Minamiashigara Travel Recommendations for 2024 (Updated in May)

Harumeki-Sakura Cherry Blossoms

#japantrip Due to the prolonged cold weather in Tokyo city, we weren’t able to see any cherry blossom yet despite its mid/end March so we had to venture out!This spot is an approx. 1.5 hr drive from Tokyo city and suggest to go earlier as it gets more crowded towards noon / afternoon time. The Sakura is almost towards the end now as it is white in colour and with partial withered. Have 5-6 parking spots only so might need to queue. Great spot for photos, dog walking and romantic stroll.

Harumeki-Sakura Cherry Blossoms

#springblossom Beautiful Strip of Cherry Blossom (Sakura) near Hakone. Due to the prolonged cold weather in Tokyo city, we weren’t able to see any cherry blossom yet despite its mid/end March so we had to venture out! This spot is an approx. 1.5 hr drive from Tokyo city and suggest to go earlier as it gets more crowded towards noon / afternoon time. The Sakura is almost towards the end now as it is white in colour and with partial withered. Have 5-6 parking spots only so might need to queue. Great spot for photos, dog walking and romantic stroll. Beware: the soil road is a bit dusty with rocks so be ready for a dirty pair of shoes after the visit.

Tokyo Sakura 2024 | Happiness Path in Minamiashigara, Kanagawa Prefecture.

Happiness Path in Minamiashigara, Kanagawa Prefecture. This year, the cherry blossoms in Tokyo did not bloom as scheduled, with most of them still in a dormant state, requiring about another week to bloom in succession🌸 Sharing a cherry blossom viewing spot in Minamiashigara, Kanagawa Prefecture, where the cherry blossoms have been in full bloom since the 20th, with the site still at 70-80% peak. The spring weather in Tokyo is misty and cool, so remember to bring an umbrella and wear extra clothes to keep warm🌸 📍Spring Wood Path・Happiness Path (Harumeki)

The temple complex was one of the most impressive we’ve seen in Japan. Daiyuzan Saijo-ji is obscurely located in the mountain forests of Odawara's Hakone so it’s a really amazing peaceful place to spend the afternoon. We hiked to the temple from Daiyuzan town and it is a bit of climb but we did take a nice rewarding soak at the onsen close by after and took the onsen bus back to the town. There’s also an option to take the public bus there and back. Although it is still frequented by devout worshipers from all across Japan, it remains one of the less talked about magnificent places in Kanagawa Prefecture. #givethanks #givethanks