I am hoping to visit early next year and am currently in the process of nailing down dates. Based on flight availability (booking with points), I have narrowed my departure down to either mid-February or mid-March for a 10-14 day trip. I do not have the itinerary figured out yet, but I would be spending time in Tokyo and making my way down to Hiroshima/Miyajima–not focusing on Kansai for this trip.
For reference, I have visited Japan four times in the past (all relatively short trips). Three of those times were in December/January, and once in August (not doing that again, lol). So I am pretty familiar with the winter conditions in Tokyo/Osaka/Kyoto and know that I find it comfortable temperature-wise. I loved having clear blue skies and crisp air during my winter visits.
I would love to get some thoughts on whether visiting in February or March would be better for me.
**February**
The main advantage is that I already have two holidays from work at this time, so it will be easier to request time off and to take a longer trip. Accommodations also look a bit cheaper, and it might be less crowded–though I anticipate crowds either way. I could see plum blossoms, and there is some potential for early cherry blossom viewing (i.e. Kawazu cherry blossom festival).
**March**
Visiting from March 18-29, there could be some great cherry blossom viewing opportunities if they bloom early. The problem is that there’s no way of knowing whether this will be the case, and I am not able to move the trip any later to accommodate that. My concern is that I’ll be there at an awkward time. The plus-side is that it should be warmer, and I would get to experience Japan during a new season.
I get the sense from travelers that, despite the unpredictability, sakura season is a must-see experience. But is it something I should gamble with when booking this far in advance? It’s something that I’d like to see, but I know I will enjoy the trip either way.
Any advice or experience traveling at that time of year is much appreciated!
2 comments
March 18-29 is fairly safe bet to see some cherry blossoms in Kanto. Best case scenario, you have peak blossoms during the latter part of your trip in the iconic places including Ueno Park, Meguro River etc. In first few days of your trips, you could take trip to Kairakuen in Mito to enjoy plum blossoms as well. Even in worst case scenario (very late blossoms in Kansai) – you would get still peak plum blossoms in Odawara and Kairakuen, and possibly end of early blossom season on Izu Peninsula (probably Ito, Atami, rather than Kawazu) or some early opening blossoms along Sagami Bay.
Honestly, I like plum blossoms more than sakura, but for some people smell of plum blossoms can get overwhelming.
When I went in March ’19 it was because I could go see sumo, baseball and sakura during the 2.5 weeks I was there