April is one of the finest months to travel: spring is properly underway across the Northern Hemisphere, the worst of the winter crowds have dispersed, and many of the year's great seasonal moments — cherry blossom in Japan, orange blossom in southern Spain, the first outdoor tables going up across southern Europe — are concentrated into these few weeks. Here are five cities that make a particularly strong case for an April visit.
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A collection of the best ryokans in Hakone with a private onsen, ranging from chic and intimate affairs to upscale, traditional Japanese luxury.
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The best boutique hotels in Tokyo including luxury offerings, eco-stays, properties complete with onsens, and hotels with superb spas...
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A collection of the best luxury ryokans in Hakone, from pampering spa breaks to chic takes on the traditional luxury ryokan. They all boast the traditional hot spring baths, renowned for their healing properties...
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The best family hotels in Tokyo including hotels with family suites or child care facilities as well as luxury hotels or ryokans...
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The 7 best ryokans in Tokyo including sleek luxury stays, chic boutiques, and charming traditional properties...
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The best hotels for the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove are all a short walk or drive away, and range from woodland getaways to stylish luxury stays.
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Kita is a thriving neighbourhood in the north of Osaka, which is also known as Umeda (it surrounds Umeda Station). It's a bustling transport hub, a business centre and a place filled with department stores and shopping malls, as well as handful of top museums. In short it's the busy beating heart of the city!
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Japan's most iconic mountain rises from the mist in winter, and glitters in the summer sunshine. To soak up uninterrupted views of Mount Fuji, book a room at one of the best hotels and ryokans in nearby Fujikawaguchiko.
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Shinsaibashi is a bustling shopping hub which has become a tourist hot spot with crowds flocking to its famous covered shopping street...
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The best hotels in Chiyoda City as chosen by the independent experts at The Hotel Guru. From upscale luxury hotels to family friendly boutique hideaways...
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Japan's second-largest island, Hokkaidō is home to volcanic mountains, snow-capped peaks and beautiful forested national parks. Its classic ryokans are some of the country's most charming hotels.
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The best hotels in Akihabara, Tokyo, as chosen by the independent experts at The Hotel Guru. From sleek contemporary spaces to cracking hotels that won't break the bank...
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With 34 spectacular national parks protecting ancient forests, snow-capped mountains, steaming hot springs and tranquil lakes, Japan is a wonderful destination for outdoorsy travellers. The top hotels in Japan's national parks await.
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The best hotels in Kyoto with onsen, including a charming traditional base, luxury city stays and hillside hideaways...
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The southern Japanese island of Kyushu is home to verdant forests and dramatic volcanic mountains. It's also famous for its natural hot springs, known as onsen baths, which have long been part of the wellness experience at the country's classic ryokans.
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The best hotels for Jigokudani Monkey Park from a luxury ryokan to a romantic, adults-only hideaway...
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The best places to stay in Yanaka, a small historic neighbourhood crammed with temples and narrow lanes housing authentic Japanese restaurants...
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The best beach resorts in Japan, including luxurious romantic escapes and family-friendly seaside properties...
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The best hotels in Dotonbori, a lively district in the heart of the city. With diverse options from contemporary hotels to traditional ryokans...
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The best hotels in Minami in the south of Osaka, surrounding Namba Station. Our picks include style great value properties, ideal for any traveller on a tight budget...
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