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3 Reasons Why You Should Add Oita To Your Cherry Blossom ‘Wish List’

Japan’s famous cherry blossom (sakura) season has only been experienced virtually by Australians recently, but with vaccines and international travel in sight, it's time to start dreaming about a visit for 2022.

Japan’s famous cherry blossom (sakura) season has only been experienced virtually by Australians recently, but with vaccines and international travel in sight, it’s time to start dreaming about a visit for 2022.

Oita Prefecture on Kyushu Island isn’t just a steamy symbol of Japan’s traditional onsen culture.

It’s a region that is also packed with nature, culture, and delicious food waiting for your to sample.

Plus, when it comes to Japan’s famous cherry blossom (sakura) season, Oita is the perfect place to take a stroll and enjoy the experience you’ve always wanted to add to your travel ‘wish list’.

Here’s why you should plan a trip during the magical pink season of sakura…

1. You can catch the blossoms early in Oita

Kawazu cherry blossms 2 768x436 1

The beautiful cherry blossom season, which is usually one of the most popular travel times for Australians, generally starts in the south in Okinawa and runs up to Hokkaido in the north.

This means Oita – located on the tropical southwestern island of Kyushu – is well-positioned to capture the early blossoms of the season, generally starting from late March into April and lasting for around one week.

For Australian travellers, starting their Japanese itinerary in Oita to catch the first blooms of cherry blossom will result in fewer crowds and potentially cheaper airfares.

Lesser known, but also spectacular, are the Kawazu Zakura which bloom from the end of February through to early March.

Visitors can admire these in Tsukumi city in Oita where the deep pink colour of the blossoms contrasts with the vivid blues of the Inland Sea.

2. Experience the blossoms alongside fascinating history and natural sites

Oita Cherry Blossom
Umi Jigoku

In Oita city, there are several places to experience sakura at its best. The ruins of the Funai Castle built in the 16th century are around fifteen minutes’ walk from the station and provide a glimpse into Oita’s history.

Around one hour from there, the Oka Castle ruins are officially listed as one of Japan’s top 100 cherry blossom viewing sites.

Oita’s coastal city of Beppu is worth a visit any time of the year to experience the onsen – or hot springs – but plan a visit for spring and you’ll get to experience cherry blossom, a bamboo forest and more than 650 pine trees in Beppu Park, 10 minutes’ walk from the main train station.

3. Immerse yourself in amazing Japanese food, while admiring the blossoms

Oita Cherry Blossom
Toriten

Viewing the annual cherry blossom season (hanami) is an extremely important time of the year culturally in Japan, with families and friends gathering for hanami events.

The sakura festival is celebrated with a range of food. People often bring hanami bento to eat under the trees. In Oita, this ranges from the contemporary – bento boxes can be purchased at convenience stores through to home-made local specialties such as Karaage – fried chicken bites – and Toriten – tender chicken tempura.

Traditionally three colour dango dumplings made from sweetened rice flour have also been included in the bento boxes as a sweet treat.

Click here to follow the progress of the cherry blossom (sakura).