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Travel Sightseeing Kansai Region Nara Guide to Cherry Blossoms How to do hanami? When do they bloom? Popular hanami spots Cherry tree varieties Cherry Blossom Report 2012 Cherry Blossom Report 2011 Cherry Blossom Report 2010 Cherry Blossom Report 2009 Todaiji Temple Kofukuji Temple Kasuga Taisha Nara National Museum Nara Park Naramachi Shin-Yakushiji Temple Mount Wakakusayama Isuien Garden Yoshikien Garden Horyuji Temple Yakushiji Temple Toshodaiji Temple Heijo Palace Wakakusa Yamayaki Omizutori Nara: Access and Orientation

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Cherry Blossom Forecast 2012   Yoshino Report - April 16, 2012 Below is a list of Nara's most popular spots for cherry blossom viewing (hanami), including the typical timing for best viewing in the average year and japan-guide.com ratings. See also our nationwide list of famous cherry blossom spots. Nara Park Early April Starts a five minute walk from Kintetsu Nara Station Admission: Free About 1700 cherry trees are planted across spacious Nara Park, outnumbering the deer by around 500. One of the most pleasant hanami spots in the park is a large lawn encircled by cherry trees, a short walk southeast of Todaiji's main hall. Heijo Palace Early April 15 minute walk from Yamato Saidaiji Station Admission: Free Quite a few cherry trees are planted on the large grounds of the former Heijo Palace, making for some pleasant picnic opportunities. Because the trees are quite exposed to the weather, they follow a blooming schedule which is typically a couple of days behind that of the trees in nearby Nara Park. Koriyama Castle Ruins Early April Ten minute walk from Kintetsu Koriyama Station Admission: Free Koriyama Castle is mostly ruins now, but the walls and moat of the castle make an attractive setting for viewing the cherry blossoms. The castle is located approximately two kilometers south of Yakushiji Temple, just outside the border of Nara City. Wakakusayama Early April 30-40 minute walk from Kintetsu Nara Station 150 yen, 9:00 to 17:00 Wakakusayama is the grass covered hill behind Nara Park that gets lit on fire every January in the spectacular Yamayaki festival. Cherry trees are planted besides the hiking trail along the edge of Wakakusayama's main slope, allowing for some nice photos of cherry blossoms in combination with the city behind. Ratings:    best of the best    best of Japan    outstanding Any Questions? Ask them in our question forum.

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How to get to and around Nara

Hotels and Ryokan

Nara is commonly visited on a day trip from Kyoto or Osaka, and only a few tourists overnight there. Indeed, the range of accommodation in Nara is rather limited, but there are a few options for those aiming to visit the city in more than a day trip. A location close to Nara Park is generally preferred.

Sponsor Hotels Hotel New Wakasa 5 min walk to Todaiji Temple and Great Buddha. Wireless Internet in lobby. Rooftop open-air Jacuzzi. Private onsen baths. Asukaso A fine ryokan with hot spring bath offering views of the famous five-story pagoda. Located in the heart of Nara town.

Recommended Hotels around Nara - with lowest rates by selected hotel reservation websites Asukaso Centrally located ryokan with outdoor baths that view onto the pagoda of Kofukuji Temple. Agoda from $476 (1 person) from $476 (2 persons) Hotel Fujita Nara Regular business hotel located halfway between JR Nara Station and Nara Park. Agoda from $88 (1 person) from $152 (2 persons) Nara Hotel One of the oldest Western style hotels in Japan, located next to Nara Park. Agoda from $140 (1 person) from $218 (2 persons)

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News and Reports

April 16, 2012 Yoshino Cherry Blossom Report by schauwecker December 1, 2011 Nara Autumn Color Report by schauwecker Nara Autumn Color Report November 18, 2010 Nara Cherry Blossom Report April 3, 2010 Yoshino Cherry Blossom Report April 6, 2010 Nara Cherry Blossom Report March 26, 2010 Wakakusa Yamayaki January 23, 2010 Nara Autumn Color Report November 23, 2009 More reports...

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