The Japanese cherry blossom season, known as “sakura season” in Japan, is an annual spectacle of fleeting beauty that draws admiration from people world over. The delicate pink and white blossoms symbolize the arrival of spring, inspiring festivities, picnics under the blooming trees (known as “hanami”), and, of course, the quest for the best spots to enjoy this natural wonder. However, just as suddenly as the pink petals burst into view, they are just as quickly whisked away by the winds and spring rain. That’s sakura’s appeal; it’s here and then gone in the blink of an eye, much like life. In this way the joy that they bring is tinged with melancholy and the yearning of permanence that never is to be. Here are six of the best places in Japan to watch the cherry blossoms fall and enjoy your own feeling passage of time:

YOSHINO MOUNTAIN, NARA

6. Yoshino Mountain is considered one of the best cherry blossom viewing spots in Japan. It’s famous for its thousands of cherry trees that cover the slopes in a blanket of pink from bottom to top. The area is historically significant and offers stunning views over the Nara Prefecture. Yoshino has been celebrated for its cherry blossoms in Japanese literature and poetry for centuries, and visiting here offers a deep dive into the cultural heart of Japan’s sakura tradition.

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HIMEJI CASTLE, HYOGO

5. Himeji Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is also known as “White Heron Castle” for its elegant, white appearance. During cherry blossom season, the castle’s grounds are adorned with over 1,000 cherry trees, making it a popular hanami spot. The striking contrast of the castle’s white walls against the pink cherry blossoms creates a mesmerizing sight.

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CHUREITO PAGODA, FUJI FIVE LAKES

4. The Chureito Pagoda is part of the Arakura Sengen Shrine and offers one of the most iconic views in Japan: a stunning vista of Mount Fuji framed by cherry blossoms. Located in the Fuji Five Lakes region, the pagoda sits on a hilltop and is accessed by climbing 400 steps. The effort is rewarded with breathtaking views, especially during the cherry blossom season, when the beauty of Japan’s most famous mountain is enhanced by the delicate sakura.

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PHILOSOPHER’S PATH, KYOTO

3. The Philosopher’s Path in Kyoto is a tranquil walkway that follows a canal lined with hundreds of cherry trees. Named after the famous Japanese philosopher Nishida Kitaro, who is thought to have meditated here on his daily walks, the path offers a peaceful setting for cherry blossom viewing. The scenic path connects the Silver Pavilion (Ginkaku-ji) with the neighborhood of Nanzen-ji, making for a beautiful and reflective stroll through Kyoto’s history and natural beauty.

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UENO PARK, TOKYO

2. Ueno Park is a prime spot for cherry blossom viewing in the heart of Tokyo. With more than 1,000 cherry trees lining its spacious grounds, the park attracts both tourists and locals who come for picnics and parties under the blooming canopy. The contrast of the city’s bustling atmosphere with the serene beauty of the cherry blossoms offers a unique urban hanami experience.

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HIROSAKI CASTLE PARK, AOMORI

1. Hirosaki Castle Park is one of Japan’s most spectacular cherry blossom sites. With over 2,500 trees and a variety of cherry blossom species, the park’s beauty is unmatched. The reflection of the castle in the moat, surrounded by a sea of pink blossoms, creates a picturesque scene. The park also hosts the Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival, where visitors can enjoy nighttime illuminations of the blossoms.

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Each of these locations offers a unique way to say farewell to Japan’s cherry blossom season, from the serene to going out with a bang. Whether you’re looking for the hustle and bustle of a city park, the tranquil beauty of a historical path, or the breathtaking scenery of mountain slopes bathing you in showers of pink, Japan’s cherry blossom spots are sure to leave you with memories anything but melancholy.