3Japan

If Just four hours west of Tokyo by train, Himeji Castle only reopened to the public in 2015 after years of renovations, but it’s quickly become a destination for cherry blossom viewing.

Note that the castle—said to resemble a heron in flight—has cherry blossom trees in both its free (Senhimebotanen Garden; Sannomaru grounds) and paid areas (Nishnomaru grounds). There are many location for cherry blossom all over Japan but this one with the castle as the backdrop, is our favorite.

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