April 2007 - Sakura Season
In and around Japan
With a "free" ticket (courtesy Hawaiian Miles), I embarked on a trip to view Japan's sakura season. I had pegged the first week of April as when the sakura would be in full-bloom in Kyoto. As my trip neared, I nervously watched the sakura forecasts for confirmation. The Japan Meteorological Agency forecast put March 27 as the start of the sakura bloom in Kyoto. Adding a week to reach full-bloom, the forecast looked promising.
Route taken and entries by Real Traveler LShiz
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1
Narita
The flight was a long 8-hours but unlike the earlier JAL flights I took which were always packed, the NWA flight was only 80% full and the seat nex... Continue reading »
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2
Nagano, Nagiso and Tsumago
From Narita I took the Narita Express to JR Tokyo Station, then caught the Asama Shinkansen to Nagano. I had an hour until my next train so I... Continue reading »
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3
Tsumago, Magome and Matsumoto
After an early Japanese breakfast (egg, green salad, miso soup, more pickles and local vegetables/greens) I started off on the Nakasendo hike. ... Continue reading »
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4
Matsumoto and Takayama
My luck with the weather continues as today is a beautiful clear day. Since I arrived too late to Matsumoto Castle yesterday to tour the inte... Continue reading »
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5
Takayama and Kyoto
In the morning I walked around the Miya-gawa River which runs through the center of Takayama. At two locations there were Morning Markets, on... Continue reading »
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6
Kyoto--Arashiyama and Shopping streets
I took a train to neighboring Kameoka to catch the Hozu-gawa Kudari, a boat ride down the Hozu-gawa River. The ride was relaxing and scenic w... Continue reading »
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7
Kyoto-Higashiyama
On the menu for today--sakura. With an early start I arrived at Ginkaku-ji Temple well before opening time so I headed up the trail to Daimon... Continue reading »
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8
Tokyo
Because my ticket required me to fly out of Narita, I took the cross-country Shinkansen ride to Tokyo. I asked for a seat on the left side to... Continue reading »
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