By ONLY in JAPAN * GO

Cherry blossom season, or sakura season, is one of the most iconic and beloved times to visit Japan. In this informative video, John Daub of the ONLY in JAPAN * GO channel dives into common mistakes tourists make when traveling to Japan for cherry blossom viewing. With years of personal experience and insights into seasonal tourism, John offers clear advice for making the most of this ephemeral event.

One of the key takeaways from the video is timing: many travelers expect cherry blossoms throughout the entire spring when in reality the bloom only lasts about a week in each region. The video emphasizes the importance of watching the sakura forecasts, which are typically accurate to the day, and using historical bloom data to plan travel dates more effectively. Visitors often miss peak bloom by arriving too early or too late, which can make or break a sakura-centric vacation.

John also highlights etiquette mistakes that can detract from the experience for both tourists and locals. For example, he discusses the importance of respecting hanami (blossom viewing) customs in parks, not touching or shaking the trees, and avoiding blocked pathways while setting up photography gear. Managing expectations around crowd levels, weather unpredictability, and the realities of popular spots like Ueno Park or Kyoto’s Maruyama Park is also crucial for an enjoyable trip.

In addition to advice, the video offers scenic glimpses of sakura spots across Japan and encourages travelers to also consider lesser-known locations with equally stunning blooms. The content is not only practical, but also provides cultural context that enriches the cherry blossom experience. With John’s annual updates and years of firsthand knowledge, this video is a must-watch for anyone planning a springtime trip to Japan.