Spring is a time for fresh starts: Take in Japan’s natural beauty while new discoveries blossom

Sakura, or cherry blossoms, are linked with springtime in Japan. Visitors from all over the world swarm to the well-known locations where these exquisite trees burst into bloom for a few weeks every year. But Japanese flowers are so much more than just cherry blossoms! There is a flower for every occasion and spot to enjoy it, from the first plum blossoms in March to the tulip fields of May.

Toyama

Tonami Tulip Park

Tonami Tulip Park is located in Toyama Prefecture. Every year, millions of tulips blossom, bringing millions of colors to the village of Tonami from the last week of April to the first week of May. The state flower of Toyama Prefecture is the tulip, and the expansive flower fields make for a wonderful spot to pause and capture a photo for Instagram. Two of the most popular locations for photos are the observation deck and the Valley of Flowers.

To get to the area from Tokyo, take the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Shin-Takaoka. From there, you can take a local train. The easiest way to do it with a JR pass is to take the JR Johana Line to Tonami Station and then proceed to the Tulip Park on foot. The walk should take about 15 minutes. There are also taxis and shuttles available for a price.

Fukui

Nishiyama Park

While the park has beautiful cherry blossom trees, there is so much more to explore in Nishiyama Park. In the late-spring, Azaleas are in bloom which means the park is blanketed in pinks and reds. There is also a zoo where you can go and see red pandas!

Nishiyama park is fairly accessible to motorists. It’s right next to a roadside station. It is also about a 15-minute walk from Sabae JR station.

Ibaraki

Suigo Itako Iris Festival

At the end of spring, the irises come out. Japanese irises are unique and beautiful flowers that bloom right before Summer. Every year there is a festival celebrating them. Hundreds of thousands of people flock to Itako, Ibaraki for flowers and fun! There is music, dancers, and many other cultural shows to celebrate the end of spring and the start of summer.

Itako Station is on the JR Kashima Line, which runs between Kashima-Jingu Station and Sawara Station. The trip should take about 40 minutes from Narita.

Saitama

Chichibu Hitsujiyama Park

Some parts of the world really are all sunshine and rainbows! With fields blanketed in shades of pink, shibazakura start their bloom in early May, and are laid out to form intricate patterns, composing the perfect swan song to Spring. The park also has patches of plums and tulips, with vendors selling souvenirs to take home.

The best way to get there is through the hour and a half train ride from Ikebukuro to Seibu Chichibu station. From the station, the park is a 20-minute walk away.

Fukuoka

Kawachi Fujien Wisteria Garden

If you are looking for a magical place to take pictures and videos, venture through the enchanting Wisteria tunnels in Fukuoka! These soft-purple and white flowers bloom when April ends, the fields are full of them. With blooms everywhere surrounding the ethereal wisteria dome, The Wisteria Garden is truly a sight to behold.

The garden is a 55-minute walk from Yahata Station, or through taxi as an alternative. Kawachi Fujien is especially popular with tourists during Golden Week, so be sure to plan accordingly!

In Japan, spring has arrived, flowers are emerging from the earth all around the land, and life is emerging from its hibernation. This time of year, when the world is awash in vivid hues and enticing scents, has a particular charm. Even though cherry blossoms continue to be popular, there are a ton of other flowers to see!

Don’t pass up this amazing opportunity to see the country of unending discoveries! See the stunning flowers that bloom every spring in Japan, which serve as the inspiration for hundreds of artworks!