Cherry Blossom Viewing Tour around Western Japan

From Kansai International Airport to Osaka, Japan's second largest city! Take a stroll along the main street, Dotonbori, and feel the vibrancy of Osaka, which has flourished as a business town since ancient times. You can also experience making takoyaki, a soul food not only for Osaka people but for all Japanese people. On the first day, we went to Expo'70 Commemoration Park, a famous cherry blossom viewing spot in Osaka. This park was built on the site of the Japan World's Fair held in 1970, and is home to approximately 5,500 cherry blossom trees. Experience the energy of the Tower of the Sun, the symbol of the Expo, designed by artist Taro Okamoto. We will be staying in Osaka city.

First, head to Nada Gogo, a sake brewery near Osaka, and get tipsy with some sake. It is a general term for five areas along the coast of Kobe and Nishinomiya cities, and you can also taste unprocessed sake that is not for sale at the sake brewery. Head west to Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, which connects Kobe City and Awaji Island. It is one of the world's largest suspension bridges with a length of 3,911m. The beauty of the structure floating in the lush sparkle of the Seto Inland Sea is breathtaking. Next, we headed to Himeji Castle, a world heritage site. It is affectionately known as ``White Heron Castle'' because of its graceful appearance that resembles a white egret spreading its wings. Cherry blossoms in full bloom on the bright white castle walls and the large castle tower with 5 floors, 6 floors, and 1 basement floor. It is breathtakingly beautiful. At night, we will move to the neighboring prefecture, Okayama Prefecture, and stay overnight in Tsuyama City.

Head to Tsuyama Castle Tsuruyama Park, the symbol of Tsuyama City. All of the buildings were demolished due to the abolishment ordinance of the Meiji era, but in 2005, Bicchu Yagura was restored to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the castle's construction. It is also known as a famous spot for cherry blossoms, and the scenery with about 1,000 cherry blossom trees in full bloom is spectacular. Also, be sure to check out Daigo-zakura in Maniwa City, the largest cherry tree in the prefecture. In a tranquil mountain village, a lone tree towers toward the sky with an overwhelming presence. It continues to fascinate viewers. Next, go to the red townscape that suddenly appears in the mountains, ``Bengara no Sato.'' This is an area with a unique history that flourished as a production center for the red pigment "red pigment" during the Edo period. Enjoy a walk around the mansion and factory ruins of the Bengala kiln, as well as the ruins of the copper mine shaft. We will be staying in Fukuyama City, Hiroshima, a neighboring prefecture.

Head to Tomonoura in Fukuyama City, where the quaint townscape of the Edo period remains. Walking through the port town, where traditional Japanese-style buildings line the narrow cobblestone alleys, will make you feel as if you have traveled back in time. Unlike other tourist destinations, residents actually live in the old buildings, and you can feel the breath of life there. Hayao Miyazaki, director of Studio Ghibli, fell in love with this town and produced ``Ponyo on the Cliff'', which was set in Tomonoura. Enjoy ``Taimeshi,'' a dish made with the famous sea bream, for lunch. In the afternoon, we went to the marble garden "Miraishin no Oka" on Ikuchijima, Onomichi City. Enjoy a relaxing moment in the 5,000 square meter white world created by sculptor Kazuto Kuetani. Continue south to Dogo Onsen, a hot spring located in Ehime Prefecture, Shikoku. A hot spring that has been loved by Japanese people since ancient times, the main building of Dogo Onsen, which exudes dignity, is also designated as a national important cultural property. Warm your tired body from the core.

Let's take a ferry across the Seto Inland Sea from Shikoku to Honshu. Gentle winds, calm waves, countless islands... Experience the unique beauty of the Seto Inland Sea, which is surrounded by land on all sides, from the boat. After arriving at the port of Yamaguchi, we will take a trip to the white-walled streets of Yanai City. Let's try our hand at making goldfish lanterns, a folk craft. It has a clean red and white body and a playful face with wide open black eyes. Its charming appearance makes it popular with many people as a souvenir or as an interior decoration. Next, we headed to Kintai Bridge, one of Japan's most representative wooden bridges, located in the neighboring city of Iwakuni. It has a structure with five arched bridges set on stone piers, making it an unusual shape even in the world. The collaboration with cherry blossoms in full bloom creates an elegant atmosphere. We will be staying in Iwakuni city.

On the last day of sightseeing, head to Hiroshima. First, head to Miyajima, home to the world heritage site Itsukushima Shrine. The bright vermillion torii gate floating on the sea is a unique sight unlike any other in the world. Miyajima is also rich in gourmet food. Please enjoy Hiroshima's famous oysters and conger eel. Then we headed to Hiroshima's other world heritage site, the Atomic Bomb Dome. See with your own eyes what happened to the city of Hiroshima on August 6, 1945, and how much destruction the use of nuclear weapons would bring to humanity. The Peace Memorial Park in the area is also a famous cherry blossom viewing spot for Hiroshima residents. The sight of people peacefully enjoying the cherry blossoms conveys the preciousness of Hiroshima's reconstruction and current peace. I am staying in Hiroshima city.

Take the Shinkansen to Kansai International Airport. I'm on my way home.