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| From late March through the entire month of April, it's the season of the cherry blossom that tinges the Japanese islands in delicate shades of pink. There are many wonderful parks and gardens throughout Japan where cherry blossom viewing is enjoyed. Atasiahotels.com has highlighted the best places for you to savor the color of nature that only happen once a year in Japan. |
| Tokyo |
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Chidori-ga-fuchi: Full Bloom March 24, 2008 |
| Chidori-ga-fuchi is part of the moat surrounding the former Edo Castle. The Someiyoshino and Yamazakura cherry blossoms of Chidorigafuchi, although not exactly rich in number, are one of the most popular Hanami (blossom viewing) trees. When the trees reach full blossom, they are beautifully lit at night allowing visitors to see another spectacular aspect of the Sakura. For bringing in picnic sheets and alcohol to this garden is forbidden, you can not enjoy Sakura parties here but instead you can enjoy a nice walk among the park full of cherry blossoms. |
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Ueno Park:
Full Bloom March 24, 2008 |
Ueno Park has long been considered one of the best places to hold a cherry blossom viewing party. You may take your own food and drink, or purchase from the plethora of Yatai (stalls) selling traditional festival food. The park also boasts a beautiful lake and houses Japan's oldest zoo.
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| Fukuoka |
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Nishi Park:
Full Bloom March 26, 2008 |
| Nishi Park is known to be the best place for cherry blossom-viewing and the 1,400 trees include many kinds such as Someiyoshino, Yamazakura, Oshimazakura, Shidarezakura and Yaezakura. From the Aratsu Observatory sticking out to Hakata Bay, you can get a spectacular view not only of the cherry blossoms but also ocean views of Genkainada and Umino Nakamichi. Cherry blossoms in a flourishing town have a unique taste. |
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| Kyoto |
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Daigo Temple:
Full Bloom April 2, 2008 |
| Daigoji is a Buddhist temple complex originated in 874. In the Sanboin, there is a Japanese garden in which the well-known cherry blossom viewing party by Toyotomi Hideyoshi was held in 1598. There are about 800 Sakura trees in the temple, and the Taiko Hanami Gyoretsu (cherry blossom parade) is held in the second Sunday of April. In the Garan area, there is a five-story pagoda. |
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