Sumaura Park, Kobe

The seaside Sumaura Park in Kobe, together with the adjacent Sumaura Sanjo Amusement Park, is bringing back its popular Atsumori Cherry Blossoms Viewing Festival at the end of March. The evening segment of this annual affair is a major draw, as it’s one of the largest nighttime cherry blossom events in the Kansai region. For 10 days, from 6pm to 9pm, the park’s west area transforms into a glowing wonderland, filled with light displays, illuminations and, for the first time this year, projection mapping. The experience begins right outside Sumaurakoen Station and gradually unfolds deeper into the park. There will be lots to see since both parks boast a combined total of over 3,000 cherry trees. Best to come with comfortable shoes, as you’ll be strolling through a fantastical landscape. Highlights include a photogenic lantern ceiling, a bamboo lantern installation, sakura-themed projection mapping across the ground and even the sea, colourful glowing bridges, a ‘waterfall’ of cascading LED lights, and breathtaking cherry blossom corridors. There’s also a whimsical crescent moon-shaped chair that makes for a perfect photo spot.  From daytime through evening, kitchen cars and food stalls serve up seasonal treats and street eats. If you’d like to take a break with a view, head over to the Suma Marine Fishing Park, where you can relax with refreshments while overlooking the sea. Getting here is easy. There’s a direct train from Osaka-Umeda Station to Sumaurakoen Station, just...