Japan in cherry blossom season is a tough time for travel

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This was published 6 years ago

Japan in cherry blossom season is a tough time for travel

By Michael Gebicki
Himeji, Japan.

Himeji, Japan.Credit: iStock

For our 5oth wedding anniversary we are considering a trip to Japan in cherry blossom time. We would like a mix of travel, including the bullet train. Any suggestions? J. Hayford, Nicholls, ACT

Cherry blossom time is Japan at its prettiest, but it's also a major holiday and the whole country celebrates.

Trains are packed, prime viewing areas such as Ueno Park and Shinjuku Gyoen Garden in Tokyo are crowded as people indulge in hanami, literally "looking at flowers".

Accommodation will be hard to find in some areas.

However, as long as you plan your trip well in advance, all should be well.

The cherry blossom period is short-lived but late March to early April is the sweet spot in Tokyo and Kyoto.

While there are plenty of other places in Japan such as Kumamoto Castle that are popular during cherry blossom season, I wouldn't necessarily make this the sole focus of your journey.

Bullet trains are by far the most common way to travel even over medium distances in Japan so you won't have any difficulty fitting those into your itinerary.

Even many seasoned travellers find Japan challenging.

A guided tour might be a good option and Peregrine Adventures (peregrineadventures.com) has a 12-day Explore Japan trip that covers the highlights of Honshu.

Take a look at the Japan Travel Guide japan-guide.com/, which has plenty of information to help you plan your trip.

TIPOLOGIST

If your hotel room isn't up to scratch, if the airline loses your bag, if a tour operator doesn't deliver, document their shortcomings. Take photos, get the facts in writing and take down names. If you need to seek compensation, records will ease the process.

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