Himeji Castle (姫路城)

Himeji Castle (姫路城) is one of the largest surviving castles in Japan and a UNESCO World Heritage site. It's definitely one of the best places for viewing Japanese castles up close, and is also surrounded by sakuras.

The castle was closed for over 5 years for renovations, which were finally completed in March 2015. The castle often draws large crowds, especially during sakura season and even more so now due to the long renovation.

Entry to the castle is ¥1000, however the main keep is limited to the first 10,000 visitors each day. You'll receive a pass for the main keep as you enter the castle, the pass is required to enter the main keep.

Line to enter the keep. Even on a rainy day it took 40 minutes.
On a sunny day the wait can be up to 3 hours as everyone is still coming to visit the newly renovated castle.

view from the top of the keep

shrine at the top floor of the keep

interior of the keep

the keep was only used for defense, not for every day living, so the interior is bare even by Japanese standards

living quarters along the castle wall

hallway along the wall

Getting there: Himeji Castle is 1.5 km north of the Himeji JR train station, just walk straight along the main road. There is also a sight seeing bus that will take you within 500 m of the castle for ¥100.
Fees: ¥1000 for adults / ¥300 for children.
There is also a ¥1040 combined Himeji Castle and Kokoen Garden ticket (normal fee for the gardens is ¥300). The gardens is right next to the castle grounds and is worth a visit if you have time.

Meguro River (目黒川) | Tokyo, Japan

Meguro River (目黒川) hascherry blossoms located right outside Nakameguro Station, which extend for almost a kilometer north. There are many restaurants and street vendors along the sides, though not much space for sitting.

lanterns illuminate the cherry blossoms in the evening

Shinjuku Gyoen (新宿御苑) | Tokyo, Japan

Shinjuku Gyoen (新宿御苑) is one of the largest parks in Tokyo and a popular spot for viewing cherry blossoms, as the large crowds can attest to. I was lucky enough to arrive in Tokyo at the start of the cherry blossom peak and see the blossoms.

The park is close to Shinuku Station, just follow the crowds if it's during sakura season. Entry is 200 yen.

Cherry Blossom Festival - Washington, D.C. (part 2)

While the cherry blossoms themselves can be very unpredictable (blooming anywhere from early March to late April depending on weather), the National Cherry Blossom Festival takes place each year during the first two weeks of April.

The lantern lighting festival which takes place where
the earliest cherry trees from Japan were planted.

cherry blossoms are found all around the perimeter of the Tidal Basin

There are also various concerts and exhibitions during the festival such as this kenjutsu demonstration below.

cutting bamboo

demonstrating with wooden swords

demonstrating with real swords