The late-blooming cherry blossoms are early this year. No surprises, given how early the Somei Yoshino (main) variety were. The term ‘yaezakura’ is used in Japanese as a collective term for several varieties of the beautiful fluffy late blooming cherry blossoms that have more than 5 petals. They are mostRead More →
During the cherry blossom season, Japan Mint open their grounds to the general public for cherry blossom viewing. Their main premises in Osaka is renowned for its cherry blossom lane, but did you know that since 2016 the Saitama branch also has some beautiful cherry blossoms? Moreover, many of themRead More →
Komonoyasan means accessory shop. But this little gem along the Toki River is actually an outdoor cafe, rich in character and charm. Furthermore, it is a particularly photogenic cafe; in a scenic natural setting with dozens of photo props. Currently, you can get a front row seat to the yaezakuraRead More →
Off the beaten path cherry blossoms and sakura boat ride, on the Ando River, in Kawajima Town, Saitama Prefecture. Updated April 12th 2023 with late-blooming yaezakura information. For the first time in four years, Kawajima Town will have their sakura boat ride in 2023. The boat ride information section hasRead More →
Minoyama Park straddles both Minano and Chichibu cities with 41 hectares of sprawling nature. Furthermore, it is just one part of the larger Prefectural Nature Park. Moreover, the park is located on a 581 meter high ridge which affords magnificent panorama views. The park has become increasingly well known forRead More →
Omiya Hana no Oka, or Omiya Hananooka Norin Garden as it is called on Google Maps, is a small but beautiful park in Saitama City with flowers every month of the year. Right now in January 2023 there are already plum blossoms in bloom. The pansies are in bloom too.Read More →
Donguri Yama Totoro in Tokigawa is one of at least five Totoro spots in Saitama Prefecture. That is, places with characters from the Ghibli Movie My Neighbor Totoro. The one at Donguri Yama Totoro is just a quick stop for a photo opportunity with Totoro, if you happen to beRead More →
Saitama Tulips – Japan Travel ideas for April During this Coronavirus lock down period virtual travel is not the only booming trend, Japan travel planning is also on the increase. As people look forward to a life after Covid, they are thinking about all the places they want to travel.Read More →
Nagatoro Cherry Blossoms – Nagatoro is easily one of Saitama’s most beautiful locations. Thus it enjoys tourists all year round due to the abundance of stunning natural scenery. Spring is no exception when thousands flock to see the famous cherry blossoms in full bloom. Until 2019 the Nagatoro Cherry Blossom overlappedRead More →
An account of a visit to Hitsujiyama Park, Chichibu, for the Shibazakura Festival. >>This year’s festival information is here<< Hitsujiyama Park Hitsujiyama Park is located in the hills of Chichibu City. The park is particularly famous for its “shibazakura” fields, a dainty flower of shades of white, pink and purpleRead More →