Many of us will definitely remember 2020. Because, who would have thought the majority of us would be stuck indoors, unable to meet friends, enjoy spring and of course, cancel our travel plans?
And the timing could not be worse for Japan with the Tokyo Olympic being postponed but also its world-famous Sakura Season. With many us coming to Japan dreaming of seeing Japan’s Cherry Blossoms and experiencing the festivals surrounding it, the Coronavirus came as a real blow. And yes, of course, it was sensible to cancel the trips, but not the less painful.
Japan’s Cherry Blossom season
I have been watching the forecasts, relentlessly, and without even checking online, this is pretty much peak season, with Trees blooming all around, north to south.
That does not make me feel better…
Yes, I get that. And while I was watching the Cherry Blossoms today, I thought how could I share this? With plenty of bad news, why not take a break and enjoy something good. Because also, nature has not stopped and trees all around japan are blooming. It’s beautiful, fragile yet powerful. Teaching us a lesson about life, which is why many of us love them so much I guess.
Here in Japan, they make us stop for a moment and appreciate. Everything. A metaphor for life.
The salaryman taking a photo is an iconic image of how old meats new and somehow still connects. It is essentially poetic and I hope once we can all safely travel again, whoever had to cancel their trip because of the coronavirus this year, somehow will get a chance to visit in the future.
But let’s have a look at Japan now and it’s beautiful cherry blossoms right there from the comfort of your home. Get some popcorn and relax…
Hirosaki Castle
One of the most famous Cherry Blossom festivals in all of Japan normally attracts visitors by the Busload. But do not deem that bad, it has managed to be just as authentic than any other festival in Japan. A real treat if you get a chance to visit. And because of that, the Weather News is posting plenty of 360-degree VR Cherry Blossom Videos online and they are great!
Arashiyama in Kyoto
Sure, Kyoto is probably THE hotspot, not just because of the Cherry Blossoms. Who does not want to see small pagodas hoping it see a geisha or at least someone wearing a Kimono?
The traditional feel of Japan’s old capital still makes us nostalgic, especially this time of the year.
Showa Kinen Koen in Tokyo
Maybe not as famous with visitors, but well knows with locals, for both its Cherry Blossoms and its Hanabi season (firework festivals in the autumn). This Park in the west of Tokyo, near Tachikawa, is popular with locals and you get a chance to check it out here.
Ueda Castle
Ueda Castle may be the big brother of sights, just kidding. But with plenty of live cams around the castle, it does give you a feeling of: “have I been there?”.
Watch people strolling through the park, as well as beautiful shots of the temple and its surroundings it is really great to see one fo japans most beautiful castles. Check their various live cams here or our favorite below.
Tokyo Sakura Cam
Another great one, offering views on Chidorigafuchi moat, which is a canal close to Tokyo’s Imperial Palace. Which is of course framed by beautiful Cherry Blossom Trees!
There you go!
Not too bad alright?
Sure, there is nothing like being there in the flesh, but desperate times require desperate measures. And restraint also brings appreciation. Let’s enjoy the little things, which feeds so well into the meaning of why Cherry Blossoms were and are still celebrated these times.
Fingers crossed we all get to experience them next year!
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