Shinjuku Gyoen is home to over one thousand cherry trees of all early and late-blooming varieties spread across a 144-acre land... Being one of the largest and most popular parks in Tokyo, you’ll have the best chance of seeing them here as it lasts longer than anywhere else in the city. Located in the middle of the bustling Shinjuku city, you can find a moment to relax by just buying a ticket at the machine otuside the entrance gate for 200 yen.

Another popular go-to place in Tokyo is the spacious Ueno Park, conveniently located right next to Ueno Station. Being established in 1873, it exudes vibes of the early Meiji period. For a romantic viewing on the water, there are swan boats to hire at certain parts of the lake. It is a nice place to walk around with family or friends, and if you feel like submerging yourself in history then there are also plenty of shrines, temples and museums to explore.

Parks, parks, and more parks! Before we explore the imperial properties it surrounds, let’s talk about the Imperial Palace Park. For those who would like to escape the concrete and neon of the city, all the runners, walkers, romantic couples, picnickers and plant lovers are definitely welcome in these parts. There’s a plum arbor on the west side of the park, a grove of spectacular shidare-zakura (weeping cherry trees), or a pond at the southern end of the park filled with gorgeous carp.

Not only would you see relaxing greenery, all the serious Japanese history and magnificent architechture makes the application to visit the Kyoto Imperial Palace (or ‘Kyoto Gosho’) worth all the trouble. The buildings are surrounded by an earthed wall, consisting of plenty of gates, halls and gardens... The palace grounds can only be entered on guided tours, and advanced reservations are mandatory. If you wish to go there, take a 10-min subway ride from Kyoto Station along the Karasuma line and get off at Marutamachi or Imadegawa Station!

We’ve shown you a lot of options for parks, but if you feel like fully imerssing yourself in the midst of it all – be sure to hike on Mount Yoshino! It’s a small mountain village located in the the Nara Prefecture, with 30,000 cherry trees planted at four different altitudes (with each area known as a ‘Senbon’) where each level of trees bloom in succession! Much of the hike is on paved road through a town that is filled with shops, restaurants and temples, with many convenient transport options. Get on the cable cars and get a bird’s eye view of the landscape!

Nara Prefecture is part of the Kansai Region, with Nara as it’s capital city that is full of temples and shrines as well as deer. Visit the world’s largest wooden building and home to a 15-metre tall Buddha (or ‘daibutsu’) at Toadiji Temple, or Nara Park to be surrounded by friendly deer! You’ll find that a lot of the souvenirs (or ‘omiyage’) found here will feature deers! Deer shaped snacks.. Deer toys... and Nara’s deer-looking mascot character Sento-kun! Choose either the JR Line or private Kintetsu Line to reach this part of Japan.