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    Catching Sakura: My 12 Days Self-Drive Itinerary through Sendai, Fukushima, Nikko, and Tokyo in Spring.

    Our Unforgettable Sakura Hunting Trip in April 2024

    Cherry Blossom - Nicchusen Weeping Cherry Tree
    Cherry Blossom – Nicchusen Weeping Cherry Tree

    We embarked on an exhilarating sakura hunting trip in April 2024, ready to immerse ourselves in Japan’s iconic cherry blossom season. Anticipation filled us as we envisioned the vibrant pink blossoms adorning the countryside and cityscapes alike.

    Cherry Blossom - Hanamiyama Park
    Cherry Blossom – Hanamiyama Park

    Our journey spanned a delightful 12 days and 11 nights. Starting our adventure from the vibrant city of Sendai, we meandered southward through Fukushima, paused at the beautiful city Nikko, and did our last few days in Tokyo for shopping and eating.

    Pork Cutlet Omakase @ Ginza katsukami
    Pork Cutlet Omakase @ Ginza katsukami

    It was my first to Japan during springtime, and witnessing the sakura in full bloom for the first time was nothing short of magical.

    I’m so glad I got my cameras prepared and captured some amazing photos for keepsake.

    Zao Mountain
    Zao Mountain

    Weeks before our departure, we were on edge as sakura forecasts suggested that the peak blooming period might elude us. The uncertainty added a layer of suspense to our trip planning, making every decision feel crucial, as we hoped to catch the blossoms at their finest.

    Cherry Blossom - Funaoka Castle Ruins Park
    Cherry Blossom – Funaoka Castle Ruins Park

    Fortunately, luck was on our side. We managed to witness breathtaking scenes of sakura in full bloom at several locations along our route. There were a couple of misses too.

    Each sighting really felt like a treasure discovered, with gardens and parks transformed into ethereal landscapes by showers of pink petals.

    Rissyakuji Temple (Yamadera)
    Rissyakuji Temple (Yamadera)

    The heavens were kind to us too during the 12 days. From my recollection, we only encountered 2 days of bad weather.

    Lessons Learned

    From this wonderful experience, I learned a crucial lesson: timing can be unpredictable, especially when you’re trying to catch nature at its best. Adhering strictly to a schedule can sometimes mean missing out on fleeting moments of beauty, teaching the importance of flexibility and readiness to seize unexpected opportunities.

    If given another chance, I would undoubtedly plan for more flexibility in our itinerary. Embracing spontaneity and being adaptable about places to visit and activities to undertake could enhance the adventure even further, allowing for more serendipitous discoveries and authentic experiences.

    Ashinomaki Onsen Ookawaso
    Ashinomaki Onsen Ookawaso

    ***

    In the forthcoming blog posts, I will chronicle the mesmerizing sights we explored and the delectable food we savored, documenting each day in chronological order to share our journey vividly with you.

    I hope the information provided serves as a valuable reference for anyone planning a trip to Japan next spring.

    Lastly, if you wish to receive a copy of our comprehensive itinerary, please leave a comment below, and we will get in touch. 

    Kevin Yeo
    Kevin Yeo
    IG: @kevinyeo82

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