TOKYO, March 11, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- The biggest news in March in Japan is the launch of the new Hokuriku Shinkansen. With Hokuriku Shinkansen, it only takes 2 hours and 28 minutes from Tokyo to Kanazawa, which is also known as small Kyoto. What is more, the access to the northern part of Nagano and Niigata will be improved. In Tokyo, the best time to see cherry blossoms is around the end of March to the beginning of April. However, by visiting further north with Hokuriku Shinkansen, you might still enjoy the beautiful flowers during the Golden Week Holiday in May.
JR East Railway Company will make a presentation at MATTA Fair Kuala Lumpur 2015 from Friday, March 13 to Sunday, March 15. There will be a number of holiday ideas and plans that take advantage of Hokuriku Shinkansen. Please come by and see what we have to offer.
Recommended Spring Destination using Shinkansen
1. Zenkoji Temple
Upon taking Hokuriku Shinkansen, it only takes approximately one hour and a half from Tokyo to JR Nagano Station. The must-see spot is Zenkoji Temple with the history of over 1,300 years. A large number of Japanese people visit each year. The 27-meter-high grand hall, with an impressive 24 meter entryway is one of the most famous wooden structures in Japan. This year is a special year, only once every seven years the Buddha statues that are normally concealed are being displayed. Thus, it is expected to have more visitors than usual. At Zenkoji Temple, there are about 650 cherry blossom trees planted along the hill. It is elevated, so you can have a look at the whole city of Nagano in addition to the cherry blossoms. Viewing the cherry blossom trees illuminated at night is also highly recommended as you can view the city of Nagano through trees. The flowers blossom later than Tokyo and can be enjoyed until the end of April.
Moreover, there will be a special event called Zenkoji Flower Gallery at the approach to Zenkoji from Saturday, May 2 to Tuesday, May 5. The road turns into a Flower Canvas where pictures are painted by a countless number of visitors. Also, both sides of the road are filled with miniature gardens. You will definitely be able to enjoy springtime in Japan surrounded by vivid and colorful flowers.
By taking a Shinkansen, it is possible to take a day trip to Nagano from Tokyo. However, it is highly recommended to stay one night to enjoy the cherry blossoms and night view. Being conveniently located next to Nagano Station, Hotel Metropolitan Nagano is very convenient. It is extremely easy to get there from the train station and to drop luggage off or check out when returning to Tokyo.
2. Cherry blossoms in the Tohoku Area
If you are aiming for the later dates, you must go even further north by taking Tohoku Shinkansen. The place we recommend the most is Hirosaki Park, which is located about an hour away from JR Shin-Aomori station by bus. As a matter of fact, this is the one of the most famous cherry blossom spots in Tohoku where spring comes later than the rest of Japan. Some believe that Hirosaki Park is the best cherry blossom spot in all of Japan since there are 2,600 cherry blossom trees of 25 varying species. Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival is scheduled to take place until May 6. The flowers are lit at night around Hirosaki Castle and the view is breathtaking. This view is what makes the journey.
Tenshochi in Kitakami Municipal Park near JR Kitakami Station in Iwate Prefecture is another cherry blossom spot in Tohoku that can be enjoyed until the end of April. Cherry blossom trees are planted on both sides of the river transforming the path into a 2-km tunnel of cherry blossoms. River ferries are scheduled to run during the cherry blossom season (April 15 - May 15). The flowers are lit at night allowing people to enjoy the beautiful scenery until late in the evening. For those who wish to stay over, Hotel Mets Kitakami is very convenient as it is located next to JR Kitakami Station. Hotel Metropolitan Morioka is recommended for those who wish to travel to Akita or Aomori after visiting Tenshochi.
Customize your trip with Shinkansen and enjoy Japan's beautiful cherry blossoms.
Also view our information about other bullet trains in Japan traveling to top cherry blossom destinations.
