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Best Hanami in Japan 2012/11/10 17:45
We want to come to Japan ONLY for Hanami and have confirmed our tickets to arrive at Haneda Apr 2, depart Apr 9. What are the best places for Hanami ?
Our tickets include free domestic travel on JAL ONLY to anywhere within Japan. I am aware of Kyoto, (+Arashimyama) and Yoshino as good Hanami viewing areas but what would be the nearest airport to these 2 areas from Haneda ? We plan on renting a car from that airport. Also, must return to Haneda on Apr 9.
Would appreciate any suggestions. We have been to Tokyo several times so unless the Hanami is worthwhile, there is no particular need for us to visit Tokyo.
by Ben (guest)  

Re: Best Hanami in Japan 2012/11/10 21:02
This is a list of Japan's best hanami spots:
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2011_where.html

Of course, no hanami spot is great unless it is in bloom. Therefore, you will have to decide depending on the timing of that year's pace of the blossoms.
by Uji rate this post as useful

... 2012/11/11 03:11
Our tickets include free domestic travel on JAL ONLY to anywhere within Japan.

Can you explain what sort of tickets these are? Link? Or do you work for JAL/Affiliate?

I am aware of Kyoto, (+Arashimyama) and Yoshino as good Hanami viewing areas but what would be the nearest airport to these 2 areas from Haneda ?

Itami (ITM) or Kansai (KIX)
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2433.html
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2033.html

We plan on renting a car from that airport.

Why? Public transport is likely to be cheaper, easier, and maybe even more efficient.

Enjoy your trip!
by GC3 rate this post as useful

Re: Best Hanami in Japan 2012/11/11 05:50
Ben,
Kyoto is at least 500 km from Haneda..a bit far for driving..
by Monkey see (guest) rate this post as useful

Re: Best Hanami in Japan 2012/11/11 17:55
Thanks guys for your help. Yes, JAL affiliate. What websites give public transport info in English (time-tables and fares) to get me from Itami airport to Kyoto and then Yoshinoyama and then back to Itami ?
Is the area Itami, Kyoto, Yoshinoyama etc served by JR West and if so, I could not find their tel enquiry number from JR West's English site. I remember before calling JR East enquiry and their girls spoke perfect English and were most helpful. It's so cheap to call IDD nowadays.
by Ben (guest) rate this post as useful

Re: Best Hanami in Japan 2012/11/11 18:26
Here is also a list of the designated top 100 places in the country to view cherry blossoms:
http://wikitravel.org/en/Japan's_Top_100_Cherry_Blossom_Spots

Have you decided what parts of Japan you will visit? Just Kansai?
by Rabbityama rate this post as useful

... 2012/11/11 21:16
Yes, JAL affiliate.

Makes sense.

What websites give public transport info in English (time-tables and fares) to get me from Itami airport to Kyoto and then Yoshinoyama and then back to Itami ?

Itami to Kyoto is explained on the link I gave above.

Timetables/fares are available:-
http://www.hyperdia.com/

Is the area Itami, Kyoto, Yoshinoyama etc served by JR West

Around Itami, no.
Kyoto, a little.
Yoshino, no. Kintetsu.
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4151.html
by GC3 rate this post as useful

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