Cherry Blossoms at Himeji Castle, and How to Get There


The annual cherry blossoms season is one of the most beautiful season of the year, and many travelers from all over the world travels to Japan and catch its magnificent beauty. 




Few weeks ago, we got an opportunity to have a glimpse of its mesmerizing beauty when we visited Himeji Castle in Hyogo Prefecture. I would like to share you some cherry blossoms pictures and a quick guide on how to get there, the next time you are in Japan.



Himeji is in the southwestern part of Hyogo Prefecture, which is in the Kansai region, is part of the Banshu region, and is known as a day trip destination for tourists coming from Osaka and Kyoto. Himeji is also famous for being the home of places like the World Heritage Site Himeji Castle. Himeji is in the southwestern part of Hyogo Prefecture, which is in the Kansai region, is part of the Banshu region, and is known as a day trip destination for tourists coming from Osaka and Kyoto. 





How to get there?

From Tokyo to Himeji
You can get to Himeji from Tokyo by shinkansen or airplane. When going by air, you have to go through Kobe Airport and switch to local trains from there. If you want to save time commuting, please take the shinkansen.

From Osaka to Himeji
Go by train or car from Osaka to Himeji. From Osaka Station, you can take a special rapid train on the JR Kobe Line bound for Himeji, eight stations away. The trip is about an hour. By car, you can get from Osaka City to Himeji City in about an hour and 20 minutes.

From Kyoto to Himeji

From Kyoto Station, take a special rapid train on the Kyoto Line to Himeji, 11 stations away.





Getting Around Himeji City

Now we’ll introduce the public transportation options for getting around within Himeji.

By Bus

Buses for various places in the city leave from Himeji Station. If you’re heading to Mt. Shosha (Engyoji Temple), take the Shinki Bus bound for the Shosha Ropeway. If you’re going to Himeji Castle, Kokoen Garden or Senhime Peony Garden, use the Himeji Castle Loop Bus.

Himeji Castle Loop Bus
The Himeji Castle Loop Bus, operated by Shinki Bus KK, is very convenient for tourists. The bus leaves from Himeji Station, then stops at Himeji Castle, as well as the surrounding municipal art museum, the museum, and Kokoen Garden.

Fare:
100 yen for adults, 50 yen for children (per ride)


By Bike

The distance between Himeji Station and Himeji Castle is about a kilometer, making it just right for cycling. You can rent a bike from one of the Himechari or Ekirin-kun bike rental shops. If you travel around on a bike, you might discover some unexpected treasures.

Himechari

Rental rate: 100 yen for the first hour, another 100 yen for every subsequent half hour
Website: Himechari

Rental Cycle Ekirin-kun (Himeji)
Rental rate: Once for 310 yen (until 10:00 the following day)
Operating hours: 6:30-23:00
Website: Ekirin 


By Taxi
Since Himeji’s city center is relatively compact, travel by taxi is also a reasonable idea. The ride from Himeji Station to Himeji Castle will take from 740 yen to 970 yen.
Website: Shinki Loop Bus







I know right, it is soo instagrammable!

But let me pause you a minute for there are some restrictions in visiting this castle grounds.




First, be mindful and cautious of your actions. This is a heritage and national treasure site and very important to Japan, and as a guest we must respect their traditions, cultures and values.

Second, this is one of the places that FLYING DRONE IS NOT ALLOWED. However, you can check here where you can fly your drones in Japan.



Address: Hyogo, Himeji City, Honmachi 68
Hours: 9:00-16:00 (gates close at 17:00)
Summer hours (4/27 to 8/31): 9:00-17:00 (gates close at 18:00)
Castle admission: 1000 yen for adults, 300 yen for children (from elementary to high school age)
Website: Himeji Castle





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162 comments :

  1. What a dream it would be to go see the cherry blossoms turn! You captured it so beautifully!

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  2. What a beautiful place to visit. We have beaches here in Florida, but nothing picturesque like this! LOVE it

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  3. Absolutely stunning. I have a friend who has traveled to Japan several times and she LOVES it there.

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  4. I would love to visit Himeji Castle one day. I love the geography, the architecture, and those blossoms are gorgeous!

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  5. These pictures are gorgeous and it looks like an amazing place to visit. I love Cherry Blossoms and always looked forward to them blooming in Washington DC when I lived there as a teenager.

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    1. Did you know that the cheery blossoms in Washington is a gift from Japan many years ago?

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  6. Oh wow, what a gorgeous area! I just love cherry blossoms. I need to get here one day. We don't have the cherry blossoms in Texas, boo.

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    1. Oh if you can't visit Japan, you can enjoy the cherry blossoms in Washington DC. It is the closest beauty you can enjoy.

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  7. That is an amazing amount of blossoms. My neighbor has a cherry tree and the flowers are so pretty.

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    1. wow that's so cool! You can have an afternoon tea with your parasols :D

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  8. These cherry trees look just spectacular! I love spring for all its wonders! I'd love to visit this place one day, it's on my bucketlist from now on! :)

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  9. These photos are absolutely beautiful! I would love to go see these cherry blossoms in person one day!

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  10. What an amazing site to behold. Cherry blossoms are so beautiful and to see them like that had to be such a wonderful view. Your pictures are great, so I can only imagine in person.

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  11. Exactly Japan as I imagine it and dream it! It must be wonderful this season!

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    1. Yes it is and sometimes tricky coz the sakura season is changing :D

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  12. Wow! It is so amazing. Japan is on my bucket list and I would like to go during the cherry blossom season. I believe that it will have a really positive emotional stimulation on my soul just experiencing these flowers in their natural environment.

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    1. Yes and makes us appreciate small things. Though you can see thousands of people enjoying its beauty, and visiting as early as possible is recommended to get a nice spot.

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  13. This place is so beautiful and i love how detailed and descriptive this post is, i'll love to come here

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  14. What a lovely sight. This is so very beautiful. Wish I too am there sometime soon.

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  15. I wish to visit Japan to see the cherry blossom season in person. Definitely worth Instagramming! :)

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    1. Hopefully you can visit next cherry blossom season!

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  16. Goodness gracious! Feels like I'm already at Himeji Castle through your so-amazing pictures!That place is just so instagrammable and honestly, I would shoot everything- from the boat ride...looks so romantic too. Now I need to visit Japan in spring!

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    1. Yes and thank you for appreciating! Japan will always welcome you.

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  17. wow this looks incredible!!! I would love to go here and visit!!

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  18. those Cherry blossoms are so pretty! I didn't get to see them in person every time I visit Japan but luckily, I get to see them in my city as well

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  19. all of y9our photos are fabulous!! love cherry blossoms :)

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  20. I love seeing the trees in full bloom. There is nothing like it!

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  21. In the US we have the Cheery Blossoms in Washington DC that were gifted to us by the Mayor of Tokyo city and they are beautiful when they bloom. However the ones at Himeji Castle seem more spectacular due to the other surroundings. Definitely instagrammmable!

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    1. And the experience to spend the hanami here at Himeji Castle is very different.

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  22. I am in awe! I love Cherry Blossoms and definitely putting this on my bucket list!

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  23. I love the photos they are amazing! One day I’ll have to go visit for sure!

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  24. Wow! These photos are stunning! The cherry blossoms and architecture are beautiful. Now I have another place to add to my bucket list!

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  25. Himeji castle looks amazing during the cherry blossom season! I'm going next month and I plan to go even without the flowers. This post has been helpful!

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  26. These photos of Himeji Castle with cherry blossoms in bloom are absolutely stunning!I imagine a warm breeze and a sweet scent in the air while enjoying this beautiful site. It makes me want to schedule a Japanese summer vacation!

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    1. It is a very lovely experience and hope you visit soon!

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  27. I want to desperately visit Japan during Cherry Blossom season. I think that this will bring another layer of understanding and how their culture lovely embraces the beautiful, pink blossoms. I never knew that drone photography was not allowed, so that's a good tip. I would definitely love to photography all the beautiful temples framed by the delicate Cherry Blossoms. What a dream!

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    Replies
    1. Drone isn't allowed because it is their way to protect these ancient structures.. for example if your drone accidentally landed to these buildings, it will damages the roofs, etc. (because let's admit it, you will never just leave your drone behind!).

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  28. These are some gorgeous photos! I would love to go and see this in person.

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  29. I would love to see this! It has been one of my favorite themes as well!

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  30. Amazing! We visited Himeji Castle couple years ago and it was beautiful at the November foliage. But this is beyond fantastic. We have never been in Japan to see the sakura, but some year we want to experience it. Love the photos!

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    1. Himeji Castle looks different in every season. This spring is something magical!

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  31. Himeji Castle is like a beautiful, fairytale castle, and surrounded by all the cherry-blossom, it looks the perfect place to visit on a lovely spring day.

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    1. That's true, and you will be teary-eyes just staring at them!

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  32. Cherry blossoms are absolutely beautiful; I just do not have enough in my area so it looks like it is time for a trip. Guess where that will be? :)

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  33. I used to love seeing the Cherry Blossoms in Japan when I was studying Japanese language and culture in Osaka for some time as a teenager. The sights always stay with you and I am so looking forward to taking my partner to see so much of the beauty that Japan has to offer. I don't remember visiting Himeji or the castle so will have to add this to our list of things to see. Lovely post.

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  34. Breathtaking pictures! So fun!

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  35. Those are so gorgeous. Our neighbor has a cherry blossom tree but it is dying so they are cutting it down this year. I will completely miss seeing it in full bloom.

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  36. This looks so beautiful! I'm sure pictures don't do it justice! Would love to see it in person someday!

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  37. Wow, this looks amazing and so beautiful! Love seeing all your pics!!!

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  38. What a fun trip this must have been, not to mention a jackpot for great photos. I've got Japan on my list, so I hope to see the cherry blossoms in person one day soon. Right after I do a ramen tour in Tokyo!

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  39. Beautiful cherry blossoms! Growing up in Vancouver, seeing the cherry blossoms bloom each spring was quite normal, and now that I live in Edinburgh, I do still see cherry blossoms, but it would be the best to see them in Japan!

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    1. That's true! It is still more amazing to experience the cherry blossom season in Japan even you have it in your country.

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  40. I love Cherry Blossoms a lot and that too in Japan, which is high on my wish list. Thanks for your detailed post describing how to get to Himeji Castle. Himeji loop bus looks a convenient way to have a tour around the city.

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  41. I'm not familiar with Himiji. Seems like a great place to see cherry blossoms. Would love to see them in bloom!

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    1. After the cherry blossoms comes the tulips season :D What a great way to spend Spring season in Japan.

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  42. Cherry blossoms are always so beautiful when I see them photographed. I will definitely make it to see some in my life in person.

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    1. That's great Becca! Bring your friends for a much enjoyable experience.

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  43. Would love to see the cherry blossoms season at himeji castle in person someday 😍 what a pretty view!

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  44. My first thoughts, if flying drones aren't allowed, how then did you get those aerial view photos? They are lovely. And I love cherry blossoms.

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    1. There is a building nearby, and I use the latest Samsung S10 to captured it even afar. I am impressed with its output.

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  45. I have been wanting to see cherry blossoms up close but that is yet to happen. Hopefully soon.

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  46. Woww waht a beautiful view. Refreshing! We planned for cherry blossom fest in DC but couldn't go.

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  47. Wow lovely place and am pictures. I would love to visit there sometime.

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  48. It does look so amazing out there. I totally agree it is so instagrammable. You took some amazing photos and I love all the blossoms.

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  49. Your photos are beautiful! If I ever travel to Japan, I will have to check out some of these places. I'm sure it's more beautiful in person.

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  50. Wow! I have been to Himeji once but it was during winter. I wish to visit it during Sakura season.

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  51. A visit to Himeji Castle and seeing the cherry blossoms would be a once in a lifetime adventure. I thought your addition on how to get to and around the city were fantastic for first-time travelers too.

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    1. Spend a day here and it is totally worth it. But come as early as possible to get a better spot!

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  52. Those blossoms are completely gorgeous! Couldn't be better...

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  53. I so want to go there now !! Such gorgeous photos

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  54. Wow these cherry blossoms are incredible. Would love to add this to my bucket list.

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    Replies
    1. Spending the spring season in Japan is always a good idea :D

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  55. Your photos are beautiful! I think cherry trees are one of the prettiest trees when they are in bloom. You've captured in in so many of your photos. The additional tips and directions will make it easy to get there and be able to enjoy it.

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  56. These pictures are absolutely gorgeous!!! Can totally see why Hanami is such a big deal in Japan ^_^ Cherry blossoms and tulips are the reasons I love spring. :D BTW Your tips for getting there are very helpful!

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    1. Thank you Vaisakhi... don't miss experiencing the bicycle ride. The breeze is amazing!

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  57. I love the sakura trees! they are so so beautiful when in bloom & also tranquil. i immediately feel peaceful in their presence

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  58. Japan is one of my dream place that I really to visit someday. love the cherry blossom photo Lucky you!

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  59. I've always wanted to experience the Cherry Blossom and loved your post! Your pictures look absolutely amazing as well and make me want to pack my bags and go there right away

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  60. How beautiful those Times are.
    How do I get to Japan from kenya?😊.
    Qarrey

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  61. This is just so enchanting. I would love to visit Japan this time of year.

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  62. These are so pretty. Have been to the one in D.C.

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    1. I bet cheery blossoms in DC are also gorgeous like in Japan, coz they came from same species.

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  63. What a beautiful sight to behold! Sometimes the power of internet should be counted as a blessing due to the simplicity it has brought to how easy we can see other parts of the world.
    Thank you for sharing

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    1. You are always welcome here! And I am happy to share more travel stories to you guys :D

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  64. Lol yes very Instagram-worthy! My brother studied abroad in Japan and wants to take us there, I’ll tell him about this as a suggestion

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    1. That's awesome! Hope you brother is enjoying Japan :D

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  65. The cherry blossoms are absolutely stunning! I can only image how they are in person. Great tips on getting around the city also.

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  66. These are beautiful pictures. It looks as if the whole place is covered in cherry blossom trees. Spring is everywhere and people are ready to take in the beauty of the place.

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    1. One of the dreamy place, no wonder we all are go gaga for it.

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  67. Japan is such a gorgeous country and its surely on my bucket-list. This post talks about two of my favorite travel things - castle and blossoms. Amazing pictures to do justice to this lovely place in spring.

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  68. I can’t say that Japan has ever been on my travel list, not seeing these gorgeous photos makes me want to go during cherry blossom season! That looks like an amazing experience

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  69. The architecture of the castle is incredible and you chose the best time to visit. Going to Japan during cherry blossoms is still on my list.

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    1. That is wonderful! I'm excited for you, Anita :D

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  70. Wow! I love love cherry blossoms! I would love to have several trees in my yard!

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    1. Ohh you can buy some cherry blossoms seeds and take care of them as they grow for years.

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  71. Ohhh, that last picture and all it's pink beauty is a site to behold! How long do the blooms last?

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  72. Yes I was there for cherry blossoms festival one time it is beautiful to see flowers. I miss Japan though.

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  73. I would like to go this place at least once in lifetime. There is a lot of scope for photography sights here.

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    1. That is true! The only challenge is the overcrowding of tourists, so you must bring lots of patience as well.

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  74. My wife and I were just discussing the other day how we would love to take a trip to Japan. Great post thanks for sharing!

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  75. I visited Japan during Spring three years back. And, it was a dream come true. Himeji Castle was my favourite place for Sakura. You brought back my memories.

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    1. I'm glad you had great memories during your visit.

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  76. The Cherry Blossoms in Japan are really beautiful. Hoping we could visit Japan next year.

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  77. The Cherry Blossom at Himeji Castle looks no lesser than a fairytale. I'd love to see some day with my real eyes. I've only seen cherry blossom in DC and absolutely loved it!

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    1. Ohh definitely you will enjoy these cherry blossoms now that you also like the cherry blossoms in DC.

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  78. Wow beautiful pictures! I would really love to visit Himeji Castle during Cherry Blossom.

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  79. How exciting, I love seasonal changes but those that are as well known as the cherry blossoms is on my bucketlist

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  80. There is just something so damn pretty about cherry blossoms. I wish we could enjoy them all year around but, perhaps if that was the case, then they wouldn't be as special.

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  81. Wow, seeing cherry blossoms closely is everyone's dream, and so am I. I haven't been to any part of Japan, but it has long been my dream. I will surely include Himeji City and its beautiful castle. Thank you so much for sharing this with us.

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    1. Thank you for visiting our page and for loving cherry blossoms :D

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  82. Cherry Blossom time is the best time to visit Japan, but cherry blossom season is so short-lived. This time must also fully packed in Japan.

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    1. oh yes, that's why getting the right spot early is a challenge :D

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  83. This is one of the most beautiful tree for me.

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