Half a Month, Twenty Thousand Words, Meeting Pink Kansai – A Honeymoon Cherry Blossom Season from Bloom to Fall (A Private Journey Through Western Japan: Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Kobe)

Foreword: A Journey About Cherry Blossoms and Love

On March 24, 2018, Miss Xie and I boarded a flight to Osaka. At that time, we had just upgraded from campus sweethearts to a freshly licensed young couple, and our honeymoon destination was inevitably set on Japan's Kansai region – a land where natural beauty and historical charm blend perfectly.

Miss Xie is a round-faced little princess who loves eating, playing, and sleeping in; as for me, I'm a stubbly Northeastern guy who loves eating with her, taking her out to play, and quietly planning itineraries while she sleeps in. Our travel styles couldn't be more different: she absolutely refuses to get up before ten in the morning, yet never tires of browsing drugstores and shopping malls; I'm drawn to ancient architecture and secondhand bookstores, often setting out alone at dawn. But it's precisely this complementarity that allowed us to get the best of both worlds, fitting together seamlessly.

Over the course of two weeks, we roamed Kansai for a full 14 days, spending about 20,000 RMB per person. From the first blossoms to the falling petals, we encountered the pinkest version of Kansai and gathered the most intimate travel experiences. If you too dream of a cherry blossom season untouched by tourist crowds, then follow in our footsteps and step into this world of cherry blossom hues.

Itinerary Overview: A Race Against the Cherry Blossoms

Our original itinerary was planned around the cherry blossom season of an average year, with the main viewing events scheduled for the latter half of the trip in Kyoto. However, the 2018 cherry blossom season arrived nearly ten days earlier than usual, so we quickly adjusted our plans, shifting the focus from Kyoto to Nara.

As it turned out, this decision was absolutely right. Because the blooming period had arrived early, the bulk of tourists hadn't yet arrived, and we enjoyed the full bloom of cherry blossoms along the Saho River in Nara, with the entire riverbank almost entirely to ourselves. And in Kyoto, which was swarming with visitors during the Qingming holiday, we managed to find hidden gems like the Tenjin River, where the scenery was stunning yet the crowds were sparse.

The key to a cherry blossom trip: Keep an eye on blossom forecasts

• Cherry Blossom Front: Just search on Baidu – the closer to the blooming period, the more accurate it gets
• Japanese travel bloggers on Weibo: Real-time updates, frequent posts
• Instagram: When domestic information is limited, Instagram offers plenty of real-life photos

Our Secret Recommendations: Places Worth a Special Trip

Saho River ★★★★★

Located in western Nara, this river stretches for over ten kilometers with cherry trees lining both banks. Just a few minutes' walk from Kintetsu Nishinomiya Station, it sees very few tourists. The river is long, making it easy to find stunning, private scenery.

Tenjin River ★★★★★

From Kyoto Dentetsu Garden Station to the Shijō section of Tenjin River, the style is similar to Saho River. Even during the Qingming holiday, we encountered a spectacular cherry blossom blizzard here.

Takase River Night Cherry Blossoms ★★★★★

Located in Kyoto's busiest district, Kawaramachi, the narrow canal is canopied by cherry blossoms. Under the lights, the blossoms look like stars scattered across the night sky. Young people play jazz at the bridgehead – it's an absolutely beautiful travel experience.

Naramachi ★★★★☆

A quaint old neighborhood in southern Nara, within walking distance from the Kintetsu station. The Naramachi Koshino Ie is a free, open old residence with very few visitors, making it easy to take peaceful photos.

Nara Park ★★★★☆

Famous for its deer, the park has everything – lawns, forests, a small river, and cherry blossoms. The deer are highly interactive with people, and despite the crowds, the spacious grounds prevent it from feeling cramped.

Daigo-ji Temple ★★★★

Located in the Yamashina area on the outskirts of Kyoto, this was a favorite cherry blossom viewing spot of Toyotomi Hideyoshi. The combination of cherry blossoms and temple architecture is exquisite, but the crowds are heavy, so you need to find good angles for photos.

Sewari-tei ★★★

Located in Yawata City, about an hour from Kyoto by electric train. The embankment is wide, but there are many visitors, mostly elderly Japanese. The cherry blossoms are indeed stunning, so it's best to go early.

Nukata ★★★

A small, ordinary station in Higashiosaka City, with a tiny park. In the afternoon, local children play on the slides and eat their bento boxes – it's a glimpse into the most everyday Japan.

Day One: Before the Bloom – A Leisurely Stroll in Kobe

From Kansai Airport to Kobe

We took off from Tianjin at eight in the morning and landed in Osaka in less than two hours. The route out of the airport was clear; we followed the signs to the Nankai Electric Railway ticket counter, bought a combined Nankai Electric Railway + Hanshin Electric Railway pass, transferred at Namba, and everything went smoothly.

The Chinese character signs at Kansai Airport were reassuring. On the Nankai Electric Railway promotional posters was the "Nankai Ninja" from the childhood favorite anime The Brave Express Might Gaine, instantly stirring up excitement.

Tip: Most electric railway stations in Japan have stamp stations. Stopping along the way to collect stamps and adding your own doodles makes for a great souvenir.

Kobe・Toga River

We got off at Hanshin Electric Railway's Ōishi Station, where it was incredibly quiet. Dragging our suitcases upstream along the Toga River, the clear water and scattered cherry blossoms created a leisurely, serene scene that filled us with delight – though we later realized this was nothing compared to what was to come.

Kobe・Sannomiya

Our first meal was at Kani Doraku (crab restaurant), which we had booked in advance. The rice cooked in crab soup was the highlight – pure happiness. After dinner, we wandered around Sannomiya, stumbled upon Ikuta Shrine, and encountered our first night cherry blossoms of the trip.

Day Two: First Blooms – A Sprinkle of Spring at Himeji Castle

Morning Light at Toga River

The morning scenery along the Toga River was at its best, with locals also coming to photograph the cherry blossoms. Though they were only in early bloom, we lingered by the water for a long time. We bought some novelty candies and sodas from the convenience store – Japanese convenience stores have such a dazzling array of products.

Himeji Castle

From Sannomiya, we took the Sanyo Electric Railway and arrived at Himeji in about an hour. The moment we exited the station and crossed the street, Himeji Castle seemed to rise at the end of the road, as dreamlike as a mirage.

The manhole covers at Himeji were beautifully designed, and the concrete pillars in the shopping street had tiny graffiti that brought pleasant surprises. We had lunch at Matsuya; the beef rice bowl with a raw egg turned into a delightful new treat.

Himeji Castle Tip: If you're a fan of historic architecture or visiting during cherry blossom or autumn foliage season, it's worth a special trip; otherwise, you might find it a bit dull. The interior layout of the keep can be underwhelming, but taking off your shoes and quietly moving with the crowd has a ceremonial feel.

The budding weeping cherry blossoms, Himeji Castle reflected in the pond, and the "samurai" staff offering free photo ops – every scene was unforgettable.

Arima Onsen

Returning to Sannomiya, we headed to Arima Onsen. The Hotel Kamio was great value for money – for about 1,000 RMB, we got a tatami room with a private bathroom, balcony, and hot spring access. After nightfall, the streets of Arima Onsen town were empty, as if we were on a theater stage.

Day Three: No Cherry Blossoms Yet – First Impressions of the Big City, Hello Osaka

Morning at Arima Onsen

Dressed in the hotel's provided yukata and slippers, accompanied by birdsong and the sound of running water, we had the town's beautiful scenery all to ourselves. Sparse cherry blossoms, delicate camellias, and a cat tied up like a dog – every little thing made us smile.

Kitano Ijinkan (Foreigners' Residence District)

Back in Sannomiya, we strolled through the Kitano Ijinkan district. Kobe was a place where Japan first opened up to the West at the end of the Edo period and the beginning of the Meiji era, and the streets here are full of Western charm, perfect for a walk or street photography. Honestly, though, it felt a bit like Kobe's version of Wudadao or Badaguan – we didn't buy tickets to enter any of the buildings.

Kobe Beef

Finally, it was time for our reservation at a Kobe beef restaurant. The chef's cooking process was quite artistic, with pots and pans clanging like a musical performance. The beef with rice was indeed delicious, but the portion was a bit large. The meal for two cost about 700 RMB.

Osaka・Shinsaibashi and Umeda

Saying goodbye to Kobe, we hurried to Osaka. Shinsaibashi was the most boring stop of our entire trip – there were too many people, and all we heard around us was Chinese and Korean. The drugstores weren't great either, so we quickly gave up and fled.

In contrast, the Shin-Umeda Shokudōgai (food street) in Umeda left a strong impression. In the dim light, along the long corridor, tired office workers sat idly in small eateries. We had a beer at an oden shop and then sat for a while at a sushi restaurant, feeling as if we were in a Japanese drama.

Day Four: Cherry Blossoms Burst Forth – A Stunning Cherry Blossom Journey in Osaka and Kyoto

Cherry Blossom Alert! From this day on, the cherry blossoms officially take center stage!

Dōtonbori and Sanadamaru

Kobe, being coastal, has lower temperatures, so the cherry blossoms were still sparse; but in Osaka and Kyoto, they were already in full bloom. Fortunately, we kept checking the cherry blossom forecasts along the way and adjusted our itinerary in time.

Fushimi Inari Taisha

The Senbon Torii (thousands of vermilion gates) is the most famous sight here, but the crowds are overwhelming. To get good photos, you need to arrive early or find secluded corners.

Takase River Night Cherry Blossoms – One of the Most Stunning Experiences of the Trip

The Takase River is located in Kyoto's busiest district, Kawaramachi, with a narrow canal covered by cherry blossoms. Under the lights, the blossoms look like stars scattered across the night sky. Young people played jazz at the bridgehead, and the music, combined with the cherry blossom starry sky, created an absolutely beautiful travel experience.

Highly recommended: Takase River night cherry blossoms – five-star rating!

Day Five & Six: Nara – A Fairy Tale World of Cherry Blossoms and Deer

Nara Park

Nara Park is famous for its deer, with lawns, forests, a small river, and cherry blossoms all in one place. The deer are highly interactive with people, bowing to ask for deer crackers. Although it's crowded, the spacious grounds make it generally satisfying.

Tip: Deer crackers are sold at stalls within the park for 150 yen a bundle. Be careful when feeding them – some deer are quite "aggressive" and will chase you for food.

Naramachi

A quaint old neighborhood in southern Nara, within walking distance from the Kintetsu station. The Naramachi Koshino Ie is a free, open old residence with very few visitors, making it easy to take peaceful photos.

Day Seven: Saho River – The Most Recommended Cherry Blossom Spot of the Trip

The Saho River is located in western Nara, a river stretching over ten kilometers with cherry trees lining both banks. Get off at Kintetsu Nishinomiya Station and walk a few minutes to reach it.

There are very few tourists here, and the river is long, making it easy to find stunning, private scenery. When the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, the entire riverbank is both quiet and magnificent. We took our best photos of the entire trip here.

Highly recommended: Saho River – six-star rating!

Day Eight: Daigo-ji Temple – Toyotomi Hideyoshi's Cherry Blossom Viewing Spot

Daigo-ji Temple is located in the Yamashina area on the outskirts of Kyoto, a favorite cherry blossom viewing spot of Toyotomi Hideyoshi. The combination of cherry blossoms and temple architecture is exquisite, and the cherry trees and traditional buildings everywhere create a dreamlike feeling.

However, the downside of such a famous site is the crowds. It's great for cherry blossom viewing, but you need to find good angles to avoid the crowds in your photos.

Day Nine: Tenjin River – A Secret Cherry Blossom Blizzard

The Tenjin River runs from the Dentetsu Garden Station in the north to the Shijō section of Tenjin River in the south, similar in style to the Saho River. The embankment, lined with cherry trees, is breathtaking.

Even in Kyoto, which was swarming with visitors during the Qingming holiday, we encountered a spectacular cherry blossom blizzard here. Petals fell like snow, covering the embankment – the peace and beauty of that moment are unforgettable to this day.

Conclusion: Ultimate Advice for a Kansai Cherry Blossom Season

Our two-week journey through Kansai took us from the first bloom to the final fall, and we met the pinkest version of Kansai. Looking back on this trip, here are a few tips I'd like to share with those planning to go:

Make Nara the centerpiece of your cherry blossom viewing

The Saho River, Nara Park, and Naramachi – every spot is worth a special trip. The Saho River, in particular, has few tourists and stunning scenery.

Keep an eye on cherry blossom forecasts and adjust your itinerary flexibly

The Cherry Blossom Front, Weibo, and Instagram are all great sources of information. The blooming period often arrives early or late, so adjusting your itinerary flexibly is the key to seeing the most beautiful blossoms.

Adopt a "take what you need" travel style

If your travel companions have different interests, feel free to arrange your mornings separately, like we did, and meet up at noon. This way, everyone can pursue their own preferences without having to compromise.

Lesser-known spots are worth exploring more

Famous sites like Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Kinkaku-ji Temple are certainly worth seeing, but places like the Saho River, Tenjin River, and Takase River often offer more private and stunning experiences.

Prepare a stamp book

Almost every electric railway station in Japan has a stamp station. Collecting stamps and adding your own doodles makes for a meaningful souvenir.

Half a month, twenty thousand words, meeting pink Kansai. From the first bloom to the final fall, what we gained was not just the beauty of the cherry blossoms, but the warmth of each other's company. I hope this travelogue brings some inspiration to your future Kansai journey.

May your cherry blossom season be as beautiful as ours, and may you encounter the most stunning scenery.