[2025 Yamatokoriyama Attraction] Travel Guide for Saho River (Updated Apr)

#cherryblossom25 Saho River, located in the heart of Kansai, offers an enchanting cherry blossom experience that goes beyond the typical crowded spots. This tranquil location is a perfect place to witness the breathtaking beauty of sakura in full bloom, as the cherry blossoms unfurl in delicate shades of pink, creating an atmosphere that feels almost like a dream. As I visited the river multiple times over nearly two weeks, I had the unique opportunity to see the sakura evolve from their first tentative blooms to their glorious peak and, eventually, their fall. It felt like a poetic journey, a visual symphony that echoed the transient beauty of spring. Each visit gave me a new perspective as I followed the blossoms through their brief but magical life cycle. What made this place stand out was the serene environment—while other famous spots were crowded with tourists, Saho River remained peaceful and undisturbed, with just a few locals strolling along the riverbanks. This peaceful setting allowed me to immerse myself fully in the natural beauty, without the usual rush and noise. The soft, pastel pink flowers of the sakura trees were like delicate strokes of a painting, stretching across the horizon. When the wind would gently stir the branches, petals would cascade down like snowflakes, creating a stunning visual effect. The entire scene felt surreal, as if the sky itself had softened and joined in the delicate dance of petals fluttering in the air. The cherry blossoms here aren’t just a seasonal spectacle—they’re a symbol of fleeting beauty, of moments that pass all too quickly. Walking along the river with the blossoms in full bloom, surrounded by the delicate fragrance in the air, felt like I was in the midst of a living poem. It was a reminder that, like the sakura, life is transient but beautifully precious. The Saho River sakura experience is one of those rare moments where nature, time, and emotion align perfectly, offering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the full cycle of this iconic flower. It's a journey worth taking, especially if you're looking for an escape from the more crowded and commercialized spots in Japan, where you can savor the quiet moments of beauty and serenity. 🌸 #travel

#cherryblossom25 After being a bit disappointed by the sakura at Backsagoe, I found my heart and camera healed by the beauty of the cherry blossoms along Saho River! The sakura here are at 80-90% bloom (as of March 30, 2025), and some parts of the river have begun to drop petals like snow. This weekend will be the peak bloom period, so don’t miss it! 🌸 I’m sharing the best photo spots and a one-day sakura itinerary in Nara—get ready to be inspired! Itinerary for Cherry Blossom Viewing in Nara: Starting Point: Shin-Omiya Station End Point: Kintetsu Nara Station Total Length: About 2km You can also walk the route in reverse! The core viewing spots are at Saho River Sakura and Kawaji Sakura along the river road. Top Cherry Blossom Spots Along the Route: Mizube no Gakko (Water’s Edge School) 🌸 Location: Near the Saho River, perfect for walking up to the riverbank to enjoy the sakura close up. Highlights: You can get up close to the cherry blossoms as they drape over green grass. The scene will remind you of Backsagoe, and the area is full of local charm with live music performances and families picnicking or fishing by the river! Best Time for Photos: Early in the day or before sunset for the golden light filtering through the blossoms. Saho River Sakura Railway 🚂 Location: From Daibutsu Railway Park, head to the Saho River Sakura Railway. Why Visit: This area sees fewer tourists, and the frequent trains passing by (every 2-3 minutes) provide perfect opportunities for shots of sakura and trains—an iconic Japanese scene! Best Time for Photos: When trains pass, as the sakura frame the railway tracks in a picturesque scene. Kawaji Sakura (川路桜) 🌸 Location: After crossing the railway, this area is often less crowded, making it an ideal spot for a peaceful photo session with the blossoms. Why Visit: The cherry trees here form a beautiful path, and it’s quieter, allowing for more intimate photos and a relaxed experience. Daibutsu Railway Park (大佛鉄道公園) 🚂 Location: Close to Kintetsu Nara Station (about 8 minutes walk). Highlights: This park has a beautiful pink weeping cherry tree at the entrance, perfect for photos! If you’re not interested in seeing Yoshino cherries, you can skip this park and head straight to the other areas. #travel

#cherryblossom25 Flowing gently through ancient Nara, the Saho River’s banks transform each spring into one of Kansai’s longest cherry blossom corridors, with 1,700+ somei-yoshino trees stretching 7km from Tamatebashi to Hokkeji. Unlike crowded Kyoto spots, here you’ll stroll beneath endless pink arches accompanied only by the murmur of water and occasional wild deer stepping through petals. 📍 Best Section: Tamatebashi to Omiya Bridge (3km prime stretch) 🚆 Access: - From Kyoto: Kintetsu Line to Yamato-Saidaiji Station(35 mins), walk 5 mins - From Nara Station: Bus #2 to Tamatebashi (10 mins) 🎫 **Cost**: **Free** (open 24/7)

#GlobalTravel In addition to the famous shrines and temples, there are also many secret landscapes that will bring you great surprises during the cherry blossom season in Kansai! The Saba River is located in Nara City, Japan. Every spring, the cherry blossoms blooming on both sides of the river attract countless tourists. The cherry blossom trail along the Saba River is 5 kilometers long, and it is recommended to leisurely enjoy the beautiful scenery while riding a bicycle. The cherry blossoms stretch endlessly, and you will pass by a large field of rapeseed flowers on the way, creating a romantic and poetic scene. Transportation is also very convenient. Take JR to Nara Station and walk to the river in about 15 minutes. You can also rent a bicycle near the station. 📍Address: Saba River

Don’t just think of the cherry blossom riverbanks as the Sawagawa River in Nara is just as beautiful! There are about five kilometers of cherry blossoms planted on both sides of the Saba River. You can feel the romance of being surrounded by cherry blossoms while taking a walk or taking a rest. It's not as popular as Nara Park and Yoshinoyama, but it's really worth a visit. If you don't like crowds and want to enjoy the cherry blossoms quietly, Saba River is a good place to go. Moreover, the transportation here is convenient, and it can be regarded as a hidden cherry blossom viewing spot. Cherry Blossom Viewing Event: Kawaji Cherry Blossom Festival Lighting time: Sunset--20:00 📍Address: Saho River, Horien Town, Nara City, Nara Prefecture 🚗Transportation: About 1-5 minutes walk from Kintetsu Shin-Omiya Station and JR Nara Station / About 1-5 minutes walk from Kintetsu Nara Station

Having been a cherry blossom enthusiast in Kyoto, I've compiled a few experiences for you. —— Here's the itinerary: ✅ Nara for 1 day: Jr Nara Station ➡ Saho River ➡ Nara Park 🌸 Saho River (Nara Station) The riverbanks are lined with Yoshino cherry trees. After arriving at JR Nara Station, it's recommended to take a taxi (a bit more than a hundred yuan). Tell the driver "sahokawa sakura," or simply show them the words "佐保川 の桜" enlarged, and they'll understand. 🌸 Nara Park Deer and cherry blossoms (Nara Park bus stop) After enjoying the cherry blossoms at Saho River, take a taxi back to Nara JR Station and then a bus to Nara Park, which takes about 10 minutes. The park is right at the bus stop, and you can buy deer biscuits to feed the deer. The autumn foliage season is also stunning. ——— ✅ Kyoto for 3 days 1️⃣ Day 1 (Yoshino cherry blossom viewing) Sewari-tei (Yawata Station) ➡ Fushimi Jukkoku-bune (Chushojima Station) ➡ Kamo River (Sanjo Keihan Station) 🌸 Sewari-tei (Yawata Station) Comparable to Japan's bustling spring festival, it's less crowded before 8 am. Follow the crowd after exiting the station; there are plenty of signs along the way. 🌸 Fushimi Jukkoku-bune (Chushojima Station) Tickets for the boat are usually unavailable on the day, so just enjoy the view. It wasn't very popular when I visited, but it's become a trendy cherry blossom spot in recent years. 🌸 Kamo River (Sanjo Keihan Station) Exit at Sanjo Keihan Station, and there's minimal walking. The riverbanks are lined with cherry trees, and there's always one tree just for you. It's recommended to visit in the evening for a beautiful view. 2️⃣ Day 2 (Weeping cherry blossom, Kyoto specialty) Daigoji Temple (Daigo Station) ➡ Kodaiji Temple, Kiyomizu Temple (Higashiyama Station) ➡ Hirano Shrine (Imadegawa Station) 🌸 Daigoji Temple (Daigo Station) You can take a taxi from the station, costing about half a hundred yuan. Tell the driver "daigoji sakura," and they'll understand immediately. Walking is also an option. Daigoji Temple is a cherry blossom haven, with stunning weeping cherry blossoms and a long blooming period. Even when Yoshino cherry trees haven't bloomed, you can see early-blooming weeping cherry blossoms here. There's a cherry blossom market every year, attracting many locals. 🌸 Kodaiji Temple, Kiyomizu Temple (Higashiyama Station) Ishibei-koji, Gion Yasaka, and Ninenzaka are all in this area, with many tour groups. It requires a lot of walking and uphill climbing. Kodaiji Temple has a single beautiful weeping cherry tree. Kiyomizu Temple is less impressive during cherry blossom season compared to autumn foliage. 🌸 Hirano Shrine (Imadegawa Station) There are outdoor cherry blossom markets at night, with various food stalls offering authentic Japanese flavors! There's some distance from the subway, so you might want to take a taxi, costing about half or a full hundred yuan. Tell the driver "hirano jinja," or show them the words "平野神社," and they'll understand. 3️⃣ Day 3 alternative (Arashiyama ➡ Philosopher's Path) 🌸 Arashiyama The area is vast, and you can spend a whole day exploring. The Arashiyama train is extremely popular, making tickets hard to get. However, I recommend visiting during the autumn foliage season, as the cherry blossom season in Arashiyama isn't as impressive. 🌸 Philosopher's Path It's most beautiful during the cherry blossom snow. Not as impressive as Nara's Saho River. ——— ✅ Other popular spots: Fushimi Inari Taisha, Kyoto Imperial Palace, Shijo Kawaramachi, Nijo Castle, etc. I find them average (just my personal opinion). #KyotoCherryBlossoms #KansaiCherryBlossomViewing #CherryBlossomSeason #KamoRiver #JapanTravel #KyotoTravel

[Sakura] The blooming of cherry blossoms is very dependent on the weather. Since the weather in 2024 was colder than in previous years, the blooming of cherry blossoms was significantly delayed. But don’t wait until the time is right to book your flight tickets and hotels. During the cherry blossom season, you must book your flight tickets and hotels long in advance, otherwise it will be really expensive. Therefore, booking in advance can only refer to the time in previous years. My travel time is 2024.3.30-2024.4.8 This itinerary is suitable for those who are visiting Japan for the first time and want to enjoy cherry blossoms and check in [Doge] [RoundNails] Itinerary: 3.30 Tokyo: Arrive at noon, Sensoji Temple & Sumida Park 🌸-Meguro River 🌸-Akihabara 3.31 Tokyo: Chidorigafuchi🌸-Arai Yakushimae🌸-Shibuya SKY-Ueno Park🌸 4.1 Kamakura: Shichirigahama - Inamurazaki - Kamakura Komachi-dori - Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine - Enoshima - Shichirigahama 4.2 Mt. Fuji: Lake Kawaguchi-Hikkawa Watch Shop-Kawaguchiko Tenjo Park 4.3 Mt. Fuji & Kyoto: Hiranohama-Shiratorihama-Toji Temple in Kyoto🌸 4.4 Kyoto: Daigoji Temple🌸-Kiyomizudera Temple🌸-Sansanzaka Ninnezaka-Maruyama Park🌸-Yasaka Shrine-Gion-Kamogawa 4.5 Kyoto & Osaka: Back Ware Bank 🌸-Fushimi Juishi Boat 🌸-Osaka Tsutenkaku-Shinsaibashi & Dotonbori 4.6 Osaka: Universal Studios 4.7 Osaka & Nara: Mint🌸-Nara Saho River🌸-Nara Park-Kasuga Taisha Shrine-Wakakusayama🌸-Osaka Umeda 4.8 Return The real-time status of the cherry blossoms can be referred to by tenki. If you find that the cherry blossoms are not in good condition, you can temporarily delete a few places. When going to Mount Fuji, you also need to check the visibility of Mount Fuji a few days before the visit and choose a day with high visibility! If you have been staying in Tokyo for the past few days, you can temporarily change the itinerary dates of Tokyo Kamakura and Mount Fuji. Universal Studios Japan Kiyomizu Temple Shinsaibashi Sensoji Temple Tsutenkaku Gion Nara Park Sannenzaka Ninenzaka Dotonbori Shibuya Daigoji Temple Backwari Tsutsumi Meguro River Sabogawa Mt. Wakakusa Akihabara Electric Town Lake Yamanaka Lake Kawaguchi Fushimi Jushikishu Universal Studios Japan Chidorigafuchi Park

Every spring, Japan's cherry blossom season is always something to look forward to. Cherry blossoms bloom like snow, and the whole city is covered in a sea of pink flowers, which is breathtakingly beautiful. In this beautiful season, people go out to enjoy the gorgeous cherry blossoms. Whether in parks, streets, or riverbanks, you can see cherry blossoms everywhere. When the breeze blows, the petals fall like snow, forming a beautiful flower rain that is intoxicating. Japan's cherry blossom season is not only a visual feast but also a cultural experience. Under the cherry blossom trees, people hold various activities, such as flower viewing parties, concerts, traditional dance performances, etc., allowing people to feel the unique cultural charm of Japan. In addition, the cherry blossom season is also a good time to taste delicious food. Sushi, wagashi, matcha, and other traditional Japanese delicacies can satisfy your taste buds this spring. If you happen to be in Japan, don't miss this romantic cherry blossom season. Let's enjoy the beautiful cherry blossoms, feel the breath of spring, and enjoy this wonderful time together!

The cherry blossom tunnel along Saho River may not be as famous as Nara Park and Yoshino Mountain, but it is conveniently located, less crowded, and considered a hidden gem for cherry blossom viewing that's integrated into the local city life. Along both sides of the stream, there are more than 1,000 cherry trees planted over a stretch of 5 kilometers, most of which were planted at the end of the Edo period. The oldest trees are over 160 years old, with dense branches and flowers casting their reflections on the water. Complementing the cherry blossoms are the green lawns on the riverbanks, lush and vibrant. Many locals take their children or dogs for a walk on the paths beside the embankment, and groups of students bring picnic mats and bento boxes to have small gatherings and picnics under the cherry trees by the river, which is incredibly romantic! We set out from Nara Park and arrived at sunset. In the distance, there was the evening glow, and by the roadside, students in Japanese school uniforms were pausing on their way home from school, looking like something out of a manga. 📍Address: Saho River, Horai-cho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture. Nara, Daianjinishi, 1 Chome 🚘Transport: About a 10-minute walk from Kintetsu Shin-Omiya Station or JR Nara Station, and about a 15-minute walk from Kintetsu Nara Station. From Shin-Omiya Station, walk along the riverbank to Kawarou Sakura.

The charming Saba River is the most spectacular 5 km cherry blossom avenue in Nara City! These cherry trees, which are nearly 170 years old, together form a dreamy cherry blossom tunnel. The Sakura Parade on the Saba River is a magnificent sight with about 1,000 cherry trees intertwined. This spectacular cherry blossom viewing spot is conveniently located near JR Nara Station, only about a 15-minute walk away. Strolling along the Saba River, you will be surrounded by a charming sea of ​​cherry blossoms. The 5-kilometer-long Cherry Blossom Avenue presents you with a visual feast. Whether it is the pink romance when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, or the poetic feelings when the cherry blossom petals fall, you will be intoxicated by it. These cherry trees bear witness to the accumulation of history and highlight the rich heritage of Nara. Every spring, when the cherry blossoms bloom, Saba River becomes a popular spot for cherry blossom viewing, attracting countless tourists. In this cherry blossom tunnel, you will travel through time and feel the fusion of long history and natural beauty. At Saba River, you will witness the most spectacular cherry blossom scenery in Nara City. This is definitely an unforgettable cherry blossom viewing trip! #Japan and Korea Springtime Destinations

Friends who go to Nara, please don't cling to the 🦌Kamikaze Park where there are only a few cherry blossoms. The Sho River near the Yamashita subway station is already in full bloom. The two-kilometer-long river bank is already full of cherry blossoms. The crowds have dispersed, and taking pictures is so beautiful! - 📍Navigation "Saba River Cherry Blossoms" 🚇Get off at Shin-Omiya Station on the Kintetsu Nara Line and walk for a while - 📸Bring a telephoto lens There are many elements here, including traffic lights, passing trams, people enjoying the flowers under the cherry trees, and reflections in the river on a sunny day...it makes the photos stand out.

It would be a pity not to go to cherry blossom viewing this season But it would be more regrettable if you go and miss it The most important time to see cherry blossoms The most ornamental value of cherry blossoms is within 6 days after they bloom. So be sure to seize these few days after the full opening The itinerary should also include the prime time for cherry blossom viewing in these days. See this year’s forecast Tokyo·Japan area full opening hours Probably around the time period of March 26-28 The Kyoto Nara area is fully open Probably during the period from March 31st to April 2nd 🌟If you mainly see the cherry blossoms in Tokyo🌸 Then the itinerary to Tokyo should include March 27th-April 2nd 🌟If it’s Kyoto Nara The itinerary should include the period from April 1 to April 6 📍Cherry blossom viewing spot in Nara area of ​​Kyoto Go to the large-scale cherry blossom area: Saho River Kakaruritsuike Sabo River is a combination of many houses and railway tracks along the Sakura River. Especially suitable for shooting Japanese fresh style Kaikaratike is a spectacular cherry blossom avenue Big tree with many flowers, fantastic cherry blossoms City Sakura Kyoto can be: Kamogawa, the Way of Philosophy, and Takanagawa are all good It’s also nice to walk between cities and enjoy cherry blossoms. Choose a good time and place Then you won’t be disappointed this cherry blossom season

💫The flower viewing season is coming soon. The cherry blossoms from late March to early April are particularly spectacular. There are many good cherry blossom viewing spots near Kyoto and Nara. The combination with the small streets and ancient Japanese buildings is exactly like a scene from a comic book, and it is also easy to reach. Friends who are traveling to Japan during the cherry blossom season must not miss it. 🌸Saba River is very close to Nara, just a blood station away. There are cherry blossoms along both sides of the river for 3-4 kilometers, and combined with the small streets and railway tracks, it is like a scene straight out of a cartoon. If the photography index here is only 85 during the non-cherry blossom season, then it can reach over 96 during the cherry blossom season. Travel suggestions: You can stay near Kintetsu Nara Station, go to Saba River in the morning to take pictures of the cherry blossoms in the morning light, play until noon, then go to Nara to play, and finally go to Nara Wakakusa Mountain to watch the sunset. It’s romantic just thinking about it. 🌸Backwards Tsutsumi, Kyoto area, from Kyoto to Fushimi Inari, you can get there after a few stops after passing Fushimi Inari. The cherry trees here are very big, stretching for more than one kilometer, which is the cherry blossom avenue in the dream. Travel suggestions: Go early in the morning from Kyoto as the cherry blossoms are the most beautiful in the morning light. Play until noon and then return to Fushimi Inari. The highlight of Fushimi Inari is actually the many torii gates, and the scenery on the mountain is not that outstanding. 🌸Philosopher's Path, a beautiful cherry blossom path near Ginkaku-ji Temple in downtown Kyoto. #Sakura2024

Cherry blossom season, want to admire the cherry blossoms without taking too many photos with crowds of people? Then Nara's Saho River is the place to go! While you're there, you can also see the deer in Nara, Nara Prefecture . It's a riverbank with a large area of cherry blossoms. It's relatively close to JR Nara Station, but quite far from Kintetsu Nara and Nara Park, about 20 minutes away. When planning your itinerary, be sure to check the time! Navigation to Zohokawa Sakura is possible, it seems to be really famous, there is even a separate landmark on Google. There are a lot of cherry blossoms on the entire bank or riverbank along the river! Keep walking to the residential area, there are a lot of cherry blossoms on the stone road, super beautiful!! And there are very few people, mostly nearby residents, it's nice to take pictures or quietly enjoy the cherry blossoms! Recommendation rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟 📍Location: Navigate to "Sakura of Zohokawa"

Spring is a beautiful season, the plain street view is adorned with flowers, making it a very beautiful scenery. Don't miss the cherry blossoms in these places, they are worth a visit in spring. Saho River in Nara for dancing, cherry blossom on the riverbank. The flowers by the roadside can really fall into the window. Chang Jing's philosophy of the capital city The Back Cut Embankment in the suburbs of Tokyo.

As mentioned in the previous articles about cherry blossom viewing, we chose to use various cherry blossom prediction tools to decide our itinerary this time. Unfortunately, the cherry blossoms were late blooming this time, but the Nara Sahōgawa River happened to be in full bloom on the day we went, so we immediately started our cherry blossom viewing trip to Kamaeshi. You can see the blooming Kanagawa flowers across the street. They are more beautiful than any cherry blossoms I have ever seen and are the best view that makes the trip worthwhile. When the wind blows gently, the cherry blossoms float on the river, each one competing to be more lush and flourishing, making people linger. # Sakura Frontline

The cherry blossom trees line the Saho River that runs through Nara City🌸 All three of these photos were taken near Kintetsu Shin-Omiya Station. Cherry blossoms bloom along the Saho River every year from mid-March to early April, and the area is crowded with many cherry blossom viewers. There are many scenes of cherry blossom trees and tunnels of cherry blossoms, creating a tranquil atmosphere♪ The cherry blossom branches🌸 that hang down all at once toward the river are particularly impressive! When the weather is good, there seem to be many families with children playing in the river♪ Access: About a 5-minute walk from Shin-Omiya Station on the Kintetsu Nara Line #Nara#Nara Prefecture #Cherry Blossoms #Famous Cherry Blossom Spots #Hanami #Breathtaking Views#A Trip to Enjoy Spring#Hanami