A Crash Course on Tokyo's Plum Blossoms
Spring is one of Japan's most anticipated times of year, with good reason! Plum blossoms pop up in late February, and are the herald of the changing season. Find out what they are, how they're different and where you can see them in Tokyo!
Tokyo Hanami Hot Spot: Ueno Park
This expansive park in eastern Tokyo is one of the most popular places to enjoy cherry blossoms, and with good reason!
Enjoy Flower Fun at the Tanto Tulip Festival
Every April the countryside town of Tanto in Hyogo Prefecture holds the Tanto Tulip Festival, which displays over one MILLION tulips of some 300 varieties.
2019 Tokyo Sakura Season Officially Begins!
As of Thursday, March 21, the flower frenzy that sweeps the nation has officially begun in Tokyo!
Snow & Sakura Make for Incredible Hanami
The weather is fickle in Japan as the seasons change, and occasionally this results in the beautiful and unlikely combination of snow and cherry blossoms!
The Akiyoshidai Fire Festival
People come to the Akiyoshi Plateau in Yamaguchi Prefecture to watch rolling grasslands burn with strips of open flame, and to explore the famous giant cave and fascinating geology of the Quasi-National Park.
Hanami Starts in Tokyo with Index Tree
How is the official start of hanami season determined in Tokyo? The Japan Meteorological Agency uses a special 'index tree' located at Tokyo's Yasukuni Shrine.
Getting Back to Nature in Kochi
Get away from tourist-filled Tokyo and Kyoto, and explore the nature, food and friendly villages of Kochi. Bring your sense of adventure!
Whisk Yourself Away to a Land of Wisteria
Isn't spring just the best? Sure, the cherry blossoms may be on their way out, but Japan’s amazing wisteria flowers are here to make us all forget about them!
Incredible Drive-By Hanami on a Tokyo Train
Tokyo's extensive rail network isn't only extremely convenient—it can also be extremely beautiful, especially during cherry blossom season!
Hiking Japan’s Ancient Roads
Follow in the footsteps of pilgrims, samurai and royalty on these historic Japanese highways.
Updated 2019 Cherry Blossom Forecast!
According to the latest forecast by the JMC, the first blooms are only a little over one month away!
All About Earthquakes in Japan
Japan has thousands of earthquakes every year, which can be scary if you don't know what to expect! Learn all about earthquakes in Japan, including how to prepare and what to do when it happens.
Monkeying around at Takasakiyama Monkey Park
Get up close and personal with the monkeys of Taksakiyama! Here, you can meet wild monkeys and learn about their lives in the mountains of Oita Prefecture.
Connecting the City with Nature in Aizu
The Aizu Railway in Fukushima Prefecture is a vital means of transportation for residents, but it offers so much more than just a way to get around.
Flowers & Sakura at Seaside Park in Fukuoka
Compared to some places, Kyushu's Fukuoka Prefecture isn't particularly famous for its cherry blossoms. But these shots—accompanied by gorgeous baby blue flowers—makes us think it should be!
Aomori's Stunning Winter "Cherry Blossoms"
These "cherry blossoms" at Hirosaki Castle in Aomori Prefecture are bringing some much needed warmth to Japan's wintery north.
Capturing the Perfect Pink of Sakura
The pastel pink of Japan's cherry blossoms paints the country for nearly a month in spring. One artisan has spent years trying to capture this color from nature and use it to dye fabrics.
Tokyo Hanami Hot Spot: Inokashira Park
Inokashira Park is a beloved spot in Tokyo for cherry blossom viewing. With some 200 cherry blossom trees, it's easy to see why!
The Many Expressions of Nara's Deer
Nara is known for its population of friendly sacred deer, who freely roam between the ancient capital's temples and shrines, always on the lookout for deer crackers. Check out some of our favorite, hilarious photos of these adorable, derpy critters.
