Known as one of the historical hubs of Japan, Kyoto has a notable number of well-preserved neighborhoods, majestic temples and all manner of photo-worthy landscapes.
19.01.2024 - 17:03 / travelandleisure.com / Can Expect
The U.S. may be in the middle of a bitter cold spell, but Japan is looking straight ahead to spring with their predictions of when its famed cherry blossoms are returning.
And the good news is, it's earlier than expected.
THe Japan Meteorological Corporation predicts the flowers are expected to start blooming around Tokyo on March 23, with the full bloom expected around March 30. Further south, in the Kochi Prefecture, the blooms are expected to start peeking out around March 18, and to the north in Hokkaido, travelers can expect them to begin around May 2. Finally, in Kyoto, people can expect the blooms to start to emerge on March 23, with a full bloom around the start of April.
The dates for western and eastern Japan, The Japan Times noted, are slightly earlier than average due to the higher-than-normal temperatures throughout November and December. Climate change, the weather agency shared with the announcement, is making the blooms come both earlier and more difficult to predict.
As for how long the flowers are expected to last, tourism site Live Japan explained that they typically stay on the branch for about two weeks from opening to peak bloom, depending on the temperatures and weather during the season. And, if you happen to miss the main bloom down south, you can always try your luck traveling a little further north.
It should be noted that this date can, and will likely be revised several times leading up to the day of the expected bloom. The Japan Times explained that in 2023, the weather experts revised their estimation 13 times, getting it to within 2.1 days of blooms.
And if you're looking for intel on just when those cherry blossoms in Washington, DC may bloom, well, you're likely going to have to wait a few more weeks. As the official Cherry Blossom Watch website stated, «It's still far too early to know precisely when the famous cherry blossoms will bloom around the Tidal Basin in Spring 2024.»
But if last year is any indication, you can expect the D.C. blooms to pop sometime around mid to late March, too.
Known as one of the historical hubs of Japan, Kyoto has a notable number of well-preserved neighborhoods, majestic temples and all manner of photo-worthy landscapes.
If your loved one loves seafood, embrace that passion with this year’s Valentine’s Day gift. Aquatic creatures, bivalve inspired fashion, maritime feasts and more all will woo a person whose love language is totally understandable under the sea. Show your Valentine you love them more than all the oceans with these gifts for seafood lovers.
Embarking on a yearlong journey around the world is a dream scenario for many travelers. However, the logistics of making it happen can be challenging, not least because of the sheer number of flights you would need to book. One way to make the journey a reality is by purchasing an around-the-world flight ticket.
United Airlines is betting on adventure travel this year, adding a slate of summer routes to national parks and outdoor destinations in Canada.
With a legacy spanning over 100 years, Qantas remains the epitome of pioneering excellence in aviation. Recognized as the world's safest airline and a trailblazer in ultra-long-haul flights, Australia's esteemed flag carrier blends graceful tradition with cutting-edge innovation.
Many travelers have experienced the warming pleasures of a steamy soak at a Japanese onsen (hot spring) or a heated Turkish hammam. But they may not have jumped into the world of contrast bathing—the practice of alternating between intense heat (hot tubs, saunas) and intense cold (polar bear-style plunges or ice baths).
Launching in Spring 2024, La Muña will bring a fusion of Japanese and Peruvian cuisine to a historic, European, church setting. Set to be a Bloomsbury go-to, La Muna promises exquisite flavours, enchanting design, and rich heritage.
The new year brings with it opportunities for new adventures. To help satisfy your wanderlust and inspire your next getaway, the UNWTO shares its list of top off-the-beaten-path destinations to visit in 2024 before peak season hits this summer. Escape the ordinary and explore the world’s undiscovered rural treasures offering unique experiences at these charming lesser-known destinations, promising unforgettable memories.
Valentine’s Day gifts don’t have to rely on boxes of fancy chocolate or a fine bottle of wine. There are other delicious snacks and even wellness supplements that can show love to someone’s taste buds. These gift ideas include travel snacks to enjoy when on the road or when you make that long-awaited return home.
Leading global travel service provider Trip.com Group is embracing new trends and opportunities in the post-pandemic travel landscape, with its CEO Jane Sun sharing insights at the prominent World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting held in Davos, Switzerland, this week. Ms Sun also expressed optimism about Asia’s continued growth and shared her perspective on its investment potential at the panel discussion titled “Asia – the world’s next growth anchor?”
Mitsuko Tottori started her career at Japan Airlines in 1985 welcoming passengers aboard. Now she’s being welcomed as the incoming president of JAL.
If you are heading to Japan this spring in hopes of seeing the Somei Yoshino (Yoshino cherry) trees, the Japan Meteorological Corporation released its peak bloom prediction dates for more than 1,000 cities throughout the country.