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Two-Week Japan Itinerary that Maximises the JR Pass During Sakura Season - Incl. Tokyo & Osaka

First published on TripZilla, in collaboration with Klook.

Exploring Japan during the sakura season is easily at the top of any traveller’s bucket list. What could be more mesmerising than trees blanketed by spools of cotton candy flowers, made even more enigmatic by their fleeting quality? Indeed, the sakura season is a coveted season among locals and tourists alike, especially since the flowers only bloom for a good week or so before falling to the ground once more.

Coinciding your trip with the sakura season takes plenty of research, opportune timing and, in more cases than not, a tinge of sheer luck. However, don’t let this put you off! Travelling during the sakura season brings with it fizzles of excitement and anticipation, and might not be daunting as you think. One of the best ways to approach it is to first understand the different blooming periods.

Image credit: TripZilla

Japan is a large country and naturally boasts a range of blooming peaks. Blooms arrive the earliest in Okinawa in mid-January and move across the country to finally reach Hokkaido towards the end of April. These dates are just rough estimates; actual bloom forecasts will only be announced less than two weeks before the flowers burst into bloom. Talk about living on the edge! However, do note that there have been reports of the season arriving early this year (2018(; blooms are estimated to open on March 20, up to six days earlier than the usual forecast. Do check the forecasts before your trip as the dates vary from year to year!

Due to this, many often ‘chase the sakura’ across different regions over the period of one to three weeks. If you have the time and money to spare, it’s always good to buffer more time – a.k.a. plan for a longer trip – so that you won’t be caught off-guard should the season be delayed. Transportation in Japan can prove to be incredibly expensive, and you’ll find that having a Japan Rail Pass will be a total godsend.

Why the Japan Rail Pass?

The Japan Rail Pass is essentially a secret weapon that when used correctly, is the key to conquering Japan whilst saving more money than you can imagine. These Japan Rail Passes come in three different duration configurations – the 7-day, 14-day, and 21-day passes, which allow you to travel around Japan for their respective durations. The passes also grant you unlimited travel on most rail lines, including the Shinkansen (Japanese bullet train), with the exception of the Nozomi and Mizuho variations. 

And if you’re thinking what’s so great about the Japan Rail Passes, how’s this for size: a 7-day pass costs approximately S$335, while a one-way Shinkansen ride from Tokyo to Osaka (two popular Sakura hotspots) costs about ¥14,250 (~S$170). If you take that into consideration, a return trip between Tokyo and Osaka would cost even more than 7 days of unlimited travel with the Japan Rail Pass. Nifty, huh!

In fact, the Japan Rail Pass is not only good for inter-city travel, but also for intra-city travel as well. For example, it’s valid for travel on Tokyo’s Yamanote line, which will bring you to most of the city’s top sightseeing (and Sakura!) spots. The pass is also valid on the Narita Express from the airport to Tokyo centre, the hop-on-hop-off sightseeing bus within Hiroshima, as well as the JR ferry to Miyajima.

With the Japan Rail Pass, you can also choose between Ordinary Car passes and Green Car passes. Think of the Green Car passes as an upgraded ‘luxury’ option, where you are granted access into train cars fitted with large seats that recline forty degrees, and where you can stretch out with plenty of legroom. There are also private compartments on certain Limited Express trains – perfect for families or large groups of friends. Purchase your Japan Rail Pass from Klook before you depart; make your purchase online, and pick up your exchange order from Klook’s centrally located office (think: right smack in the middle of CBD!). Exchange this voucher at any of Japan’s international airports or JR stations for your rail pass and you’ll be all set!

Tip: The Japan Rail Pass is valid for a consecutive number of days, which starts from your first journey. So do make sure to count your days wisely and activate your Japan Rail Pass when it best suits your schedule!

So if you’re looking to traverse Japan on a sakura hunt, the Japan Rail Pass can and will be, your best bet. If you’re not sure where to start, we’ve got two options for you: a conventional (Tokyo-Osaka) route, or a more alternative (Fukuoka-Osaka) route. It’s up to you to pick which you prefer; both itineraries are tailored to maximise (read: get the most of) the Japan Rail Pass! 

The sakura in Osaka (or the general Kansai region) blooms later than the rest, hence it’s recommended to make Osaka your last stop. These two itineraries and cost breakdowns run for two weeks with the 14-day Japan Rail Pass, but do feel free to mix and match the options with the 7-day rail pass or even extend your trip with the 21-day pass. Some places mentioned in the itineraries might take quite a bit of travelling but hey, isn’t that what train journeys are all about? So arm yourself with a Japan Rail Pass, sit back, relax and enjoy the ride. A gorgeous sakura adventure awaits!

Conventional Sakura Route: Tokyo – Osaka

Day 1-3: Tokyo

Image credit: Yoshikazu Takada

For the uninitiated, Tokyo is the place to start any exploration of the country. Tokyo is the capital of Japan and is a glorious whirlwind of gleaming skyscrapers, impeccable cuisine and impossibly polite citizens. And of course, it’s also home to some of the country’s most spectacular Sakura spots. Activate your Japan Rail Pass at Narita Airport the moment you land and hop onto the Narita Express into the city. The journey takes approximately one hour; other routes are much longer and comprise multiple changes. The Narita Airport is hence the easiest and fuss-free way to get into Tokyo, which you’ll definitely appreciate after a long flight!

The Narita Express will bring you to the central stations of Tokyo, Shibuya, Shinjuku, Ikebukuro and Shinagawa – all of which lie on the Yamanote line. The Japan Rail Pass is also valid for travel on the Yamanote line, which basically includes all of the city’s most popular locations. Yes, the pass allows you to travel all around Tokyo as well!

Tip: Use Hyperdia to check on train timings. Do take note that trains in Japan run to the minute – not a minute faster or slower!

Image credit: Yoshikazu Takada 

Spend the rest of your time exploring Tokyo’s sakura spots, such as Shinjuku Gyo-en Park and Yoyogi Park – both of which can be found along the Yamanote line. However, venture a little further out (for just a small price on the metro or subway) and you can also visit Ueno Park, Chidorigafuchi, Sumida Park and Meguro River. Paddle and swan boats can be rented at Chidorigafuchi as well, making for an idyllic way to spend an afternoon. During sakura season, Ueno Park also comes to life with a sprawling festival that offers a wide array of food and drinks stalls.

What else to do in Tokyo: Tsukiji Outer Market, Robot Restaurant, Tokyo Disneyland/sea, Zauo Fishing Restaurant, Tokyo Tower Observatory, Mt. Fuji day trip, Kimono experience, Hedgehog caféStreet go-karting experience

Day 4: Tokyo – Nagoya – Tokyo

Image credit: rumpleteaser

Nagoya is known as a smaller and less-crowded version of Tokyo; this adage applies to the general sakura crowd as well. Head to Nagoya on a day trip and explore the sakura spots of Tsuruma Park, Yamazakigawa Riverside, and Nagoya Castle.

At Yamazakigawa Riverside, you’ll find the Shikinomichi, otherwise known as the ‘Path of Four Seasons’. During sakura season, this path is lined by hundreds of cherry trees and is designated one of Japan’s top 100 sakura spots.

How to get there: 104-minute journey (one-way) from Tokyo station to Nagoya station via Shinkansen

What else to do in Nagoya: Nagano Snow Monkeys day trip, Maid Café, Port of Nagoya Aquarium, Shirakawa-go and Takayama day trip

Day 5: Tokyo - Kanazawa - Tokyo

A quaint castle town, Kanazawa is bursting at the seams with rustic charm and nostalgic architecture. Famous for its gold leaf production – the city supplies a whopping 99% of Japan’s domestic gold leaf market – one unique and insta-worthy treat to dig into would be a gold-leaf wrapped cone of sakura soft serve. Other than soft serves, you can also dig into sakura-flavoured mochi and other treat

The Japan Rail Pass can be used onboard a JR Bus (which departs just outside the main station) that functions somewhat like a loop bus and will bring you around Kanazawa’s major sights – one of which is Kenroku-en Garden, one of Japan’s three most beautiful gardens. Needless to say, the garden boasts both sakura and landscape views. Other places to visit are Kanazawa Castle Park and Kazue-machi Geisha Street.

How to get there: 176-minute journey (one-way) from Tokyo station to Kanazawa station via Shinkansen

What else to do in Kanazawa: Omicho Market, Higashi Chaya tea houses, Nagamachi Samurai house area

Day 6-8 – Tokyo – Osaka

Next up, move on to explore the Kansai region! Shinkansens run between Tokyo and Osaka multiple times a day, so pack up your luggage, buy yourself a Bento (Japanese take-out meal), and hop onto the train.

Tip: If you have many pieces of luggage with you, or simply wish to save yourself the hassle of bringing them on the train, you can choose to send your luggage in between cities with the Takkyubin luggage service. This can easily be arranged by your hotel concierge.

Once in Osaka, check out the sakura spots of Osaka Castle, Expo 70 Commemorative Park, and Kema Sakuranomiya Park. Once night falls, over 4000 trees at Osaka Park are illuminated. Don’t miss this beautiful sight! Fun fact: sakura viewing in the day is known as “hanami” (flower viewing), while sakura in the night is referred to “yozakura” (night Sakura).

How to get there: 173-minute journey (one-way) from Tokyo station to Shin-Osaka station via Shinkansen

What else to do in Osaka: Dotonbori, Universal Studios Japan, Samurai & Ninja experience, Takoyaki Cooking Class, Arima Onsen Taikounoyu Spa  

Day 9: Osaka – Hiroshima – Miyajima – Hiroshima – Osaka

Image credit: Spiegel

Many visit Hiroshima due to the historical significance it holds; nuclear bombs were dropped on both Hiroshima and Nagasaki during World War II. Unbeknown to many, there’s a startling significance of the sakura season in Hiroshima – the sakura’s fleeting nature represents life’s beauty and fragility, which can be drawn in parallel to the sheer number of lives lost in Hiroshima, that serves as a stark reminder of the importance of peace. In Hiroshima, a structure called the A-bomb Dome was the only building left standing near the nuclear bomb’s hypocenter and has been preserved to this very day.

Sakura spots in Hiroshima include the Hiroshima Peace Park (where the A-bomb Dome can be found), Hiroshima Castle, and Shukkei-en Garden.

Tip: The Japan Rail Pass can be used for the Hiroshima hop-on-hop-off sightseeing bus, which makes getting around the city a breeze.

What else to do in Hiroshima: Mazda Museum, Okonomi-mura

Image credit: Ryan Latta

Miyajima is a fantastic day-trip to take from Hiroshima; it’s not recommended to squeeze both Hiroshima and Miyajima in a day as there’s just so much to do! We hence recommend staying a night in Hiroshima so that you can experience both on consecutive days.

The island of Miyajima is famous for its torii gate – the gate appears to be floating during high tide and during low tide, visitors are even to walk right out to the gate itself – and free-roaming deer. The island is also surrounded by oyster beds and is full of stalls selling every variety of oyster you can imagine. At Miyajima, popular sakura spots include Itsukushima-jinja Shrine and Momijidani-koen Park.

How to get there: 89-minute journey (one-way) from Shin-Osaka station to Hiroshima station via Shinkansen, 29-minute journey (one-way) from Hiroshima station to Miyajima-guchi station via JR Sanyo line, 10-minute journey (one-way) from Miyajima Ferry terminal to Miyajima

Day 11: Osaka – Himeji – Osaka

Image credit: Reginald Pentinio

Himeji Castle underwent a lengthy five-year restoration period and only just opened up to the public in 2015. This castle is often perceived to be Japan’s most spectacular castle! Sakura trees can be found in both the free and paid areas of the castle grounds, and it’s not uncommon to find a long snaking queue waiting for entry.

Tip: Since Himeji is only about half an hour away from Osaka, it’s recommended to visit in the afternoon after lunch to see the sakura in the day, do some shopping along Castle Street (a street full of shops that leads from the station to the castle), then feast your eyes on the night sakura illuminations once it gets dark.

How to get there: 28-minute journey (one-way) from Shin-Osaka station to Himeji station via Shinkansen

What else to do at Himeji: Himeji Central Park, Japan Toy Museum

Day 12-14: Osaka – Kyoto – Arashiyama – Kyoto – Osaka

Escape from the hustle and bustle of the city to Kyoto, a city retaining much of the old-school Japanese charm. Many travellers end up falling hopelessly in love with Kyoto, and we hence recommend you to stay two nights to fully experience all that the city has to offer. Also, the sakura spots here in Kyoto are heralded to be one-of-a-kind!

Take a stroll along Philosopher’s Path, a stone path lined by hundreds of sakura trees. Hei-an Shrine is a popular spot for viewing weeping sakura trees, which are characterised by their dangling branches. 

Have a picnic under the sakura trees at Kyoto Botanical Garden, take lots of photos at Keage Incline and marvel at the blooms surrounding the Kiyomizudera temple. If you’re looking to experience traditional Kyoto, the Higashiyama District – which leads from Yasaka Shrine to Kiyomizudera Temple – is a good place to start. Other prominent sakura spots include Okazaki Canal and Maruyama Park.

What else to do at Kyoto: Sushi-making class, Kimono rental, Geisha districts tour

On your third day, take a day trip to Arashiyama, which is home to a tranquil Bamboo Forest. We also recommend embarking on the Hozugawa Boat Ride! Boatmen paddle traditional boats down the river with oars and bamboo poles, allowing passengers to soak in the spectacular sakura scenery over a leisurely two-hour ride.

Klook Pro-Tip: This boat ride is often combined with a journey of the Sagano Scenic Railway, which also passes through plenty of Sakura trees.

How to get there: 24-minute journey (one-way) from Shin-Osaka station to Kyoto station via JR Special Rapid service, 12-minute journey (one-way) from Kyoto station to Saga-Arashiyama station via JR Sagano line.

Breakdown of costs for above itinerary: 

14-Day Japan Rail Pass VS point-to-point tickets

  • 14-Day Japan Rail Pass: S$534
  • Point-to-point tickets:
    • Narita Express – Tokyo: ¥3,020 (~S$36)
    • Tokyo – Nagoya – Tokyo: ¥10,680 x 2 = ¥21,360 (~S$255)
    • Tokyo – Kanazawa – Tokyo: ¥13,920 x 2 = ¥27,840 (~S$333)
    • Tokyo – Osaka: ¥13,940 (~S$167)
    • Osaka – Hiroshima – Osaka: ¥5620 x 2 = ¥11,240 (~S$134)
    • Hiroshima – Miyajima – Hiroshima: ¥180 x 2 = ¥360 (~S$4)
    • Osaka – Himeji – Osaka: ¥1,490 x 2 = ¥2,980 (~S$36)
    • Osaka – Kyoto – Osaka: ¥560 x 2 = ¥1,120 (~S$13)
    • Kyoto – Arashiyama – Kyoto: ¥240 x 2 = ¥480 (~S$6)
      • Total: ¥82,340 (~S$984)

Total cost savings : S$984 – S$534 = S$450 with the Japan Rail Pass

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Continue reading Part 2.

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