Winter Escapes: Japan Hot Springs
Is winter getting you down? Can’t wait for the Chinese New Year holidays to begin? Don’t worry, you can warm up this winter with a short-break at some of Japan’s best but less-well known onsen. Spring Airlines is the only airline to offer direct flights to the Japanese cities of Saga, Takamatsu and Ibaraki. and Even better, fares start from an unbelievable CNY 9.
SagaBook now!
Not far from Fukuoka and Nagasaki, Saga is one of the hidden gems of the Japanese island of Kyushu. On the outskirts of the city you’ll find amazing rural retreats; traditional Japanese ryokan inns, complete with private onsen hot springs and Michelin-quality Japanese cuisine. If you ever feel like leaving your inn, then check out the Ochozu Falls or shop for famed Arita Japanese porcelain.
TakamatsuBook now!
Visitors to this area are spoilt for choice when it comes to sakura but here are some of our favorites.
Osaka Castle Nishinomaru Garden. Formerly home to the many wives of a 16th century Japanese ruler named Toyotomi Hideyoshi, this garden’s 600 cherry blossom trees bloom beautifully, including the pure white somei-yoshino.
Haradani-en is located in the northern outskirts of Kyoto in the hills above Kinakuji Temple and the perfect spot to enjoy large numbers of later blooming weeping cherry trees. It is a little bit difficult to reach by public transportation by the infrequent city bus number M1 but that means fewer people.
Even closer to Osaka is Nara Park which boasts about 1700 cherry trees. One of the best hanami spots is a large lawn encircled by cherry trees, a short walk southeast of Todaiji main hall. While in Nara don’t miss the chance to feed the deer at the UNESCO listed Kasuga Taisha Shinto shrine.
NagoyaBook now!
Located in Nagoya but not as busy as Tsuruma Park, Yamazai River is a perfect spot for a morning walk or jog. The cobblestoned walkways, decorated bridges, and two waterfalls mean this area is one of the best places in Japan to see cherry blossoms at night.
