#Japan #Spring Sweets #Kushimoto #Kushimoto Resort #Kozagawa Cherry

Spring Cherry Blossom Tours in Wakayama

Wakayama Prefecture, particularly Kushimoto and Kozagawa, offers a splendid experience for spring cherry blossom viewing. Nestled high above the Pacific Ocean, the Mercure Wakayama Kushimoto Resort & Spa announces two exclusive plans, allowing guests to immerse themselves in local culture, nature, and cuisine while admiring the delicate blooms of sakura.

Experience the Natural Beauty of Kozagawa

The first plan takes guests to the national natural monument of Ichimai-Iwa, located approximately 30 minutes from the hotel. Known for its stunning blossoms along the river, Ichimai-Iwa, combined with the local specialty lunch, offers a perfect day out. Visitors can enjoy the breathtaking scenery alongside the famous sakura spots, including the selected site of Japan’s top cherry blossom locations, the Nanagawa Dam lakeside. From late February to early April, various cherry blossoms such as the Kawazu Sakura, Kumano Sakura, and Somei Yoshino sequentially bloom, creating a stunning seasonal panorama.

One not to miss is the Kumano Sakura, recognized for its delicate pink flowers, signaling the arrival of spring, making it a unique botanical experience not seen for about a century.

The Exclusive Ichimai-Iwa Cherry Blossom Lunch Plan

Available from March 1 to April 12, 2026, this special plan includes a scenic lunch at "Monolith" restaurant, located right at Ichimai-Iwa. Featuring local ingredients like Kozagawa yuzu, seasonal vegetables, and seafood, the meal embodies the spirit of the region’s culinary culture.

Guests indulge in carefully curated dishes, including access to the restaurant’s exclusive menu designed just for the resort guests, merging local flavors with a view of the majestic Ichimai-Iwa. The highlight of the lunch includes items such as:

• - Organic Koshihikari rice served with preservative-free Nanko plum
• - Yuzu-sauce chicken cutlets, made with local game sausages (optional)
• - Kozagawa's yuzu-sauce hamburgers
• - Seasonal vegetable stews and local seafood salad
• - Various delightful desserts like baked cheese cake topped with Kozagawa blueberry jam

This plan provides a holistic experience of nature and local gastronomy, a splendid way to enjoy the seasonal beauty of cherry blossoms.

The Hanami Sweets Experience at Kushimoto

The second plan, titled "Hanami Sweets Experience," focuses on enjoying traditional Japanese sweets with a modern twist, crafted by the renowned "Gihei" confectionery established in 1893. Highlighting the spring season with sakura motifs, the package includes an assortment of sweets alongside refreshing mandarin green tea.

Upon check-in, guests will receive a delightful box of traditional sweets encompassing:

• - Usukawa-Manju, a beloved handmade dumpling that represents the local terrain of Hashikui-iwa.
• - A Sakura-themed Nerikiri, ensuring a blend of seasonal flavors in a delicate format.
• - Traditional Sakura Mochi with fragrant cherry leaves
• - Sparkling Hakukanto that reflects the beauty of spring with its shimmering appearance, encapsulating flavors that harmonize perfectly with the included mandarin green tea.

Designed for a relaxing stay, guests can savor these treats in the comfort of their room, creating a tranquil atmosphere to enjoy the season's beauty without stepping outside.

Booking Information

Both plans are available for reservations from February 5 until the respective end date of each plan. They can be booked through the official resort website. Each plan includes one night’s accommodation, buffets for dinner and breakfast, lounge access, and use of hot spring facilities.

About Mercure Wakayama Kushimoto Resort & Spa

The resort itself is located in a rich area of nature on the southernmost tip of Honshu, overlooking the vast Pacific Ocean. Experience spring in a beautiful natural setting while relishing in local culture and cuisine. The warm climate also allows various recreational activities nearby, including marine sports like diving, kayaking, and fishing, further enhancing the experience of this picturesque destination.

Whether you prefer immersing yourself in cherry blossom landscapes or indulging in local sweets, the spring offerings at Mercure Wakayama Kushimoto are sure to create unforgettable memories in this scenic part of Japan.