Hiroshima may not be the first place in Japan to visit during springtime, but it does have some interesting activities for you. If you happen to be in town for the sakura season, we have highlighted some of the best things to do in spring.
Spring is a great time to visit Hiroshima. It’s fresh, cool, and pleasant overall to walk around town.
The average temperature in Hiroshima is 10-15°C in March, 15-20°C in April, and 20-25°C in May, which should be perfect for exploring. Mornings and evenings can get a little chilly, but you should be good with cardigans and jackets.
If Hiroshima is your destination in the spring, here are some activities you can do to enjoy your visit.
1. Visit Hiroshima’s Cherry Blossom Spots
Starting off the list with cherry blossoms! There are quite a handful of spots in Hiroshima to see cherry blossoms. The first and most popular would be Hiroshima Castle, where about 450 cherry trees bloom in spring. As of the latest, cherry blossoms in Hiroshima are expected to flower in the fourth week of March, while the full bloom is expected to fall in the first week of April.
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park is also a popular spot for viewing cherry blossoms in Hiroshima. You are not just learning the history of Japan but also enjoying the picturesque scenery of spring. Other sakura spots to visit include Yoshinoyama Park, Hijiyama Park, Shukkein Garden, and Kosanji Temple.
2. Visit Flower Gardens
Cherry trees are not just the flowers you would appreciate in spring. As you may know, spring is the best time for flowers and plants in general since they bloom in their best form. So, why not visit flower gardens? In Hiroshima, a handful of flower gardens are open for public viewing.
The Hiroshima Botanical Garden is home to a bunch of exotic and indigenous plants. From various species of orchid to cactus to the baoba tree, you will enjoy the garden’s beauty. You can either walk or rent an electric bike to roam around.
Other gardens you can visit include the Hannover Garden, Rose Garden, Koi Garden Square, and Ushita Park and Rose Garden. Outside of town but within Hiroshima Prefecture are gardens worth visiting, such as Sera Fuji Garden, Sankei Garden, and Hiroshima Prefectural Greening Plant Park.
ALSO READ: BEST CHERRY BLOSSOM SPOTS IN HIROSHIMA
3. Celebrate Festivals in Hiroshima
Festivals are a big thing in Japan. If you want an ultra-local experience, join traditional festivals. In Hiroshima, you may experience a few festivals to give you a glimpse of history, culture, and local life.
The Hiroshima Flower Festival takes place every year in May. The city is covered with colorful flowers. Parades and stage shows are also held for everyone’s entertainment.
Another event in Hiroshima to check out is the Takehara Machinami Hina Doll Festival, which is associated with Himatsuri which happens on March 3. Around this time, 200 pairs of Hina dolls that have been passed down from generation to generation are displayed at traditional buildings in Hiroshima.
The Mantou Mitama Festival is another event to consider, which happens on May 24th at Gokoku Shrine. Every year, 100 maidens dance by lantern light at the shrine.
ALSO READ: BEST THINGS TO DO IN HIROSHIMA WITH KIDS
4. Enjoy the Spring River Cruise
The best time to experience a river cruise in Hiroshima is in spring when it’s not too hot or cold. The waters are calm, and the scenery along the river hits different from March to May as the cherry trees begin to flower and bloom. We highly recommend taking a river cruise, which will take you by the Atomic Bomb Dome and Hiroshima Castle.
ALSO READ: MOST INSTAGRAMMABLE PLACES IN HIROSHIMA
5. Join a Free Walking Tour
And of course, the best way to explore the city is through a freewalking tour. Many freewalking tours in Hiroshima will bring you to the most iconic places like Hiroshima Castle, the Atomic Bomb Dome, Gokuko Shrine, and Peace Memorial Park. These day tours in Hiroshima are usually conducted by local guides, so you get an inside perspective of these historic landmarks.
Looking to dive deeper into Hiroshima’s rich culture and history? Join our local tour guides for our Hiroshima Free Walking Tour!
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