanae Town
From JR Hakodate Station: Hokuto Express: Approx. 20 minutes, Local train: Approx. 50 minutes
Goryokaku Park Cherry Blossom Illumination
Hokkaido Hakodate City
Streetcar: Take the train from "Hakodate Station" to "Goryokaku Park" (approximately 16 minutes, 230 yen). After getting off, walk for about 15 minutes. Bus: Take the train bound for "Goryokaku" or "Goryokaku Park Entrance" (approximately 20 minutes, 280 yen). After getting off, walk for about 5 to 10 minutes.
Spring Nature Walk at Shiretoko Five Lakes
Hokkaido Shari Town
Access from JR Shiretoko-Shari Station Bus: Take the "Shari Bus Shiretoko Line" and arrive at the "Shiretoko Goko" bus stop in about 1 hour and 30 minutes. Car: About 40 km from Shiretoko-Shari Station (approximately 1 hour). Parking is available (paid, 100 spaces). Taxi: Available directly from the station, but the fare is more expensive than the bus.
Koshimizu Primeval Flower Garden: Spring alpine plant viewing
Hokkaido Koshimizu Town
JR Gensei-kaen Station: A temporary station that operates for a limited time from May 1st to October 31st. It is about a 1-minute walk from the station to the Gensei-kaen. JR Hamakoshimizu Station: Accessible by walking for about 5 minutes. From Abashiri Station: About 32 minutes by bus.
Otaru Canal Spring cherry blossoms
Hokkaido Otaru City
About 10 to 15 minutes walk from JR Otaru Station.
Hakodateyama Observatory Cherry blossoms and night view
Hokkaido Hakodate City
Take the tram from Hakodate Station and get off at the "Jujigai" stop. From there, walk up Nanbuzaka for about 7 minutes to arrive at Mount Hakodate Ropeway Sanroku Station.
Trappist Monastery: Cherry Blossoms and Historical Walking
Hokkaido Hokuto City
Dounan Isaribi Railway Oshima Tobetsu Station: Approximately 20 minutes on foot. Leave the station and head straight towards the monastery to arrive. Local bus (from Hakodate city): Get off at the "Trappistine Iriguchi" bus stop and walk for about 5 minutes. From JR Hakodate Station: Approximately 40 minutes by car (you can also use a taxi or bus).