We're going to Japan in April.
Hoping to see cherry blossoming and looking at booking hotels between Osaka and Tokyo
Has anyone been during this time and have any recommendations?
I know it's going to be very busy and we're hoping to have a picnic and see a couple of cherry blossoming.
On a side note: has anyone been recently? Can you still withdraw cash from 7/11 atm using a Citibank card with no fees
TIA
Yes, can still withdraw cash from 7/11 ATMs with no fees.
isn't there a 100/200 yen fee for withdrawals from 7/11 ATMs?
That's an expensive way to look at some trees.
YOLO and would be nice
cherry blossoms will peak at different times in osaka and tokyo,
make sure you're not allergic to them
This guide was really helpful: https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Japan%27s_Top_100_Cherry_Blos…
Wikivoyage's page on Japan in general too and Reddit's r/Japan
when in april?
cherry blossoms across osaka and tokyo are expected in late march.
heavy flowering occurs in the first week and blossom disappear after 2 weeks.
have a read of this site
in Tokyo - yoyogi park is good for viewing cherry blossoms.
I used to live in Sendai city- Nishi (west) park was where the party was at for cherry blossoms. lots of young people chilling. booze flowing. good times.
just checked with the boss.
Arriving on 20th March :)
Perfect.
Also post offices allow fee free withdrawals (though might have changed in the last 3 years)
Ok cheers,
I might sign up to ING for a backup
Firstly, what is your budget or level of places your looking to stay at.
The APA chain is sort of my baseline these days as cheap accommodation thats still reasonable and private. Any cheaper and it's basically hostels and capsules. There's others as well. Basically 3* hotels in Japan are actually pretty decent, just not big.
Pay attention to cherry blossom tracking sites to see the bloom situation especially as you get closer. Changes in weather will affect things (warmer earlier or colder for longer for example).
You can withdraw cash at most ATMs 7eleven and JP Post is still among the most convenient. Do note that some machines ask if you want the machine to convert ans charge in local currency. Do not do that. On top of this, you can card now in a lot of places in Tokyo and most of the cobini chains and supermarkets allow you to paywave too.
Ill be flying in and out late march for business personally as well.
Yeh it's just inconsistent information regarding the atm charge at 7/11. Contemplating signing up to ING to avoid the atm charge.
Have been before to Japan before but in Feb and November. Do you recommend a cherry blossom tracking site,
Book early, accommodation in popular areas (eg Kyoto) sell out fast. Trying to 'track' the cherry blossoms with last minute arrangements is usually impossible as you cant find anywhere to stay other than in some small cities. Kanazawa is a good smaller option
Shinjuku Gyoen and Ueno park are great but can be very crowded; but wandering around watch hanami parties is quite enjoyable
https://www.ozbargain.com.au/search/node/cherry%20blossoms%2…