Almost 13 kilometres away from the overflowing cherry blossom parks of Kyoto stands an elegant white castle on top of a small hill in Shiga prefecture. Surrounded by a wide moat and a thick stone wall, Hikone castle is one of the 12 original castles still remaining in Japan. I set out for Hikone from Nara to view […]
Hanami
10 best castles you should visit in Japan
During my stay in Japan, I had the privilege of travelling to all the 47 prefectures. I explored many popular, as well as less travelled destinations. Among the many places of interest in Japan, castles hold a special place. Be it the huge white castle of Himeji or the small castle tower at Hirosaki castle […]
Plum blossom in Japan
Spring has arrived. One thing that is deeply associated with spring in Japan is the cherry blossom festival or ‘hanami’ (the flower viewing festival). Cherry blossom or ‘sakura’ usually start blooming by the end of March and get to peak blooming by mid of April. In Touhoku region and Hokkaido sakura appear much later. Check […]
The Four Seasons of Japan – 日本四季
Spring which starts in March and stays till May is a very busy period in Japan. It is also the season when the most beautiful festival – Hanami is celebrated. The Sakura trees (or the cherry blossoms) all over Japan come into bloom for between seven to ten days. People hold outdoor parties to view […]