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Uncover the highest spots to view beautiful cherry blossoms within the Tohoku area. From well-known parks to hidden gems, this complete information covers all of it.
On this cherry blossom information, I’ll discover Japan’s northern area, Tohoku. You’ll be able to take a look at the opposite spring journey guides down beneath:
In comparison with southern Japan, overseas vacationers typically ignore a lot of Japan’s northern area, Tohoku. Regardless of its comparatively low profile, it boasts a number of the most beautiful cherry blossom spots in your entire nation. Mixed with historic castles, historic temples, serene lakes, and towering mountains, the area affords a various and wealthy panorama for exploration. The cooler temperatures imply the cherry blossoms sometimes bloom from mid to late April, making Tohoku a implausible vacation spot for having fun with the cherry blossoms for those who miss the season elsewhere in Japan.
Fukushima Prefecture
Nicchu Line Memorial Walkway (日中線しだれ桜並木)
Blossoming interval: mid-April to late April
Picture Date: fifteenth April, 2024
If there may be one spot it’s essential to go to in Fukushima, it’s the Nicchu Line Memorial Walkway. In reality, it was one of the crucial stunning spots in Tohoku, together with the well-known Hirosaki Park in Aomori Prefecture, which I’ll get into later.
The previous Nicchu Railway Line, which spanned 13 km, used to run between Kitakata Metropolis and Atsushio Onsen city. Three kilometers of this line have been reworked right into a strolling and biking path lined with over 1,000 weeping cherry bushes.
Alongside the 3km stroll, you’ll discover an previous steam locomotive beforehand used on the Nicchu railway line. Meals stalls additionally seem because the cherry blossoms bloom, providing traditional Japanese avenue meals delicacies.
Sections of the northern a part of the pathway are fairly actually engulfed in a sea of pink. The ethereal pink tunnelway stretches so far as the attention can see, making it one of the crucial beautiful cherry blossom viewing spots I’ve ever seen.
Hanamiyama Park (花見山公園)
Blossoming interval: mid-April to late April
Picture Date: eleventh April, 2024
Simply exterior central Fukushima, amongst a rural farming city, lies Hanamiyama Park. Initially, a non-public park, second-generation proprietor Ichiro Abe and his father Isejiro devoted themselves to cultivating new land by way of decorative crops and flowering bushes on the hillsides round their land. It was opened to the general public in 1959 and rapidly grew to become certainly one of Fukushima’s high cherry blossom spots.
Throughout the peak season, when the park is bustling with guests, parking spots close to the park are restricted. Devoted parking spots can be found just some kilometers away, and a shuttle bus service is able to whisk you on to the park. For these utilizing public transport to Fukushima, a separate shuttle bus additionally operates between Fukushima Station and the park.
Upon arriving on the park, you’ll be greeted by beautiful fields of flowers bursting with vivid colours like one thing out of a portray. The riot of colours makes its method up the mountain, turning into magical shades of pink.
Guests can select from varied strolling trails that take you thru the park and up the mountainside. The longest path will result in an commentary deck, the place you possibly can oversee the park and an unimaginable array of spring colours, with stunning views of the Azuma Mountains within the distant background.
Tsurugajo Metropolis Park (鶴ヶ城公園)
Blossoming interval: mid April
Picture Date: fifteenth April, 2024
If you wish to study Japanese historical past whereas admiring the cherry blossoms, Tsurugajo Park is the place to go. Contained in the park is Tsuraga Fort, which was constructed in 1384.
The fort was the battleground for the fierce Boshin Battle of 1868. It began as a insurrection towards the newly shaped Meiji authorities, which had taken over management of the Tokugawa shogun and ended Japan’s feudal period. The unique fort was destroyed within the battle however was reconstructed utilizing concrete within the Nineteen Sixties.
Contained in the fort is a set of historic artifacts and details about its historical past and the samurai life-style. Should you climb to the highest, you possibly can get pleasure from a panoramic view of the park and surrounding metropolis!
Head by the close by Rinkaku Teahouse, the place historic feudal lords used to get pleasure from tea ceremonies. Inside is a small Japanese backyard and a spot to get pleasure from a cup of matcha and wagashi.
Miharu Takizakura (三春滝桜)
Blossoming interval: mid-April
Picture Date: eleventh April, 2024
Typically thought-about certainly one of Japan’s most stunning cherry bushes, Miharu Takizakura’s waterfall-like branches cascade down in a surprising, vivid pink, attracting numerous guests from throughout the nation.
Within the serene city of Miharu (often known as the city of three springs), cherry, plum, and peach bushes burst into a wide ranging symphony of colours each spring. The present’s star is Miharu Takizakura, a 12-meter-tall tree that spans roughly 20 meters and is a nationally acknowledged Pure Monument, a real marvel of nature.
You’ll be able to admire the tree from a distance or up near admire the pink petals in all their glory. Across the tree are meals stalls and small cafes, the place you possibly can get pleasure from meals and drinks whereas wanting over the nice tree.
Miyagi Prefecture
Hitome Senbonzakura (白石川堤一目千本桜)
Blossoming interval: early April to mid April
Picture Date: tenth April, 2024
Only a 45-minute practice trip southwest of Sendai metropolis is certainly one of Tohoku’s most well-known cherry blossom viewing spots often called “View of a Thousand Cherry Bushes.” Roughly 1,200 cherry bushes line Shiroishi Riverside in Ogawara City, creating Miyagi Prefecture’s go-to spot in spring.
Stopping off at Funaoka Station, the riverside path leads you 5 miles (8km) down Shiroishi River, permitting you to bask within the delicate pastel hues of cherry blossoms each step of the way in which. Look out for Somei Yoshino, White Mountain cherry, Double-flowers cherry, and Sendai Yoshino, amongst a bunch of different varieties! As you stroll, the majestic snowy-capped Mt. Zao looms within the distance, including to the awe-inspiring great thing about the scene.
From early April to mid-April, you possibly can benefit from the Ogawara Sakura Competition. Meals stalls line the riverbank, providing avenue meals classics. The blossoms are lit within the night, making it a implausible spot to chill out for the entire day!
Funaoka Fort Park (船岡城址公園)
Blossoming interval: mid to late April
Picture Date: tenth April, 2024
Midway alongside Hitome Senbon Sakura is Funaoka Fort Park. A bridge connects the 2, permitting you to gaze over the rows of cherry blossoms and the JR Tohoku Primary Line practice because it passes slowly between Ogawara Station and Funaoka Station.
As soon as a formidable fortress, Funaoka Fort stood proudly on the park’s summit till the Meiji Restoration (1868) introduced its downfall. Right now, a 24-meter concrete Kannon statue stands instead, a robust image of peace and safety.
The park is on a small mountain, so it’s a steep climb to the highest. Some snug sneakers are extremely advisable when visiting Hitome Senbonzakura and Funaoka Fort Park! Alternatively, you possibly can board the slope automobile that makes its method by way of cherry blossom bushes as if touring by way of a pink sea of clouds.
On the high is a small store promoting bento containers and different meals and drinks to get pleasure from with the spring surroundings. You’ll be able to look over Hitome Senbonzakura with the backdrop of Mt. Zao from the varied lookout posts.
Tsutsujigaoka Park (榴岡公園)
Blossoming interval: Mid April
Picture Date: twelfth April, 2024
Should you’re visiting Miyagi, you’ll greater than probably go by way of or keep in Sendai. The prefecture’s largest metropolis affords a implausible array of scrumptious meals and is a handy hub for getting round different elements of Tohoku.
As you traverse town, cease on the serene Tsutsujigaoka Park. This park, adorned with over 360 cherry bushes, transforms right into a tranquil pink oasis amidst the city panorama. Many locals get pleasure from their picnics right here, so seize some meals and drinks from the meals stalls and chill out below the pink-petaled cover because the bushes softly rustle within the spring breeze.
A fast point out of one other well-liked spot I didn’t get to go to: Nishi Park. It has many culturally vital monuments, together with a steam locomotive, sculptures by Sendai artists, and a plum tree that the primary lord of Sendai, Date Masamune, introduced again from Korea 400 years in the past.
Matsushima (松島)
Blossoming interval: early April to late April
Picture Date: 14th April, 2024
Often known as one of many “Three Views of Japan,” Matsushima is residence to 260 pine-covered islands and is known for its seafood and oysters. Now we have a whole Matsushima journey information, however we’ve got to provide it a fast point out for its cherry blossoms.
After having fun with the sightseeing boat and a seafood-filled lunch, head to Saigyo Modoshi no Matsu Park, the place you possibly can look over Matsushima Bay, framed with 250 odd cherry bushes.&
Yamagata Prefecture
Kajo Park (霞城公園)
Blossoming interval: Mid-April
Picture Date: twelfth April, 2024
Positioned within the heart of Yamagata Metropolis is Yamagata Fort, constructed in 1592 by Yoshiaki Mogami, certainly one of Tohoku’s most revered feudal lords. It was solely named and opened as Kajo Park after World Battle Two.
Yamagata Fort, now reworked into Kajo Park, is a real treasure within the coronary heart of Yamagata Metropolis. Its expansive 235-hectare design elegantly blends historical past and nature, providing a serene escape from town’s hustle and bustle. The park’s attract is additional enhanced throughout cherry blossom season when it’s adorned with nature’s vibrant hues of pink and white.
Ningen Shogi (人間将棋)
Occasion interval: Mid-April (occasion dates change yearly)
Picture Date: 14th April, 2024
For 2 days throughout full bloom, Tendo Metropolis hosts a particular occasion referred to as Ningen Shogi or Human Japanese Chess. Just like Western chess, people gown in historic Edo Interval apparel throughout Ningen Shogi.
Tendo Metropolis is Japan’s largest shogi manufacturing metropolis and the one place you possibly can get pleasure from Ningen Shogi. Surrounded by cherry blossoms, the two-day occasion is performed on a 16m x 14m life-sized shogi board in Tendo Park.
The principles are completely different from Western chess, so it may be tough to observe. Nonetheless, the general performances, surroundings, and ambiance are price visiting!
Iwate Prefecture
Kitakami Tenshochi Park (展勝地公園)
Blooming interval: Mid-April to early Might
Picture Date: 18th April, 2024
From mid-April to early Might, the Kitakami Tenshochi Cherry Blossom Competition is held in Kitakami Tenshochi Park. It’s acknowledged as one of many “100 finest cherry blossom viewing spots in Japan” and one of many “Prime 3 cherry blossom websites within the Tohoku area.”
The park spans over 300 hectares and comprises over 10,000 cherry bushes of over 150 varieties. Yoshino bushes bloom round mid-April, whereas Kasumizakura blooms nearer to early Might, that means longer cherry blossom enjoyable!
From Sango-Bashi Bridge, a tunnel of cherry blossoms runs for about 2km, which is well walkable, or you possibly can take a scenic horse trip! Because the competition runs by way of Golden Week, it’s also possible to get pleasure from koinobori (carp streamers) hanging over the Kitakami River and varied boat cruises to benefit from the surroundings from the water.
Koiwai Farm (小岩井農場)
Blooming interval: Mid-April to early Might
Picture Date: twenty first April, 2024
Based in 1891, Koiwai Farm is certainly one of Japan’s oldest and most well-known dairy farms. Positioned in Morioka, the farm covers over 3000 hectares and has farmlands, pastures, farm buildings, and amenities for guests to get pleasure from.
The primary space for guests is Makiba Park, which has an entrance charge of 800 yen for adults and 300 yen for youngsters. Inside are extensive open fields to chill out, a bunch of memento outlets and eating places the place you possibly can get pleasure from Koiwai Farm-produced items and different actions reminiscent of horse using and archery. Throughout the spring season, the farm turns into dotted with pockets of pink with the backdrop of the snowy Mt. Iwate.
On the opposite facet of the farm is Kamimaru Cowshed, which homes a small museum in regards to the farm, the previous head workplace, and several other cowsheds.
Only a quick stroll from the farm is a lonesome cherry tree amongst the huge open inexperienced pastures and the snowy Mt. Iwate within the background (sadly, it wasn’t blooming once I visited.)
Akita Prefecture
Hinokinaigawa Tsutsumi Park & Kakunodate (桧木内川堤公園＆角館町)
Blooming interval: Mid-April
Picture Date: nineteenth April, 2024
Nestled among the many open fields and meandering mountain rounds of Akita is Tohoku’s “Little Kyoto,” often known as Kakunodate. The small fort city, based in 1620, is situated in Semboku Metropolis, between Morioka and Akita Metropolis. The northern a part of the city is called the samurai distinct (Uchimachi), and the southern half is the common city (Tomachi).
All through the Uchimachi, many samurai residences are open for guests to discover and be taught in regards to the city’s historical past. Whereas the gorgeous conventional structure captivates guests for a lot of the 12 months, through the Kakunodate Cherry Blossom Competition, the elegant weeping cherry blossoms take heart stage.
The traditional class of the darkish picket facades of the samurai homes contrasts fantastically with the pink and white branches that cascade down like a curtain of floral rain. Whereas exploring, bask in some kiritanpo, a neighborhood dish constructed from half-mashed steamed rice wrapped on a stick and roasted over a charcoal hearth.
Close to the Uchimachi is Hinokinaigawa Tsutsumi, the place 400 Yoshino cherry bushes stretch for two kilometers alongside the Hinokinai River. The calm river banks and serene panorama make for the right hanami spot!
What higher method to end off a day of exploring than with some rooster? Akita is known for its Hinai Jidori, a extremely priceless native kind of rooster discovered within the Hinai area. You could find specialised eating places promoting Hinai Jidori all through elements of Akita, however I made a decision on Akita Hinai Ya for some oyakadon and yakitori. Hinai Jidori has a full-bodied taste with unparalleled succulent meat, and it’s a must-try for those who’re within the space!
Aomori Prefecture
Hirosaki Park (弘前公園）
Blooming interval: Mid-April to Late April
Picture Date: nineteenth April, 2024
Hirosaki Park is Aomori’s most well-known cherry blossom spot and the highest sakura spot in Japan. The park simply grew to become my high sakura spot in Tohoku, together with the Nicchu Line Memorial Walkway.
Between April twenty third and Might fifth, over 2 million guests flock to Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Competition to benefit from the 2,600 cherry bushes in over 50 varieties, some over 300 years previous.
There may be a lot to get pleasure from, from the open grounds and meals stalls to Hirosaki Fort and the encompassing moats. Whereas strolling round, you’re greeted by a unending sea of pink and white.
Head to the western moat, the place you’ll discover a cherry blossom tunnel and a few rental boats to benefit from the surroundings from the water!
Be looking out for this minimize coronary heart form amongst the branches!
Whereas the daytime view is gorgeous, it’s within the night when the park actually comes alive. The pink petals mirror and shimmer within the waters of the western moat, creating an unmissable otherworldly sight.
Should you stroll a few minutes away to the sting of the moat, you’ll be granted a view of the purple bridge framed by all of the illuminated cherry blossoms. The images don’t do the park justice, and it’s undoubtedly the go-to sakura spot on this entire record.
Should you go to simply after full bloom, don’t fear! One other spectacular sight is the fallen petals, which flip the moats right into a carpet of pink!
Ashino Park (芦野公園)
Blooming interval: Mid-April to Late April
Picture Date: twentieth April, 2024
Final however not least is essentially the most northern cherry blossom spot on this record, Ashino Park. A part of the Ashino Chishogun Prefectural Pure Park, it additionally consists of Lake Ashinoko. Dwelling to 1,500 cherry bushes and 1,800 pine bushes, it’s a implausible spot for a day trip in nature.
The spotlight is the cherry blossom competition held from 29 April to 7 Might (topic to alter yearly) and the native practice that passes by way of the tunnel of cherry blossoms. You’ll discover avid photographers and plenty of different locals and vacationers making an attempt to seize a snap of the passing practice, so it will possibly get fairly busy!
And what higher method to finish your journey in Aomori than with Nokke-Don! Think about kaisendon (seafood bowl), however you possibly can select your favourite seafood. At Aomori Gyosai Middle, decide up a bowl of rice, go across the market, and decide up your favourite substances. From salmon and tuna to sea urchins and scallops, there may be every part you might want for!
In order that’s it for our four-part cherry blossom information! Should you’re late to the cherry blossom celebration, take into account touring as much as Tohoku! These are simply a number of the extra well-liked spots we advocate you add to your itinerary, however there are numerous smaller pockets of cherry blossoms ready to be found!
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