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Cherry Blossom Season in Japan: 2025 Forecast

The Japanese cherry blossom, or sakura, has long been adored by people across the globe. It is regarded as a symbol of renewal, vitality, and beauty. During the spring season of each year, thousands travel to Japan to view the wondrous spectacle of these white or pink flowers blooming en masse.

This article serves as your guide to the 2025 cherry blossom season, including forecasted bloom dates and the best spots to enjoy the flowers.

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Kansai Area Pass itinerary: 7 days in Kyoto, Osaka, and more

The Kansai Area Pass is ideal if you’re planning to explore Japan’s historical heartland. Covering top destinations like Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Himeji, and Kobe, this regional pass lets you travel quickly and affordably across the region.

The pass is available for up to 4 consecutive days. In this 7-day itinerary, we’ll show you how to plan your trip and some ideas for using local transport on city days.

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How and why Japanese trains are so punctual

Traveling by train is more prevalent in Japan than in most other countries around the world. Statistics from the OECD showed that in 2021, 28% of passenger kilometers in Japan were traveled by rail, compared to just 0.25% in the United States and 5% in the United Kingdom.

A large part of this frequent use is due to the excellence of their railway system—particularly evident in the iconic Shinkansen or bullet train—which puts many others to shame.

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