Be Part of a Spring-Time Extravaganza in Japan this Cherry Blossom Season

Discover the Best Sakura Themed Experiences on your Journey from Tokyo to Osaka and Kyoto

Cherry blossoms, known in Japan as  Sakura, are usually in full bloom for only one week. After blossoming in full, the most beautiful and final stage is celebrated by locals and tourists alike, as the small petals flutter gracefully from their trees onto the ground. The Japanese cherish the cherry blossoms during this special period and celebrate this notable event. Discover the best places to witness the change in these beautiful trees and immerse yourself in this unforgettable experience through an 8-stop journey across our luxurious hotels from Tokyo to Osaka and Kyoto.

Stop #1 - Culinary Delights at The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo
Make The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo your first stop this Sakura season and enjoy some carefully crafted specialties at a themed Sakura Afternoon Tea. To mark these celebrations, the culinary team has prepared special Sakura Kaiseki bento boxes and hampers, as well as a Sakura frozen soufflé that will have you dancing under the trees. Additionally, you can trust the Concierge to recommend the nicest spots to spot and see the cherry blossoms on the way to your next stop.

Stop #2 - Palatial Beauty & Cooling Cocktails in Tokyo
Enjoy the falling petals near the Imperial Palace, the primary residence of the Emperor of Japan, which is located on large park-like grounds filled with cherry trees. As you reach your next stop, treat yourself to a “Gallery Flower” cocktail at the Sky Gallery Lounge Levita or The Bar Illumiid at The Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho, a Luxury Collection Hotel. This delightful  Champagne cocktail features a subtle cherry blossom flavor and is accentuated by a bright red flower.

Stop #3 - Best Sakura Viewing Spots in Osaka
Let the fluttering petals then lead you to Osaka and let the Concierge at The Ritz-Carlton, Osaka take over. Visit Osaka Castle Park, where the castle’s main tower becomes the perfect backdrop to view the 3,000 cherry blossom trees. You can also enjoy the water, greenery and 4,700 cherry trees built on a river terrace at Kema Sakuranomiya Park or Riverside Park, which is located in the aqua metropolis of Osaka. Mid-April, the gates to the cherry garden of The Osaka Mint Bureau are opened to the public for a one week period, so do not miss the opportunity to view the elegance of over 100 varieties of cherry trees.

Stop #4 - Get Pampered at The Ritz-Carlton, Osaka
Treat yourself to a special Sakura experience through the “Cherry Blossom Suite Stay” at The Ritz-Carlton, Osaka. Enjoy a Strawberry Afternoon Tea with a bottle of Veuve Clicquot’s Rosé Champagne while viewing the cherry blossom trees from your room. Or make it a “Spring Stay with Sakura Sweets”, where you can savor Chef Hiroyuki Matsuo’s homemade Sakura sweets box and a special Sakura Cocktail.

Stop #5 - A Blossoming Afternoon at The St. Regis Osaka
Another luxurious option is to delight in a seasonal selection of Afternoon Tea specialties reflecting Japan’s most celebrated season at The St. Regis Osaka. Fresh pink Sakura colored pastries are contrasted with black scones and cookies made with activated charcoal, a perfect way to experience a detox effect while indulging. Truly delight in Spring while enjoying these guilt-free sweets and savories.

Stop #6 - Photo Opportunities in Kyoto
After your journey through Tokyo and Osaka, it is time to travel away from the crowds and the tourists to appreciate the beautiful cherry blossom season in Kyoto. Visit Konoetei (Imperial Palace), Miyagawacho and Konkai Koumyouji to view the blossom extravaganza. For photo enthusiasts, take a gate shot at the Hirano Shrine with the Sakura in the foreground, or explore the first gate of the Kamigamo Shrine, Suika Tenmangu or Nakaragi Street.

Stop #7 - Taste the Spring at The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto
Revel in the special season with “Spring Temptations” at The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto, a package that allows you to indulge in the hotel’s food and beverage options. Whether you choose dinner in Mizuki for authentic Japanese cuisine, tastes of Italy at La Locanda, a cocktail at The Bar or Afternoon Tea at The Lobby Lounge, this once a year event will surely create memorable moments.

Stop #8 - Tea Ceremony at Suiran, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Kyoto
A trip through Japan is never complete without having experienced a traditional Tea Ceremony. Suiran, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Kyoto Introduces Randy Chanel, Canadian Tea Master, who will conduct this ceremony under a bloomed cherry blossom tree in Suiran’s main Japanese Garden, allowing you to be as close as you can get to the petal spectacle. You can then savor the tastes of Japan as the oldest Japanese confectionary shop, Kameya Yoshinaga, presents its authentic and traditional Japanese sweets.

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