Spring also brings vibrant festivals, from the dazzling Takayama Matsuri to Kyoto’s geisha-led Miyako Odori. Whether you’re chasing blossoms or soaking in an onsen beneath the spring sky, Japan in spring feels like you’ve stepped inside a painting.

Each time I travel to Japan, I feel the same level of excitement I experienced during my first visit nearly 10 years ago. The adrenaline rush of walking below sparkling sky-high buildings, the kitschy cafes and sleek Michelin-starred restaurants,

From lavender fields in Provence to jacarandas in Mexico, these six destinations offer a sensory escape for spring travelers.