Enjoy the Stunning Blossoms of Nagano

Only 90 minutes from Tokyo using the Hokuriku Shinkansen, Nagano is a great destination for visitors wanting to enjoy the beauty of Japan’s cherry blossoms without the crowds of Tokyo or Kyoto.

Home of some of Japan’s most famous ‘hanami’ destinations including Takato Castle Park – considered one of Japan’s best cherry blossom-viewing sites – along with Ueda Castle Park, Matsumoto Castle and countless parks, temples and other locations known only to locals, Nagano is an ideal location for enjoying the beautiful blossom of spring in a tranquil setting.

Known as ‘sakura’, cherry blossoms are synonymous with Japanese culture and are seen to embody the fragile beauty of life itself. As the weather warms in spring, the flowers bloom and Japan will emerge from the long, cold winter. Spirits rise while families and friends gather to wander underneath the beautiful canopy of pink and white, to share a meal, drink, or just ponder the fleeting beauty of the blossoms.

Timing your visit to coincide with the cherry blossoms takes a little planning and a whole lot of luck. Typically occurring between March and May, the bloom coincides with the warming weather of spring, from Kyushu in the south to Hokkaido in the north. Located in the approximate middle of Japan, Nagano’s blossom usually come into bloom from early to mid-April.

For Japanese, hanami is best enjoyed in the company of family and friends. Parks and other popular sites are busy with groups sitting on outdoor mats and rugs, looking-up to photograph and enjoy the beautiful canopy of white and pink. Best enjoyed with food and a drink, hanami is all about socialising and breathing in the optimism of early spring, after a long, cold winter. Something the residents of Nagano cherish each and every year…

Want to enjoy the blossoms on our group tour or a  private tour or charter? Feel free to contact us and let’s get planning together!