I’ve gone to Osaka a few times already, but with so much to see and do, I seize each opportunity to return. My last trip though was rather special—it was not only spring but also the elusive sakura (cherry blossoms) season, which stretches for only about a couple of weeks. Thus, I made it a mission to hunt for the charming trees—one of the best things that symbolize Japan—in their full glory in both Osaka and Kyoto.
FLYING FROM CLARK TO OSAKA WITH JETSTAR ASIA
Spring in Japan, one of the busiest times of year in Osaka, Kyoto, and the rest of Japan, coincided with our Holy Week holiday, so I was lucky to be afforded a seat on the Jetstar Asia inaugural flight from Clark to Osaka. I was ecstatic to be flying—especially with the events that happened that day. (Read more about the happenings here.)
In the interim, Jetstar Asia flies three times weekly from Clark to Osaka—on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. The route is a great alternative for those who live in Northern and Central Luzon who need not travel to Manila, as well as those from elsewhere looking for a bargain on flights to Japan.
OSAKA CASTLE AND NISHINOMARU PARK (OSAKA)
After resting for a few hours, I chose to go to Osaka Castle because among the recommended stops for sakura in Osaka, it was the easiest to get to from where I was staying. Walking from the subway station, I giddily strolled towards the castle’s moat, where there were sakura trees already.
I had been to Osaka Castle twice before—once in autumn and once in winter but not yet in spring—so I was delighted to see it surrounded by vibrant cherry blossoms, making it even more picturesque.
After the castle itself, I proceeded to Nishinomaru Park, located on one end of the castle grounds. According to what I’d read, the spot is popular for hanami (sakura viewing) parties or picnics. Accessible with a small fee, the park extends its hours purposely during the sakura season, with lights illuminating the trees as night falls.
GION-SHIJO STATION (KYOTO)
The next morning, I got myself a one-day Keihan Railway tourist pass for Osaka-Kyoto. One of Keihan Railway’s major stops is Gion-Shijo Station, where I alighted. And right outside of the station, there was a canal magnificently lined with cherry blossom trees. I was mesmerized by the sight, but I knew then that just was the start of my day.
MARUYAMA PARK (KYOTO)
Arguably Kyoto’s most popular hanami spot is the expansive Maruyama Park, a few minutes away by foot from Gion-Shijo Station. The number of trees was astounding—it came as no wonder why people had set up picnics everywhere despite it being a weekday. Aside from the numerous food stalls, there were restaurants with seats under the trees, too.
HEIAN SHRINE AND OKAZAKI CANAL (KYOTO)
Continuing northward, I walked toward Heian Shrine and the Okazaki Canal that surrounds the former. Although the shrine was an attraction in itself, what was notable during my visit was the garden adjacent to it (there was an admission fee), where there were a number of vibrantly pink weeping cherry blossom trees.
PHILOSOPHER’S PATH (KYOTO)
All guides online list Kyoto’s Philospher’s Path as one of the best places to see cherry blossoms, and it was easy to see why. Walking along the sakura-lined path was an enchanting experience, and it was at that moment that made me decide that I should come again next year.
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Jetstar Asia now flies from Clark (Pampanga) to Singapore and Osaka. For “all day, every day, low fares,” book flights at jetstar.com. For promos and updates, follow Jetstar Asia on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. |
