Beyond the Golden Route: Japan’s alternative sakura trail
While the popularity of Japan’s Golden Route, connecting Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, is undeniable, the sakura season can bring a level of crowding that detracts from the experience. Fortunately, there are alternative routes that provide a more relaxed, yet still quintessential Japanese cherry blossom experience. Beyond the Golden Route, the sakura blooms a bit later, the crowds thin out and more accommodation options are available, providing a more enjoyable and authentic experience.EXO recommends the northern Tohoku and Hokkaido regions, which offer a brilliant sakura season that typically begins in mid-April, a few weeks later than the peak season on the Golden Route. In these northern areas, historic sites and breathtaking landscapes provide a serene backdrop for viewing Japan’s celebrated cherry blossoms. Read on to learn more about these alternative sakura-viewing locations, where travellers can experience Japan’s spring beauty with fewer crowds. Discover more Partner with EXO Tohoku Tohoku is the northernmost region of Honshu, Japan’s main island, and is known for its spectacular nature and historical treasures. Among the highlights are: Kakunodate: Known as the ‘Little Kyoto of Tohoku’, Kakunodate boasts well-preserved samurai houses surrounded by cherry trees. The blend of historical architecture and floral beauty creates a captivating scene, making it…
