Kameoka Sports Park, Kyoto

Kyoto is one of Japan’s most popular cherry blossom destinations, but if you want to escape the crowds in the city centre, hop on a rapid train at Kyoto Station and you’ll reach Kameoka City in just 20 minutes. This rural town is known for its dreamy Tamba fog, which blankets the area from autumn through spring, as well as unique events such as the annual Kyoto Kameoka Balloon Festival. What many tourists don’t realise is that around 1,500 sakura trees of about 30 varieties bloom along a one-kilometre stretch of the Nanatanigawa River, forming one of Tamba region’s largest cherry blossom tunnels. The best time to visit is during the annual Kameoka Cherry Blossom Week; this year, it’s set to take place from March 28 to April 12 (dates may change depending on bloom conditions). For the best hanami (cherry blossom viewing) spots, make your way to Yawaragi no Michi, Hiranosawa Pond, Nango Park and the Inukai River banks in Kameoka Sports Park. Make sure you stay until nightfall, as the cherry blossoms are illuminated from 7pm to 9pm, creating a truly magical atmosphere. Adding to the festivities, temporary food stalls at Sakura Park within the Kameoka Sports Park area will be serving local street food from 9am to 9pm. This is perfect for those who want to enjoy a leisurely picnic beneath the blooming pink canopies. To coincide with peak bloom, both Sakura Park and Nango Park will host the Kameoka Sakura Marche on April 4–5. This eco-friendly market will serve food and drinks...