Do you like to see Sakura-cherry blossoms? Most people would say yes. Well then, have you ever seen Sakura at night? If you have never tried to see it at nighttime, you are lucky, because you have half more way to enjoy Sakura!!
The Sakura we see at night is called “Yozakura”, and write as “夜桜” in Kanji. The character “夜” means night, and “桜” means Sakura. Therefore, “夜桜-Yozakura” means the cherry blossoms at night. You’ll find Yozakura to be a dreamy view, creating an unforgettable memory right before your eyes
Now, I’ll show you five recommended places to enjoy Yozakura.
Himeji Castle
Himeji Castle is a popular tourist spot, but it’s also famous for Yozakura. There are about 1,000 cherry blossom trees and it’s chosen as one of the 100 best cherry blossom spots in Japan! More than 10,000 people visited here in 2024. Normally, the cherry blossoms can be seen from the end of March to the beginning of April.
The Yozakura lights up.
Term: Mar/28-Apr/8
Time: 6:30 pm - 9pm
Kobe Oji Zoo
At the Kobe Oji Zoo, you’re able to have fun watching animals during the daytime. After the zoo closes, it is time to experience the beauty of cherry blossoms. There are about 480 Sakura trees, and 25,000 people visited Yozakura in 2023. The light up event will be held for just 3 days in the Sakura peak season. The day will be announced on the internet.
Term: April 3rd, 2025 - April 5th, 2025
Time: 6 pm - 9 pm
Arima Hot Springs
You will be able to enjoy cherry blossoms in a Japanese traditional Onsen area!! Arima Hot Springs has about 1,400 years of history. The experience of taking an Onsen and seeing Yozakura would be an amazing experience in your life. There are about 500 trees of cherry blossoms. There is also a festival called “Arima Sakura Matsuri” in Mar/29-Apr/6.
Kinosaki Hot Springs
Not only Arima, but also Kinosaki is a famous place for hot springs. It has more than 1,300 years of history. They will have a festival called “Onsen Matsuri” in Apr/23-24. You can see a wonderful view of 170 cherry trees along the river.
Kobe Meriken Park area
This area is a waterfront in Kobe and a place for the memorials of the Kobe-Hanshin earthquake. It was renewed recently, so it is very beautiful right now! There are 50 cherry blossom trees. The number of trees is not large as the other places, but it has its own great points. Cherry blossoms tend to have an old taste. However, it looks like modern art of light. You can find a new side of cherry blossoms by having a look at Yozakura in Meriken Park!! Please have a look at the collaboration of cherry blossoms with Port Tower and BE KOBE Monument.
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