Cherry blossoms, known in Japan as Sakura, are usually in full bloom for only one week. After blossoming in full, the most beautiful and final stage is celebrated by locals and tourists alike, as the small petals flutter gracefully from their trees onto the ground.

The Japanese cherish the cherry blossoms during this special period, as they celebrate this notable event. Discover the best places to witness the change of these beautiful trees by immersing yourself in unforgettable experiences as we take you on an 8-stop journey to our luxurious hotels from Tokyo to Osaka and Kyoto.

STOP #1 – CULINARY DELIGHTS AT THE RITZ-CARLTON TOKYO
Make your first stop this Sakura season and enjoy some carefully crafted specialties at The Ritz-Carlton Tokyo with a themed Sakura Afternoon Tea, as you sip on a delightful cocktail while watching the magic unfold. To mark these celebrations, the culinary team has prepared special Sakura Kaiseki bento boxes and hampers, as well as the Sakura frozen soufflé that will have you dancing under the trees. Not just any trees, but trust the Concierge in the know to recommend the nicest cherry blossoming spots on the way to your next stop.

STOP #2 – PALATIAL BEAUTY & COOLING COCKTAILS IN TOKYO
Gaze at the falling petals near the Imperial Palace located in large park-like grounds filled with cherry trees. Embrace the moment as you are this close to the primary residence of the Emperor of Japan. As you reach your next stop, treat yourself to a “Gallery Flower” at the Sky Gallery Lounge Levita or The Bar Illumiid at The Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho, A Luxury Collection Hotel. A Champagne cocktail featuring a subtle cherry blossom flavour of sparkling ice and jelly, accentuated by a bright red flower.

STOP #3 – BEST SAKURA VIEWING SPOTS IN OSAKA
Let the fluttering beauties lead you to Osaka next and let the Concierge at The Ritz-Carlton Osaka take over. Visit Osaka Castle Park, as the castle’s main tower becomes the perfect backdrop to view the 3,000 cherry blossom trees. You will be mesmerised by the water, greenery and 4,700 cherry trees built on a river terrace at Kema Sakuranomiya Park or Riverside Park, which is located in the aqua metropolis of Osaka. Mid-April, the gates to the cherry garden of The Osaka Mint Bureau are opened to the public for a one week period, so do not miss the opportunity to view the elegance of over 100 varieties of cherry trees.

STOP #4 – TIME TO GET PAMPERED AT THE RITZ-CARLTON OSAKA
Pamper yourself at The Ritz-Carlton Osaka in one of the hotel’s luxurious suites and make the Sakura experience a “Cherry Blossom Suite Stay”. Enjoy a Strawberry Afternoon Tea with a bottle of Veuve Clicquot’s Rosé Champagne while viewing the spectacle from your room. Or make it a “Spring Stay with Sakura Sweets”, savouring Chef Hiroyuki Matsuo’s homemade Sakura sweets box and a special Sakura Cocktail.

STOP #5 – A BLOSSOMING AFTERNOON AT THE ST. REGIS OSAKA
Another luxurious option is to delight in a seasonal selection of Afternoon Tea specialties reflecting Japan’s most celebrated season at The St. Regis Osaka. Fresh pink Sakura coloured pastries are contrasted with black scones and cookies made with activated charcoal, a perfect way to experience a detox effect while indulging. Feel the Spring while enjoying these guilt-free sweets and savories.

STOP #6 – PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES IN KYOTO
After your journey through Tokyo and Osaka, it is time to travel away from the crowds and the tourists to appreciate the beautiful cherry blossom season in Kyoto. Visit Konoetei (Imperial Palace), Miyagawacho and Konkai Koumyouji to view the blossom extravaganza. For photo enthusiasts, take a gate shot at the Hirano Shrine with the Sakura in the foreground, or explore the first gate of the Kamigamo Shrine, Suika Tenmangu or Nakaragi Street.

STOP #7 – TASTE THE SPRING AT THE RITZ-CARLTON KYOTO
Revel in the season with “Spring Temptations”, granting you valuable food and beverage credits at The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto. Whether you choose dinner in Mizuki for authentic Japanese cuisine, tastes of Italy at La Locanda, a cocktail at The Bar or Afternoon Tea at The Lobby Lounge, this once a year event will surely create memorable moments.

STOP #8 – TEA CEREMONY AT SUIRAN, A LUXURY COLLECTION HOTEL, KYOTO
A trip through Japan is never complete without having experienced a traditional Tea Ceremony. Suiran, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Kyoto Introduces Randy Chanel, Canadian Tea Master who will conduct this ceremony under a bloomed cherry blossom tree in Suiran’s main Japanese Garden, allowing you to be as close as you can get to the petal spectacle. Then savour the tastes of Japan in the awe-inspiring Afternoon Tea Sets, as the oldest Japanese confectionary shop “Kameya Yoshinaga” presents its authentic and traditional Japanese sweets.