The Best US National Parks to Visit in Spring
If you’re waking up wondering what time it is and why you feel a little off, daylight saving time started today. The upside is longer days and more time to get outside. Spring is also one of the best seasons to explore national parks across the US.
But choosing which park to visit isn’t always obvious. So instead of repeating the usual recommendations, Matador asked the people who know these parks best. We reached out to national park professionals across the country to find out where they go when spring arrives.
These are the parks they recommend.
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MARCH EDITION
Where to travel: Japan for cherry blossom season
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Insider Scoop: Magical Cherry Blossom Spots Along Japan’s Sakura Liner
Photos: Kintetsu Railways
With cherry blossom season approaching, we scored some insider tips from the team at Kintetsu Railways, one of Japan’s largest private rail operators, on where to see the blooms across the Kansai region.
Their Sakura Liner limited express train connects historic temple towns, castle parks, and scenic countryside that bloom in different ways each spring. Rather than focusing only on the Tokyo–Kyoto corridor, travelers can follow the Kintetsu network deeper into Kansai and experience sakura across multiple landscapes in a single trip.
Here are a few magical spots they recommend.
Onodera Temple Area: A graceful weeping cherry tree believed to be more than 300 years old blooms each spring in front of a dramatic 13-meter cliff-carved Buddha along the Uda River.
Best time to visit: Weekday mornings are especially peaceful. The weeping cherry typically blooms a few days earlier than the common Somei Yoshino variety.
Nearest station: Muro-guchi Ono Station (Kintetsu Osaka Line), about a 5-minute walk.
Iga Ueno Castle (Ueno Park): At Iga Ueno Castle, also known as Hakuhō or the White Phoenix Castle, roughly 800 cherry trees bloom each spring, blending ninja history, folklore, and seasonal beauty.
Best time to visit: The area around the castle’s high stone walls tends to be less crowded.
Nearest station: Take the Kintetsu Osaka Line to Iga-Kambe Station, transfer to the Iga Railway, and walk about five minutes from Uenoshi Station.
Koriyama Castle Ruins: Designated one of Japan’s Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots, Koriyama Castle Ruins remains far less crowded than nearby Nara Park, where cherry trees line the castle moat and the surrounding town is known for its centuries-old goldfish farming tradition.
Best time to visit: Evening illuminations with traditional lanterns create a particularly atmospheric scene, perfect for capturing the essence of classic Japanese hanami.
Nearest station: Kintetsu Koriyama Station (Kintetsu Kashihara Line), about a 7-minute walk.
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The Matador Editorial Team
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