Kobe's Cherry Blossoms Are In Full Bloom! 🌸 8 Lesser-Known Cherry Blossom Spots with Maps + Routes

#cherryblossom25 This April, my family and I, along with my husband and little one, embarked on our 16th trip to Japan. Every time it's cherry blossom season, Japan never fails to impress us with its beauty! This time, we did a deep dive into Kobe and its surrounding areas, visiting many hidden gems known mainly to locals. Compared to the bustling crowds in Kyoto and Osaka, Kobe was much quieter, making it a more peaceful and relaxed experience. What truly fascinated me was how the locals embrace cherry blossoms during this season. They carry exquisite picnic gear and camp under the cherry trees, soaking in the happiness that the blossoms bring. It felt like such a serene and joyous sight. Photos were taken between April 7th-9th, when the cherry blossoms were in full bloom (soon to be followed by the iconic "sakura snow"!). 5 Cherry Blossom Spots to Check Out: Kitano Tenmangu Shrine Features weeping cherry trees and Western-style architecture of the Ijin-kan (Western-style mansions). You can get a beautiful view of Kobe city from the higher grounds. Transportation: 15-minute walk from Sannomiya Station. Ikuta River Park A charming cherry blossom tunnel by the river, with petals falling like snow. Enjoy a relaxing walk with a cup of coffee by the clear river. Transportation: 10-minute walk from Sannomiya Station. Tsuoka River Park A hidden gem with a cherry blossom bridge and beautiful reflections in the water. The 1.2km-long cherry blossom path is especially stunning, and if you're lucky, you can capture the moment a Hankyu train passes under the cherry trees. Transportation: 5-minute walk from Shin-Kobe Station. Takao Street A wonderful blend of cherry blossoms and red electric trains, perfect for capturing that manga-like scene. You can use a telephoto lens to capture the trains passing through the flower-covered bridge. Transportation: Alight at Takao Station on the Hankyu Line. Sumaura Park Take the cable car up for a stunning view of the cherry blossoms and Seto Inland Sea. Don't go too late, as the cable car stops running in the evening. Transportation: 10-minute walk from JR Suma Station. #travel