Japan Rail Pass Now - Japan Travel Guide

14 DAY PASS - BEST OF THE WEST
CHERRY BLOSSOMS ITINERARY
Day 7: Sightseeing outside Kyoto
Outside Kyoto, there are also some cherry blossom viewing spots that are worth visiting.
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Kema Sakuranomiya Park (Osaka) – The Kema Sakuranomiya Park is a riverside park that has lush and rich natural scenery, with around
five thousand cherry trees that look amazing during peak blooming season. From Kyoto Station, take the JR Special Rapid Service train
to Osaka Station and then transfer to the Osaka Loop Line going to Sakuranomiya Station. The park is a few minutes’ walk away.
Mount Yoshinoyama Park (Nara) – For many centuries now, Mount Yoshinoyama Park in Nara has been a highly-regarded cherry
blossom viewing spot. It is covered by around 30,000 cherry trees of different varieties. The fastest way to get there from Kyoto is by
taking the Kintetsu Ltd Exp to Kashiharajingumae Station, and then transferring to the Tourism Ltd Exp Blue Symphony Line to Yoshino
Station. From there, get on a shuttle bus to Naka Senbon Park. If you want to go deeper into the sea of cherry trees, there is a mini bus
route to the Oku Senbon area. The whole trip takes about three hours and is not covered by the JR Pass.
Nara Park (Nara) – To enjoy both freely roaming deer and beautiful pink cherry blossoms, visit Nara Park, which is about a 20-minute
leisurely walk from JR Nara Station. From Kyoto Station, take the JR Nara Line Rapid Service to Nara Station; the trip takes about
three-quarters of an hour.
Day 8: Sightseeing outside Kyoto
A daytrip to Himeji is a must to see the world-renowned castle and experience the city’s local cherry blossom viewing culture.
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Himeji Castle – Widely regarded as the most beautiful surviving castle of feudal times, Himeji Castle is a national heritage site that is
also a popular spot for cherry blossom viewing. From Kyoto Station, Himeji Station is only a 45-minute Shinkansen ride away. Then,
from Himeji Station, walk about 15 to 20 minutes to reach the castle.
Day 9: Kyoto to Hiroshima (Spend 2 nights in Hiroshima)
Hiroshima has some sakura viewing spots that will take your breath away, particularly the Hiroshima Castle complex.
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Hiroshima Castle – A castle town constructed towards the end of the 16th century, Hiroshima Castle used to be the home of powerful
Western Japan feudal leader Mori Terumoto. It consists of a five-storey main keep, a moat, and a large garden that is home to numerous
cherry trees. From Kyoto Station, take a Shinkansen to Hiroshima Station. Then, hop on tram line 1, 2 or 6 (not covered by the JR Pass,
one-way ticket costs 160 yen) to Kamiyacho-higashi or Kamiyacho-nishi stop.
Hiroshima Castle
Miyajima island
152 - Japan Travel Guide