A tale of two seasons

Depending on the time of year, Japan can look very different. Which season will you choose?

Cherry Blossom

There’s more to Japan’s Sakura season than just the splendour of its cherry blossoms. As spring makes its grand entrance, locals trade their heavy coats for lighter clothing. This period also marks the beginning of the ‘hanami’, a century-old flower viewing tradition.

Between March and April, blooms begin to open and cities like Kyoto, Okinawa and Hokkaido are covered in a sea of pink. Find locals and tourists alike gathering underneath the trees to picnic, drink sake, barbeque, and celebrate this time of renewal among friends and family. Travel to Lake Kawaguchiko for scene-stealing views of the mighty Mount Fuji surrounded by blossom.

Autumn Leaves

Summer can be sweltering in Japan, so when September is finally over and the stunning colours of fiery red and gold take over the trees there’s a sense of new beginnings in the air.

Autumn follows the Obon holidays, when the souls of ancestors return to this world for a few days. As the days get crisper, locals enjoy long walks to soak up the beauty of the colours, a tradition known as momijigari – leaf hunting – that dates back 1,200 years.

Head to Arashiyama Bamboo Forest to see it carpeted in crimson-coloured leaves. Sample the seasonal, locally produced delicacies on streets filled with food carts. Don’t miss the mouth-watering grilled squid, takoyaki (octopus balls) and okonomiyaki (a savoury Japanese pancake). But as temperatures start to drop, you’ll find nothing quite like a steaming bowl of flavourful ramen.

Pack your bags for a Japanese adventure with Jacada.

→ jacadatravel.com/japan or rachel@jacadatravel.com