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Spring heralds one of the most anticipated events of the year popular with millions of Japanese as well as tourists from all over the world. What else could we possibly be talking about than cherry blossom viewing! Due to the limited blooming period, cherry blossoms are often thought of as a metaphor for the preciousness and ephemeral beauty of life. The art of flower viewing or "hanami" in Japanese is a cultural tradition that goes back centuries and during the season when cherry blossoms are in bloom, you will see parties of people sitting on picnic blankets underneath cherry blossom trees in parks, eating obento (Japanese style lunchbox) and drinking Japanese osake (wine). To get the most out of this spectacular event, knowing where to go for the best viewing experiences is a must. But not to worry as we have done the hard work for you. Below you can find a selection of the best cherry blossom locations across the country, sure to make for the perfect "hanami" experience.
Location: Shinjuku Gyoen, Tokyo
Best time to visit: Mid March to mid April (Book hotels here)

The first location worth checking out is Shinjuku Gyoen in Tokyo. This is one of the largest and most popular parks in the Tokyo area. It b...