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The world may be full of epic travel destinations, but one Asian country in particular seems to be stealing the spotlight this year.
Investigate several recent reports travel trends reveal that Japan is one of the most coveted destinations of 2024.
It’s easy to see why Japan has captured the interest of so many travelers; this trendy country is full of rich cultural sights and traditions, breathtaking natural beauty and delicious food.
And while each time of year brings its own unique offerings, spring brings Japan to life with infectious energy and pastel colors you won’t find in other seasons.
It’s Sakura (cherry blossom) season.
Sakura season transforms this trendy country into a landscape of pastel pink hues that will make you feel like you’ve stepped into a fairytale.
The ideal dates to see the cherry blossoms at their best vary depending on which part of the country you are in.
Generally, flowering peaks first in the south, and then the color moves north; Early to mid-April is the ideal time to catch the sakura at their best.
The Japan Meteorological Association recently predicted the following iconic destinations would be in full bloom on the following dates: Osaka: 2/4, Tokyo: 30/3, Kyoto 1/4.
If you want to be extra prepared, you can use the Sakura Navi app here for current forecasts and the most relevant information about flowering times and best viewing spots near you.
Some of the best places to view flowers are Mount Yoshino in Nara, Philosopher’s Path in Kyoto, Shinjuku Gyoen, Tokyo, Himeji Castle in Hyogo and Hirosaki Castle Park, Aomori.
Ideal weather
Japan experiences the traditional four seasons, with the rainy season falling in June and July.
If you want pleasant weather and want to visit when the landscapes are colorful and lush, spring is the perfect time.
Whether you climb this country’s mountains, wander the streets of Tokyo or explore the temples of Kyoto, you’ll be much more comfortable in spring when the days are still mild.
Japanese summers are notoriously hot and humid, causing unpredictable rains and temperatures to reach levels as high as the 1990s in Tokyo.
In contrast, daily temperatures in spring fall into the comfortable range of 50-70 degrees, and the skies are clear with plenty of sunshine.
Festival season
Visiting a country during a national holiday or local festival is an experience like no other.
Celebrating among locals on busy streets, feeling the pulsating energy and excitement, and witnessing colorful, culturally rich traditions come to life can be one of the most fulfilling travel experiences.
As winter thaws and the sun returns, the country comes alive with a variety of matsuri, or festivals.
Cherry blossom festivals can be found all over the country celebrating the sacred flower during the flowering season in April.
One of the most beautiful of the matsuri is the Takayama Festival, which takes place in Gifu Prefecture from April 14 to 15.
The elaborately designed wooden floats and skilled mechanical puppet performances are among the highlights of this colorful celebration.
To flee
Although the cheapest time to fly to Japan is off-season, summer or winter, you can still find some good deals for spring if you book early or late.
We found nonstop flights from Los Angeles to Tokyo just in time for cherry blossom peak, which cost about $1,600 for a two-week trip in early April.
For our Midwestern readers, a nonstop round-trip ticket from Chicago to Tokyo for a 10-day trip departing March 30 would cost about $1,800.
If you want a 2-hour layover on both flights, we found a 10-day round-trip flight from New York City to Tokyo for just $1,495, also leaving on March 30.
Seasonal cuisine
While there is no wrong time of year to sample Japanese cuisine, different times of year bring different availability of ingredients.
Japanese cuisine and the availability of certain dishes change with the seasons, as the country’s Buddhist roots bring with them an appreciation for seasonality and attunement to nature.
The Sakura blossoms and leaves are not only beautiful, but they are also edible!
The arrival of spring brings with it a host of unique sakura-themed treats and drinks, such as sakura mochi.
The spring months are the ideal time to visit if you want to taste spring dishes with seasonal fresh seafood and Takenoko, or bamboo shoots.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
