As ephemeral as it is beautiful, sakura season is just around the corner. Here’s what hotels in Japan are doing for the occasion.
The season of all things pink is upon us.
In an effort to give visitors and locals the ability to plan their sakura (cherry blossom) projects, a forecast from Cherry Blossom Watch was released last month, revealing an earlier than expected arrival of the country’s beloved flowers.
In 2023, the sakura season attracted the highest number of travelers since the country reopened its borders to travelers, according to the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO). Tokyo, which has been named the world’s most fashionable destination in 2024 via TripAdvisor, is expected to explode into a beautiful ballet of pink flowers as early as March 23, and is expected to fully bloom around March 30. Meanwhile, the temple-filled city of Kyoto will reach its peak bloom in early April.
Whether you’re making plans or dreaming of someday, here’s a look at what hotels across the country are doing to celebrate the magic of sakura season this year.
More than 200 cherry blossom trees of 17 varieties bloom in the garden of The Prince Sakura Tower Tokyo. The early-blooming Kawazu-zakura usually starts blooming in early February, and the late-blooming Kanzan usually blooms in late April, so you can expect a prolonged cherry blossom experience this year, the hotel says.
Designed by famed landscape architect Teiji Kusuoka, the Japanese turf surrounding the assets offers an unforgettable setting to revel in the magic of the season. From March 8 to April 14, hotel visitors can attend the Takanawa Sakura Matsuri Festival, which includes guided tours of Japanese rickshaws, an impressive breakfast served under the cherry trees, and morning sakura yoga.
Guests can also electronically book a Sakura View Stay package that promises views of the stunning cherry blossoms from the comfort of their room, as well as convenient access to enjoy Sakura Matsuri in their garden.
Enjoy the beauty of the Someiyoshino cherry blossoms that decorate the banks of the Ooyoko River on the Spring Warmth Hanami Boat from HOSHINOYA Tokyo.
Hanami Spring Heat Boat by HOSHINOYA Tokyo
Private boat charter is a seasonal experience that takes visitors on a scenic adventure along the Sumida River and Ooyoko River from Nihombashi. On board, you can enjoy a classic hanami bento lunch box and Japanese sake reminiscent of Edo’s cherry blossom viewing culture. period.
SAKURA, the Sakura Sour cocktail is a delicious combination of Roku gin, Sumomo liqueur, Sakura, citrus, variety. . . [ ] Blueberry, egg white.
At Tokyo EDITION, Toranomon, a Sakura Package is on offer for guests to enjoy running from March 16th-April 7th. The special offer includes a nightly sakura cocktail at Lobby Bar, an exclusive sakura-inspired room amenity, and an Urban Hamami (picnic) map providing a detailed guide of the top cherry blossom destinations all across the city.
Located along Lake Kawaguchi overlooking Mount Fuji, HOSHINOYA Fuji is an idyllic location to explore Japan’s iconic cherry blossom season. From embarking on a morning canoe ride in the shade of one of Mount Fuji’s five wonderful lakes, to biking and hiking, to Mount Fuji. Kawaguchiko Sakura Festival 2024, which will be held from March 30 to April 16, there is no shortage of sakura-themed activities here.
With minimalist cabins jutting out of the forested mountain slopes, each room has been built to ensure that one third of the room is outdoors, perfectly balancing luxury, comfort and connection to nature. Ideal for spring, visitors can enjoy breakfast in their rooms with views of the cherry blossoms right outside their window.
Set in Japan’s temple-filled city of Kyoto, spring is synonymous with cherry blossom season and there’s no better place to experience the magic than Kyoto.
This year, Mitsui Kyoto Hotel will host a series of seasonal activities, adding spring sakura yoga in the hotel’s verdant courtyard and an afternoon cherry blossom art tour. Available from March 15 to April 26 at the hotel, a special afternoon tea featuring sakura and shortbread cookies, coconut mochi sakura and cherry leaf-infused shortbread cookies for a Japan in spring.
Nestled in the hills of northern Kyoto, Roku Kyoto is one of the city’s most romantic hotels. Replete with a gorgeous on-site garden, spend some time taking a stroll along the winding pathway which is easily one of the most peaceful places to visit in town.
Sakura-themed afternoon tea at Hotel Mitsui in Kyoto
Over at Park Hyatt Kyoto, guests who book in advance will be granted special access to Kiyomizu-dera Buddhist temple. One of the city’s top UNESCO sights, upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by a head priest who will lead you around the temple to areas not generally open to the public. The site is especially popular during cherry blossom season when the area is overtaken by beautiful blooms along with maple and cherry trees.
At HOSHINOYA Kyoto, from March 25 to April 9, guests can immerse themselves in private cherry blossom viewing experience on the dreamy Hanazakura Terrace. Inclusive of welcome cocktails and sweets, along with a special breakfast and dinner, to cap the day off you’ll charter a private ‘Hisui’ boat for a sail along the Oigawa River.
Home to more than 2000 hot springs on the island of Kyushu in southwestern Japan, ANA InterContinental Beppu Resort
Black massage stones and cherry blossoms in a bowl with water on slate background, the most sensible view
Designed by one of Japan’s most famous architects, Kengo Kuma, KAI Beppu is a charming beachfront ryokan just minutes from Beppu Park. With one hundred cherry blossoms, a bamboo forest, 700 pine trees, and a flower garden, Beppu is a wonderful location to soak up the splendor of spring with the added bonus of some of the most productive onsen in the country.