West Japan Sakura Season: Combining Hanami, History & Haute Cuisine

Steeped in rich history, delicious cuisine, and incredible views of the flowering cherry blossoms, West Japan is also a region that features around two dozen historic castles, many of which are surrounded by picturesque sakura-filled gardens that are perfect for a day of leisurely relaxation. Furthermore, these famous attractions, when paired with the beautiful weather of March and April, can make for an amazing springtime sojourn from the city din of Tokyo and Osaka. If you would like to include hanami, history, and haute cuisine on your itinerary, then be sure to visit these five West Japan restaurants—each offering seating with lush views of sakura as well as nearby proximities to popular castles and sakura groves.

Hakata Motsunabe Yamanaka (Hakata, Fukuoka)

Step into the refined world of Hakata Motsunabe Yamanaka Akasaka, where modern elegance meets the rich flavors of Fukuoka’s culinary tradition. Their signature motsu nabe comes in both classic soy sauce and a unique miso blend, enriched with the deep aroma of garlic. Don’t miss the popular course menu featuring a variety of house specialties. With sleek private rooms, a stylish lobby, and a hotel-like ambiance, it’s the perfect spot for romantic dinners or business gatherings in the heart of Akasaka.

Open: Dinner 4:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:30 pm)
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 5,000 JPY
Address: 2F, Sunny Akasaka-ten, 1-9-1, Akasaka, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka-shi, Fukuoka Map
 Reservation   

Nearby Sakura at the Fukuoka Castle Ruins

A leisurely 25-minute walk from Izakaya Furiko are the Fukuoka Castle Ruins, located in Maizuru Park. Built in the early 17th century, Fukuoka Castle was torn down in the backlash against Japanese feudalism when the Japanese emperor returned to power during the Meiji Restoration. A few gates, turret points, and part of the old castle moat still remain, all surrounded by nearly a thousand cherry blossom trees. Enjoy walking paths through tunnels of flowers as well as spacious lawns for picnicking.

Ajisai Shin (Okayama Station, Okayama)

Ajisai Shin offers creative Japanese dishes using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. Highlights include sesame tofu croquettes with shrimp and lily bulbs, and a unique egg stew with rare Okayama yellow chives and icefish. Chef Nogami, with over 23 years of experience, brings seasonal flavors to life in a relaxed setting. His goal is to make authentic Japanese cuisine accessible and casual, allowing guests to enjoy heartfelt dishes without the formality or high prices of traditional fine dining.

Open: [Weekdays, Saturday] Lunch 11:30 am - 2:00 pm (L.O. 1:30 pm) [Monday - Thursday] Dinner 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm (L.O. 9:00 pm) [Friday, Saturday, National Holiday, Day before National Holiday] Dinner 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:00 pm)
Closed: Sunday, 1st and 3rd Monday.
Average price: [Dinner] 5,000 JPY / [Lunch] 1,600 JPY
Address: Saiwai-cho Bldg. 1F, 2-21 Saiwai-cho , Kita-ku, Okayama, Okayama Map
   Reservation   

Nearby Sakura at Korakuen Garden and Okayama Castle

Twenty minutes from Jion Shoja by taxi are Korakuen Garden and Okayama Castle. A main attraction of Okayama region, Korakuen is one of the top three landscape gardens of Japan. Three hundred cherry blossom trees can be found in the orchards of Korakuen with even more cherry blossoms located alongside the river path that flows northeast around the park, called the Asahi River Sakura Road. Another 200 trees can be found adjacent to Korakuen Garden at Okayama Castle. Originally built in 1597, the castle was destroyed at the end of World War II but was faithfully reconstructed using extensive historical records.

Kyo Yubadokoro Seike (Nijo Castle, Kyoto)

Kyo Yubadokoro Seike Nijojo Branch specializes in Kyoto yuba made from domestic soybeans. Enjoy a full-course yuba experience, including fresh sashimi, grilled yuba with seasonal vegetables, soy-braised yuba on bamboo, and yuba soy milk pudding. With just nine counter seats, the serene atmosphere suits dates, solo lunches, or special occasions. Only set menus are offered, and seat-only reservations are accepted. Early booking is recommended to savor this refined, tofu-skin-focused dining experience in the heart of Kyoto.

Open: [Monday, Wednesday-Sunday, National Holidays, Day before National Holidays] Lunch 11:30 am - 2:30 pm (L.O. 2:30 pm) [Thursday-Sunday, National Holidays, Day before National Holidays] Dinner 5:00 pm - 9:30 pm (L.O. 7:30 pm)
Closed: Tuesday
Average price: [Dinner] 10,000 JPY / [Lunch] 5,000 JPY
Access: 1 minute walk from Exit 3 of Subway Nijojo-mae Station. (Nearest bus stop: Nijojo-mae city bus stop)
Address: 233-4, Daimonjicho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto Map
 Reservation   

Nearby Sakura at Nijo Castle

From Izakaya Itsuraku, it’s an easy-to-navigate 35-minute walk to Nijo Castle, where a wide variety of cherry blossom trees create a long blooming season from early March to late April. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1994, Nijo Castle has a long, auspicious history. It was built in 1603 as the Kyoto residence of famed Shogun Ieyasu Tokugawa and later became the property of the Imperial family before being gifted to the city of Kyoto. There are over 400 cherry blossom trees to enjoy in this incredible historical setting.

Ristorante Rinascere Dojima (Kitashinchi, Osaka)

Ristorante Rinascere Dojima in Osaka has built their reputation on unique Italian flavors cooked with a French spirit. Pastas and breads are made fresh in house using wheat flour imported from Italy, and they source only the finest A5 wagyu beef from Tottori prefecture. Other highlights include the elegantly prepared sole fish, poached slowly in a rich broth, and the flambé prepared tableside, which never fails to impress.

Dinner: 6,500 JPY / Lunch: 1,500 JPY

Read More

Nearby Sakura at Osaka Castle

Just 30 minutes by train from Ristorante Rinascere Dojima is Osaka Castle, where a stunning 4,000 cherry blossom trees have been planted across the castle grounds. Nishinomaru Park, located in the western citadel of the castle, is highly recommended for picnicking with its wide lawns and clear views of the castle tower. In the evening, the castle grounds are illuminated, making Osaka Castle an excellent spot to enjoy the sakura day or night.

For History, Hanami, and Haute Cuisine, Explore West Japan

Whether you choose to travel through Fukuoka, Okayama, Kyoto or Osaka, west Japan during hanami season should not be missed. And for anyone staying in Tokyo, we highly suggest dining amongst sakura at one of these four lush bistros.