Viewing the cherry blossom or sakura in Japan has been popular in the country for thousands of years. Known as the practice of hanami (hana means flower and mi means viewing) it first started during the Heian Period (794 – 1191). In those days the emperor of Japan lived in a grand palace with hundreds of concubines. This was the era of Haiku poetry and the time when The Tale of Genji, a great Japanese literary classic, was penned. Poets, artists, noblemen and courtiers would meet beneath the blossoming trees to celebrate the spring season. And the tradition continues to this day as thousands of tourists make their way there to join in the festivities. But there is more to this fascinating country than cherry blossom and Guided Travel Articles will help you get the most out of your visit.

Cherry blossom in Japan

The GPS Guided Travel Article

GPS Guided Travel Articles have been written by travel writers and bloggers who have visited the city or site that is the subject of the article. They replicate a guide showing you around – in your pocket on your mobile phone. Not only do they have GPS co-ordinates embedded in them and a map of the suggested route but they include advice and tips to maximise your sightseeing experience.

How to Get Your Guided Travel Article

Visit the website GPSMyCity where you will find thousands of these articles from cities all over the world. For a small fee you can download the app of a city you want to visit. Once you have the app on the phone that is all you will need for a successful visit. The app will show you exactly where you are on the map and guide you from place to place. It could not be easier. The original travel articles are also available from this website free of charge. Once downloaded you can read it when you wish without having to be connected to the internet.

GPSMyCity App

Try one

You don’t have to take my word for it – try them yourself. Here are four of my travel articles about different Japanese cities from the GPSMyCity.
You can access GPS-guided travel articles two different ways:
1 click on a link below for the article you are interested in (if you haven’t already downloaded the free GPSmyCity app, you will see a prompt to do so). After downloading the app, you will be directed to the article, where you can choose UPGRADE to get the GPS-guided version.
2 From the GPSmyCity app, you can browse by city to see which articles are available.

I had a great time in Japan travelling around the country with my JR Rail Pass and I would like to share some of my experiences with you. These are four of the articles I have written with the links to download them. Just click on the title of the article you want to download.

My Favourite Places in Kyoto, Japan

Kyoto has so much to offer it is a must for anyone visiting Japan. It was once the home of the Emperor. It is the site of over two thousand Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines of which seventeen are UNESCO World Heritage sites. Naturally, such a famous town attracts crowds but it is easy to lose the crowds and still appreciate the flavour of this heritage town – a seamless fusion of ancient and modern. The pretty Maruyama Park in Kyoto is in the top ten best places to view the cherry blossom in spring.
Maruyama Park in Kyoto, Japan

Matsumoto – A Taste of Traditional Japan

Matsumoto is home to the stunning Matsumoto Castle that stands proudly above the moat that surrounds it. This castle is one of only four remaining original castles in Japan and considered to be the most beautiful and complete. Its predominantly black exterior has led to it being called the Black Crow. It is a “hirajiro” castle meaning it was built on plains rather than on a hill or mountain. The castle is a popular in the spring when the hundreds of somei yoshino cherry trees planted along the outer castle moat are in bloom …
Matsumoto Castle or the Black Crow in Matsumoto, Japan

At Peace in a Park in Hiroshima

Stepping off the tram at the Peace Park in Hiroshima I had no idea what to expect, or even, why I was there. I was immediately struck by the stark reality of the disaster that struck the city on seeing the Atomic Dome (Genbaku Dome) with its shredded dome. It was the only building left standing when the first atomic bomb exploded in the centre of the town on 6 August 1945. This building, the Hiroshima Prefecture Commercial Exhibition Hall, has been preserved in the same state it was immediately after the bombing. The respectful silence of all the visitors surrounding it was very moving. On the other side of the river the atmosphere in the Peace Park was completely different. This large wooded area is home to some interesting monuments each with its own poignant significance …
The Atomic Dome in Hiroshima, Japan

Miyajima Island – Molluscs and Momiji Manju

There was an air of anticipation as we crossed the narrow channel of water between Hiroshima port and Miyajima Island. Everyone was craning their necks for the first view of the torii gate of the famous Itsukushima shrine. A veil of mist draping the island enhanced the moment as we drew closer to the red gate that really does appear to be floating on the sea. Sadly, it is no longer a requirement to enter shrine island through this gate and we had to disembark at the ferry port …
Torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island, Hiroshima in Japan

Now you are ready for your Japanese adventure – enjoy.