Sakura Views from the Train
Imagine that you are taking the train with full blooming cherry blossoms
©Prasit Rodphan / 123RF
Cherry Blossom Season with a Japan Rail Pass
If you're planning your trip for cherry blossom season, which goes from mid-March to mid-April depending on the region, you can make the most of your travel time right from your seat with these stunning views from the windows of your train.
Enjoying the Hanami in Japan
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Shikoku Region - Yosan Line
One of Shikoku’s most picturesque train lines, featuring beautiful cherry blossoms, dramatic views of the ocean, and the bucolic countryside of rural Japan. This is a great place to go if your spring break is early, in mid- to late-March; the sakura bloom early in the south!
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Kansai Region - Sagano Scenic Railway
Kyoto in full bloom is one of the classics. Every temple you visit will be at its most picturesque, but on your way to the bamboo forest in Arashiyama, you might consider taking the Sagano Scenic Railway for a view of natural Kyoto.
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Tokai Region - Oigawa Railway
The Oigawa Railway in Shizuoka Prefecture is a great detour to take if you’re passing through, either to see Mt. Fuji or visit some hot springs. Many of the train tracks are lined with cherry trees, but you can also stop at Ieyama Station, from which a “cherry blossom tunnel” is just a short walk away!
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Kanto Region - Mooka Railway
The Mooka Railway runs between Ibaraki and Tochigi Prefectures, just north of Tokyo. This railway line is famous for the stunning views of light pink cherry blossoms trees contrasting with the bright yellow of nanohana fields.
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Tohoku Region - Tsugaru Railway
If your trip to Japan isn’t until mid- to late-April, you can still see the cherry blossoms! This railway runs through Aomori Prefecture, the northern-most prefecture in main island Japan, so the trees up here are definitely late bloomers. Take a trip through the shady, tree-lined tracks of the Tsugaru Railway for some incredible northern blooms.
