There is something about hanami — the centuries-old tradition of cherry blossom viewing — that makes spring in Japan feel like a shared dream. No matter how many times I experience it, the moment the first pink petals emerge, greet the world, and take their bow, I am reminded of how fleeting and beautiful this season is.
From my current home along Kyoto’s Kamogawa River to the streets of Osaka, where I travel sometimes, and even to Itako City, where I once lived, I have followed the bloom across Japan. Each place, I’ve noticed, tells its own story of hanami.
This year, I plan to do something new: experience spring in Hokkaido for the first time. I am mindful that for many travelers from abroad, just about everything in Japan will be new — and even a little disorientating.
Which makes me wonder: How will they get by? What’s the most seamless way to navigate these shores? How will they stay connected to loved ones, share their experience and enjoy their stay at the same time?
For many visitors to Japan this spring, Nomad eSIM may well be their quiet travel companion, ensuring that they can share these moments of flowery bliss instantly while navigating Japan effortlessly.
Komaba Park: Traditional bloom in Tokyo
My hanami season often begins in Tokyo’s Komaba Park, where history and nature meet. Every year, this quiet green space near Shibuya transforms into a sanctuary of soft pink blossoms, making it the perfect setting for — among all things — the Japan-U.S. Ivy League university alumni gatherings.
The park’s Japanese garden, with its manicured landscapes, provides a serene backdrop for the transient beauty of cherry blossoms. Sitting in the park last spring, I marveled at how the delicate petals framed the historic Komaba residence, a Western-style mansion that stands in stark contrast with the natural surroundings.
With my phone (and a beer) in hand, I was able to capture some of these timeless moments. Looking around, I noticed others doing the same, including a visitor from Singapore — who assured me he was sharing his recordings with friends back home.
Suigo Itako Iris Festival: Beyond cherry blossoms in Ibaraki
Cherry blossoms may define spring, but the changing season has more to offer. In Itako City, where I once lived, the Suigo Itako Iris Festival marks the next stage of nature’s transformation.
Strolling through the festival grounds, I am always struck by the sight of over a million irises blooming in hues of violet, blue and white. It literally is a sight to behold.
What makes this festival truly special is the sappa-bune boat rides along the Maekawa River, where traditionally dressed rowers guide visitors — not to mention brides on their way to matrimony — through the flower-lined waterways.
I have taken this journey before, and each time, I find myself reaching for my phone to capture the gentle ripples in the water, the reflections of the flowers and the nostalgic atmosphere of the sleepy town.
Osaka Expo 2025: A glimpse into the future from Kansai
Osaka has long been one of my favorite cities. Every visit reminds me why this metropolis is both deeply traditional and vibrantly modern. From spring 2025, the city will host Expo 2025, a global showcase of innovation, culture and sustainability.
Though not a classic hanami spot, the event will undoubtedly bring a fresh energy to springtime in Japan.
Having spent many days wandering — and getting lost in — Osaka’s bustling streets, I know how essential it is to stay connected, and I can only wonder at the challenge that visitors from overseas face to navigate the city.
Whether navigating Osaka’s labyrinthine train stations or finding the best local eateries, having reliable data access makes all the difference. I found this out just last week — when I visited the prefectural office on a media tour — and had to meet friends in a somewhat hidden Izakaya bar in the back streets of Namba district.
Had I been a visitor from abroad, Nomad eSIM might have saved the day. With Nomad eSIM, you can stream live updates, arrange meet-ups with friends, and even translate menus — all without getting lost. Install Japan Nomad eSIM before your trip and get connected automatically upon arrival. Enjoy your trip to Japan without the stress of expensive roaming fees. 10GB and 20GB Japan Nomad eSIMs are on sale — get 20GB for only U.S.$25 and stay connected throughout your adventure!
Kamogawa River: Amid the blossoms of resplendent Kyoto
Spring along Kyoto’s Kamogawa River is an experience I never take for granted. Living near the river for two years now, I have experienced each season along its banks, but nothing compares to hanami. The stretch between Marutamachi and Shijo streets becomes a veritable painting, as the blossoms form a pink canopy over the water.
Some of my fondest spring memories thus far involve picnics along the riverbanks, sharing food and drinks with friends as the sun sets behind the sakura trees. It is a scene that feels almost untouched by time. Every year, as I sit beneath the blossoms, I find myself sending photos to loved ones abroad, inviting them into this ephemeral world, if only through a screen.
Daisetsuzan National Park: A blooming adventure in Hokkaido
This spring, I will finally make my way — if all goes according to plan — to Hokkaido to witness hanami in Japan’s northernmost landscapes. While I have visited other seasons, I have never seen the cherry blossoms of Daisetsuzan National Park, and the anticipation is growing.
Daisetsuzan is a place of grandeur — rugged mountains, sprawling forests, and an untouched wilderness that feels worlds away from Tokyo’s manicured parks. Like many visitors from abroad, I’m a little worried about mobile connectivity in Hokkaido, in part due to the region’s ruggedness.
Still, I hope I will be able to share my adventure in real time, from the moment I set foot on a hiking trail to the instant I catch my first glimpse of cherry blossoms against the snow-capped peaks.
Okinawa: Where the earliest blooms rise
For those who cannot wait for spring to arrive, Okinawa offers a head start on hanami season. I have been fortunate to visit three of its islands, including Ishigaki and Akajima, where the cherry blossoms bloom as early as January.
Unlike the soft pink somei yoshino cherries of the mainland, Okinawa’s hikanzakura are a deeper shade of pink, standing out vividly against the island’s subtropical scenery.
Okinawa in April is not just about cherry blossoms, though — it is also the perfect time for beachside relaxation, cycling through coastal villages and immersing oneself in the island’s rich Ryukyu culture.
On my last visit, back in January, I found myself constantly switching between capturing the moment and sharing it — or simply staring in silence. Having a reliable internet connection meant I could do both, including recording Glassy Tiger butterflies or merely scanning the ocean waves in wonder.
A season to stay connected
As hanami season approaches, I find myself planning not only where to go, but how to stay connected along the way.
Indeed, traveling through Japan in spring is an experience best shared. From sending real-time (or time-delayed) photos of sakura in bloom to coordinating meet-ups with friends, staying connected enhances every moment.
As I prepare to embark on another season of cherry blossom chasing, I know that wherever the petals may fall, I will always be able to capture and share the magic — or simply meditate in silence and enjoy the moment for its own sake.
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