The temperature in London measured 1 degree when I left Heathrow - upon arrival to Tokyo Narita Airport, the warm air of 20 degrees and bright sun instantly welcomed me.
During the 8-day stay, I fully utilised the 7-day JR Pass (where I could unlimitedly use the bullet train) and managed to visit Tokyo, Kobe, Osaka, Hakata, Hiroshima, Takamatsu, Nagoya, Okazaki and Kawasaki.
Having lived in the UK for so long where seasons merge into each other and you don't get to fully appreciate the authentic characters of each month, it is rather easy to forget how 'beautiful' Japanese April/spring is.
The four seasons are distinct in Japan and the nation had always (traditionally) embraced the changes culturally.
For the Japanese, April is renowned for its cherry blossoms, greenery and picnics.
Every place I visited lived up to its reputation...
-lenga910