Cherry Blossoms & Autumn Leaves

Japan's two most spectacular natural phenomena:

Sakura (Cherry Blossom) — March to May

The cherry blossom is Japan's most emotional moment — the transience of the blossoms (they last only 7–10 days) symbolizes the fleeting nature of life in Buddhism. Hanami (花見, flower viewing) is a national obsession: Families, friends, and colleagues picnic under the trees, drink sake, and enjoy the pink splendor.

The "Sakura Front" moves from south to north: Kyushu at the end of March, Kansai/Tokyo at the end of March–early April, Tohoku mid-April, Hokkaido early May. The Japan Meteorological Corporation releases forecasts starting in January.

Kōyō (Autumn Foliage) — October to December

When the maple trees (Momiji) explode in red, orange, and gold, Japan becomes a sea of colors. The autumn foliage front moves in reverse from north to south: Hokkaido September/October, Nikko/Alps October, Kyoto/Nara November, Kyushu December.

The best spots: Kyoto (Tofuku-ji, Eikando, Kiyomizu-dera), Nikkō, Hakone, Arashiyama. Many temples host nighttime illuminations (Yakan Tokubetsu Haikan) — red-lit maple trees in front of temples are breathtaking.