Headed to Hyogo in spring? The prefecture has some ultra-photogenic spots to enjoy the best of the season's blooms, and this guide covers five top floral spots.

Awaji Hanasajiki

Awaji Hanasajiki is a botanical garden where visitors will find a wide range of blooms to enjoy year-round. The highlights of spring include vibrant yellow nanohana, snapdragons, and Icelandic poppies, which grow in abundance here. From certain parts of the garden you can also enjoy some impressive views out over the Akashi Strait and Osaka Bay while you're appreciating the beautiful blooms.

2805-7 Kusumoto, Awaji, Hyogo 656-2301

Poppies at Awaji Hanasajiki
Poppies at Awaji Hanasajiki (Photo: Akas1950 / CC BY-SA 4.0)

Akashi Kaikyo National Government Park

A year-round floral delight, the Akashi Kaikyo National Government Park is just a hop, skip, and jump away from Awaji Hanasajiki listed above – you could easily visit both destinations in the same day if you'd like to. Spring boasts the likes of cherry blossoms, tulips, nemophila, hyacinths, and more, with the full annual lineup listed on their official website.

8-10 Yumebutai, Awaji, Hyogo 656-2306
Photo: 663highland / CC BY-SA 3.0

Shukugawa Park

With over 1500 sakura trees lining the Shukugawa River, it's no surprise that Shukugawa Park features on the list of Japan's Top 100 Cherry Blossom viewing spots. Typically, the best time to catch the sakura at their peak here is the late March/early April period, and there is no admission fee to enjoy their beauty.

1 4 他 Miyanishicho, Nishinomiya, Hyogo 662-0000

Photo: annintofu / CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Hyogo Prefectural Flower Center

Regarded as one of the best botanical gardens in Japan, the Hyogo Prefectural Flower Center has a massive list of flowers to enjoy during spring. The full repertoire can be found on their website, but it includes the likes of sakura, wisteria, lavender, magnolia, poppies, tulips, and lupine.

1282-1 Iimori, Toyokura-cho, Kasai-shi, Hyogo 679-0187

Photo: Masahiko OHKUBO / CC BY 2.0

Himeji Castle

If you're seeking a quintessentially Japanese springtime scene, Himeji Castle is hard to beat. The castle's origins date back to 1333, and it was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site back in 1993. There are close to 2000 cherry trees on the grounds here, and the spectacular scenery will have you understanding why this is the country's most-visited castle.

68 Honmachi, Himeji, Hyogo 670-0012

Photo: cotaros70s / CC BY-ND 2.0