KYOTO IN BLOOM

As Japan’s most beautiful city, full of nature as well as culture, Kyoto is among the best places to view Japan’s famous cherry blossom trees (Sakura) in full bloom. Once the trees have flowered, the Sakura only keep their blossoms for about three weeks. Hanami – a blossom viewing party – is Japanese tradition, which celebrates this fleeting flower. To enjoy Kyoto under the soft Sakura bloom of spring, visit these top attractions between late March and mid-April.

To witness the earliest spring bloom, visit the Hirano Shrine where more than 400 Sakura always blossom at the end of March.

For a more dramatic experience, take a ride on the Sagano Romantic Train. In spring, the entire Arashiyama mountain is covered in cherry blossoms, so enjoy this lively landscape as it rushes by. WWW.KYOTOSTATION.COM/THE-SAGANO-ROMANTIC-TRAIN/

At a more leisurely pace, stroll down the Philosopher’s Path. Named among the 100 best paths in Japan, this quaint 1.5km canal walk is lined by about 300 cherry trees – the perfect photo opportunity.

To enjoy the Sakura up close and personal, it’s well worth a visit to Ninaji temple. The late blooming omoro cherry trees, at a height of just two metres, can be viewed at eye-level. A wood-decked path, thick with cherry trees, will lead you to the stunning five-storey pagoda centrepiece – unchanged since the 17th century.