gardens – Super Cheap Japan

Top 5 Cherry Blossom Spots in Kyushu

Kyushu, in southern Japan, has some excellent sakura (cherry blossoms) spots. They may be just as busy as those up north, but they make for a good change of scene. The times are about the same as in Tokyo and Kyoto. For forecasts check out the Super Cheap Japan sakura (cherry blossoms) guide. Fukuoka is the best place toContinue reading “Top 5 Cherry Blossom Spots in Kyushu”

Top 5 Cherry Blossom Spots in Hokkaido

Coming to Tokyo or Kyoto a little bit too late for the cherry blossoms? Maybe coming to Hokkaido is your solution. The season starts here from around mid-April to the end of the month. There are a host of cheap and free places to check out the sakura trees, but here are our highlights! GoryokakuContinue reading “Top 5 Cherry Blossom Spots in Hokkaido”

Japan Cherry Blossom Forecasts for 2016

Sakura (Cherry Blossoms) is coming up, so now is a good time to check the forecasts! It’s one of the best times to visit Japan. Please try to allow some flexibility in your holiday schedule, as the actual timings can change. Check our homepage for regular updates and reports. Kanto City Forecast for first bloomContinue reading “Japan Cherry Blossom Forecasts for 2016”

Daikaku-ji Temple

Daikaku-ji (大覚寺) is a quiet temple in northern Kyoto. Not many people come here compared to others in Kyoto, and while it won’t blow you away it is a great contrast to others. Budget travel tips Just behind Daikaku-ji Temple is the free Gosha-myojin Shrine (五社明神), which is shown above. Take a right before the entrance, thenContinue reading “Daikaku-ji Temple”

Japan Cherry Blossom Forecasts for 2015

Sakura (Cherry Blossoms) is fast approaching and so it’s time to check when it’s on in your area or travel destination! It’s one of the best times to visit Japan. Please try to allow some flexibility in your holiday schedule, as the actual timings can change. Check our homepage for regular updates and reports City/Area,ForecastContinue reading “Japan Cherry Blossom Forecasts for 2015”

Three of the Best Flower Parks in Japan

The Chubu area of Japan, which is the central region of the main island of Honshu is home to three of the best flower parks in Japan. The parks are truly spectacular in each of the four seasons in Japan, but really come alive with the colours of spring during April and May. You canContinue reading “Three of the Best Flower Parks in Japan”

Japan’s most beautiful temple – Chuson-ji, Hiraizumi

Hiraizumi really does have a lot to offer. After becoming a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2011, Hiraizumi has gone from strength to strength, full of seasonal events and well maintained, interesting shrines. There are plenty of free ones around, but the main ones are definitely worth the entrance fee. In the north part of Hiraizumi is Chuson-ji, which is part ofContinue reading “Japan’s most beautiful temple – Chuson-ji, Hiraizumi”

Hiraizumi

While Japan’s other World Heritage sites get more attention, Hiraizumi (平泉) is the one to see if you want to do something a little different. Most famous is its golden hall in Chuson-ji Temple, but the town is full of mini-temples, plus some impressive gardens and lakes. Top Tips Pick up a free map from theContinue reading “Hiraizumi”

Beautiful English garden with a Japanese twist – Kyu-Furukawa Gardens, Tokyo

Kyu-Furukawa Garden is a really nice place to go in the summer or spring. It’s a strange mix of a traditional English garden with a traditional Japanese garden. Two gardens for the price of one! During May and June the roses are in full bloom, so we had a look. The English manor house isContinue reading “Beautiful English garden with a Japanese twist – Kyu-Furukawa Gardens, Tokyo”

Kyu-Furukawa Gardens

Kyu-Furukawa Gardens (旧古河庭園) could be described as a half English, half Japanese garden. One half looks like a traditional English garden, with a manor house and roses, while the other half has a traditional Japanese pond and stone structures. Budget travel tips Sakura Hot Spring and Rikugien Garden are within walking distance, so save some money andContinue reading “Kyu-Furukawa Gardens”