Like touring in Japan extra typically, my seemingly countless pursuit of sakura by no means actually drained me. At this level, I’ve executed greater than half a dozen devoted cherry blossom journeys, and a number of other different incidental ones.
A part of my secret for preserving hanami contemporary? Chasing flowers in locations which, if not the overwhelmed path, are not less than considerably unknown for foreigners. My most up-to-date such sojourn (in 2025, as I’m penning this put up) noticed me deal with locations across the Seto Inland Sea, together with Kagawa prefecture’s Shiudeyama.
The excellent news? The Mt. Shiude cherry blossoms greater than lived as much as the expectations I set once I noticed an image of them on social media years earlier. The higher information? It’s simple—properly, simple sufficient—so that you can see this superb sakura view your self.
How Shiudeyama Earned a Spot on My Japan Bucket Checklist
As you may guess, I didn’t begin off with the intention of seeing cherry blossoms at Mt. Shiude. Relatively, a few years in the past, I noticed an image of cherry blossoms framing islands within the Seto Inland Sea—I knew I needed to take my very own model of the picture. Sadly for me, I initially mis-identified the situation, and made the costly journey to Megijima island close to Takamatsu, solely to find it was the “mistaken” place (though it was beautiful in its personal proper).
Talking of taking gambles, it’s quite a bit simpler to go online to video poker video games than it’s to go to hanami spots after they’re in good full bloom. From standard-style poker, to future classics akin to Jacks or Higher and Joker Poker, it’s simple to strive your luck with only a few clicks out of your pill, telephone or laptop computer. Particularly since plans to open bodily casinos in Japan stay as far up within the air as they’re!
What to Know About Visiting Mt. Shiude Throughout Sakura Season
It’s solely obscure amongst foreigners
I used to be truthfully shocked by what number of vacationers had been at Mt. Shiude once I bought up there. In fact, the overwhelming majority of those had been Japanese vacationers from surrounding Kagawa prefecture. The principle overseas exception to this rule, not less than as of the mid-2020s, is vacationers from Taiwan.
You should reserve parking far upfront
If you happen to plan to drive to see the Shiudeyama cherry blossoms, you’ll be able to’t simply set your GPS for the mountaintop and drive there with out another premeditation. You should reserve a timed parking slot on-line, ideally not less than a month upfront. If you happen to wait till the final minute, chances are high this can not be an possibility.
(Or plan on taking a bus)
Alternatively, you’ll be able to take a Hearts Shuttle Bus to the summit. This additionally must be booked upfront, however requires much less advance discover than a parking spot. Observe you can drive a part of the way in which (i.e. to Chichibugahama seaside, one other in style vacationer spot within the space) after which take the bus from there.
(Or mountain climbing)
If you wish to see the Shiudeyama sakura and don’t thoughts working up a sweat, but an alternative choice is to hike. You are able to do so by driving a practice to JR Takuma Station, getting a bus from there to the Ohama Bus Cease, and mountain climbing ~90 minutes up the aptly-named “Nature Path” to the summit.
It’s well worth the bother of getting there
Whereas Mt. Shiude isn’t as simple to go to as different points of interest in Kagawa-ken (akin to Marugame Citadel, and even Takamatsu Metropolis’s personal Ritsurin Backyard), belief me once I say that the trouble you set in will probably be price it. Nicely, not less than in the event you handle to go to when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom and when the solar is shining—extra on this in a second.
When Will Mt. Shiude’s Cherry Blossoms Attain Full Bloom in 2027?
Despite ostensibly being on Shikoku island, which is without doubt one of the first locations sakura bloom in Japan, Mt. Shiude’s blossoms attain mankai (full bloom) later than you may count on. That is due each to the elevation of the mountain, in addition to the distinctive microclimate of the Mitoyo Peninsula it sits atop. In a standard yr, the very best time to see cherry blossoms right here is between about April 3-7, or just a few days after full bloom in central Takamatsu.
One other vital consideration for Mt. Shiude’s cherry blossoms? With the intention to get the very best pictures of the flowers with the islands of the Seto Inland Sea behind them you actually need to go to on a shiny, sunny day. On account of these circumstances, I recommend being considerably versatile about once you go. This additionally entails making a number of bus ticket reservations—or, in the event you’re driving, reserving a parking spot on two or extra days.
Different FAQ About Seeing Cherry Blossoms at Mt. Shiude
How do I get to Mt. Shiude?
Mt. Shiude is most simply accessible by rental automotive, although throughout cherry blossom season you will want to pre-reserve parking. Alternatively, you’ll be able to go through public transportation to JR Takuma Station or to Chichibugahama seaside, which each provide bus transportation to the highest of the mountain.
When is the very best time to go to Mt. Shiude?
Mt. Shiude is most lovely across the first week of April, when its cherry blossoms attain full bloom. Nonetheless, you may also come later in April for tsutsuji or azaleas, or between round mid-June to late July, when hydrangeas (ajisai in Japanese) will blossom.
Is Mt. Shiude price visiting?
Mt. Shiude is certainly price visiting! Nonetheless, whereas the views are nice at any time of yr, they’re greatest throughout early April when sakura in full bloom body them, or secondarily in July or August when hydrangeas add a shade accent to your panorama of the Seto Inland Sea.
The Backside Line
The Mt. Shiude cherry blossoms are superb, whether or not you’re in your first cherry blossom journey and need to go a bit off the overwhelmed path, or are an skilled Japan traveler digging deep into Kagawa prefecture. To this latter level, Shiudeyama pairs properly with different locations within the Takamatsu space, from Chichibugahama seaside, to the scenic hilltop shrine of Takaya Jinja. It doesn’t matter what kind your journey takes, do be as conscious of the way you get round as the place you go, since street controls are in place throughout cherry blossom season. Want personalised assist assembling your subsequent cherry blossom journey? Fee a customized Japan itinerary in the present day!