There are two ideal seasons for a trip to Japan, skiing from November to March on the world-class runs of Niseko and Hakuba, and spring time for cherry blossom trees. Each blossoming period lasts for about two weeks, with the trees in full bloom during the last week itself. So seriously does Japan take its cherry blossom season that the Japanese even have a word just for watching and having picnics beneath them: hanami. With your plans in motion, The Luxe Nomad has a curated collection of lofts and apartments that you can book right away.
As they say in Japan, Banzai!
Read also: The Best Restaurants in Kyoto, Japan.
#1 Okinawa
When: Mid-January 2017 to Mid- February 2017.
Get that Instagram: Nago Chuo Park, Nakijin Castle and Yogi Park.
Why we love Okinawa: It’s got all the Japanese charm, but with more tropical weather. This climate is also the reason cherry blossoms here are slightly brighter and rounder than anywhere else in Japan.
#2 Fukuoka
When: 25 March 2017 to 10 April 2017.
Get that Instagram: Uminonakamichi Seaside Park, Nishi Park, Tenjin Central Park and the Atago Shrine.
Why we love Fukuoka: The beaches! To get pumped about Fukuoka, definitely carve out half an hour to watch this Overnight episode by Erwan Heusaff.
#3 Aomori
When: 22 April 2017 to 04 May 2017.
Get that Instagram: Hirosaki Castle.
Why we love Aomori: Nature and fresh air. If you crave mountains, long walks and history, this is the place for you too.
#4 Nagoya
When: 26 March 2017 to 10 April 2017.
Get that Instagram: Yamazakigawa Riverside, Nagoya Castle, and Tsuruma Park.
Why we love Nagoya: It’s Japan’s fourth most populated city and thriving with art, so you could say it’s a little hipster, but in a good way!
#5 Tokyo
When: 26 March 2017 to 11 April 2017.
Get that Instagram: Shinjuku Gyoen, Yoyogi Park, Meguro River, Ueno Park and Cemetery.
Why we love Tokyo: The tiny restaurants for late night ramen, neon lights at the Shibuya Crossing, and sneaker shopping, to name a few reasons.
#6 Nara
When: 28 March 2017 to 11 April 2017.
Get that Instagram: Nara Park and Heijo Park.
Why we love Nara: Nara Park is known for being home to deer. Enough said.
#7 Osaka
When: 29 March 2017 to 12 April 2017.
Get that Instagram: Osaka Castle, Kema Sakuranomiya Park and Tsurumi Ryokuchi Park.
Why we love Osaka: It’s a foodie stop, for sure. Osaka is known for having arguably the finest eats in Japan, and it’s got spacious parks for picnics.
#8 Hiroshima
When: 29 March 2017 to 12 April 2017.
Get that Instagram: Tomonoura, Shukkeien Garden and Hiroshima Castle.
Why we love Hiroshima: The city took a lot to recover from the disastrous atomic bomb in 1945, offering a very humbling and deep experience for anyone who visits Hiroshima.
#9 Kyoto
When: 29 March 2017 to 12 April 2017.
Get that Instagram: Maruyama-koen, Kyoto Gosho (Imperial Palace Park) and Shirakawa.
Why we love Kyoto: Second to Rome for the largest amount of World Heritage Sites, Kyoto is beautified with temples, Shinto shrines and neighbourhoods that continue to appeal over time.
#10 Hokkaido
When: 29 April 2017 to 5 May 2017.
Get that Instagram: Goryokaku and Matsumae Castle.
Why we love Hokkaido: Japanese whisky, fresh Hokkaido seafood and of course, skiing!
Picture-perfect villas.
Photo credits: Main, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10.
