Japan Through The Seasons

There is no better way to enjoy the arrival of spring than by walking through Kyoto and its many amazing cherry blossom spots. If I had to pick one place, it would definitely be the Philosopher's Walk. Stroll along a branch of the Lake Biwa Canal and embrace this natural wonder.

One of the most famous cherry blossom areas in Japan is Yoshino town, especially Mount Yoshino, in Nara Prefecture. Imagine a place with over 30,000 cherry trees in full bloom from the end of March to the beginning of April. It is my must-see recommendation for you. Yoshino-yama is also part of the Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

More than 1200 cherry trees in Ueno Park, Tokyo, turn the entire area into a fairytale landscape. During Sakura season alone, you’ll be sharing the park with over 2 million visitors celebrating the Hanami spring event. My tip: come early to get a good spot under a cherry tree. I’ll never forget my party nights here with my Japanese friends.

Himeji Castle, or Himeji-jo, is a registered UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the first with this title in Japan. It is the most beautiful and most visited castle in the country. The national treasure Himeji-jo is one of the 12 remaining original feudal-era castles in Japan. I had the chance to explore it during Sakura season at the beginning of April. It was an unforgettable experience.

Summer is beach time, and in Kamakura near Tokyo, you'll find everything you could wish for. Yuigahama Beach is the perfect escape from the busy life in the capital. The laid-back atmosphere, good food, happy people, and perfect waves always bring me back to this beautiful town.

Ishigaki Island belongs to the Yaeyama Islands of Okinawa and is the second largest in the group. It is the perfect summer vacation spot in Japan. Ishigaki's culture and traditions are influenced by nearby Taiwan, which is just 300 km away. The island is famous for some of Japan's finest beaches, such as Maezato and Fusaki. The emerald-green waters of Kabira Bay received three stars from the Michelin Guide in 2009.

Jodogahama Beach, which means "Pure Land Beach," is one of the most scenic places along the Rikuchu coastline in Iwate Prefecture. It is ranked among the 100 best beaches in Japan. The Buddhist monk Reikyo gave this beautiful place its name.

The Ogasawara Islands, also known as the Bonin Islands, are a stunning destination located 1000 km south of Tokyo in the Pacific Ocean. This archipelago consists of over 30 tropical and subtropical islands with a unique flora and fauna. The islands of Muko Jima, Haha Jima, and Chichi Jima, with a combined land area of 24 square kilometers, form the first group. The second group includes the Io Islands and three other islands. Last but not least, Oki no Shima, Nishi no Shima, and Minami Tori Shima make up the third group. Come here in summer and enjoy an unforgettable experience.

Magome (Magome-juku), together with Tsumago, is one of the best-preserved post towns in Japan along the old Nakasendo route. After a pleasant hike at the beginning of autumn, I finally arrived in Magome. It is one of the most visited places in the Kiso Valley. On weekends, it can get very crowded, so try to visit during the week. Along the main street, you’ll find many souvenir shops, restaurants, and ryokans. It’s a lovely place to enjoy the beautiful autumn colors.

The Kiso Valley stretches approximately 60 km and follows the Kiso River from north to south. It is located in the southwestern part of Nagano Prefecture, surrounded by the Central Alps and Mount Ontake, Japan’s second-tallest volcano after Mount Fuji. It is a hiking paradise and a must-see destination, especially during autumn.

Lake Chuzenji (Chuzenjiko) and Mount Nantai (2486m) are part of Nikko National Park. This scenic mountain lake has a circumference of 25 km and a surface area of 11.62 km². Its deepest point reaches 163 meters. At an altitude of 1269 meters, it is also the highest natural lake in Japan. The entire landscape, including the nearby Kegon Falls, is incredibly beautiful. The most popular time to visit is during autumn (October), when the fall colors paint the whole area in red, orange, and yellow. Follow the hiking trails up the mountain and enjoy a wonderful experience.

Locals in Kyoto will tell you there’s no better place to enjoy the autumn and cherry blossom seasons than Maruyama Park. I’ve been there many times, and I totally agree. This beautifully designed park, which can be entered through Yasaka Shrine, should be high on your must-see list in Kyoto. The famous lantern festival, Higashiyama Hanatoo, held in the park is also worth a visit. It is the oldest public park in Kyoto and a nationally designated Place of Scenic Beauty.

Hokkaido is a winter wonderland. Months of cold weather and heavy snowfall guarantee one of the best skiing experiences you can find. The deep blue color of Lake Mashu, located in the eastern part of Hokkaido, is fascinating. Surrounded by stunning landscapes and untouched wilderness, this lake should be on your must-see list during your Hokkaido trip.

The Hakkoda Mountain Range (Aomori Prefecture) was formed by volcanic activity, and its highest peak is Mount Odake, standing at 1584 meters. In summer, the region is a popular destination for hiking. During winter, it transforms into a paradise for skiing and snowboarding, offering deep powder and breathtaking alpine scenery. Hakkoda receives an impressive average snow base of over 4 meters each year, making it ideal for winter sports enthusiasts.