Cherry Blossoms in Japan - Top 5 Underrated Hanami Sites
For many tourists in Japan, cherry blossom viewing, or Hanami is definitely one of the highlights of their trip. Sakura flowers bloom during mid-March and early May, and local Japanese and tourists alike fill ornamental parks for a view of the kaleidoscopic view of pinks and whites. While cherry blossom season usually lasts about a month, from the first to the last time the tree blooms, each tree may only flower for a week.
Most tourists probably only know about Hokkaido, Osaka, and Fukuoka, but here are our top 5 underrated Hanami sites in Japan!
1. Hirosaki Park (Aomori Prefecture)
Hirosaki Park is one of Japan’s best cherry blossom spots, and we can totally see why! With an abundance of over 2,500 trees, cherry blossom tunnels, petal-filled moats, varieties of cherry trees, and illuminations during nightfall, the Aomori Prefecture park is home to one of the many cherry blossom spots combined into one. The park is also known for its many old trees, some over a century old; the Yoshino cherry tree is Japan’s oldest cherry tree since 1882, and over 300 more that were planted over a century ago.
Visitors can also enjoy the Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival, which is held annually between April 23rd and May 5th, where visitors can paddle small boats to view the blossoms or stay to watch the illuminated cherry blossoms during the evenings!
Be sure to check out the sakura carpet formed by fallen blossoms along the castle moat!
Source: Japan-guide.com
Source: Japan-guide.com
Address: Japan, 〒036-8356 Aomori, Hirosaki, Shimoshiroganecho, １
Best sakura viewing time: Mid April to early May
Admission fees: ¥310 (Castle only), ¥310 (Botanical garden only), ¥510 (Castle, botanical garden, and Fujita Memorial Garden)
2. Mt. Shiudeyama (Kagawa Prefecture)
Mt Shiudeyama is located on the remote peninsula of the Kagawa prefecture in the Shikoku region of Japan. The 1,000 cherry blossom trees are accompanied by a panoramic view of the Seto Inland Sea, offering the perfect sunset viewing spot. Shiudeyma means “mountain of emerging purple clouds” in Japanese, and during sunset, the cherry blossoms are drenched in a scenic and impressive purple and orange hue, living up to its name.
Tourists are encouraged to book their slots for a private car to go up the mountain at a fee, or a taxi from JR Takuma Station, but hiking up the mountain is equally as rewarding for the sakura viewing experience of a lifetime!
Source: Mitoyo_gram
Address: Ohama Otsu 451-1 Takuma-cho, Mitoyo, Kagawa, Japan
Best sakura viewing time: Early to mid April
Admission fees: Free (Hiking), ~¥1,000/hour (Rental cars), ~Varies (Taxis)
3. Negoro-ji Temple (Wakayama Prefecture)
Negoro-ji is the head temple of the Shingi Shingon sect of Buddhism and is known for two things: the beautiful pagoda that is listed as a national treasure, and the surrounding 7,000 cherry blossom trees, which are located around the side and main temple. The temple is surrounded by the peaks of the Katsuragi Mountains, making it a fascinating destination for history buffs and cherry blossom enthusiasts!
Source: nippon.com
Source: JapanTravel
Address: 2286 Negoro, Iwade, Wakayama 649-6202, Japan
Best sakura viewing time: Late March to early April
Admission fee: ¥500 for adult admission
4. Hii River Bank (Unnan, Shimane Prefecture)
The Hii River Bank has been known as one of Japan’s most beautiful cherry blossom sites, making it one of the best in the Chugoku region. Located in Unnan, Shimane Prefecture, it is also home to trees over 80 years old! Special gardeners maintain these cherry trees, as well as plant new ones. The 2km river bank has over 800 cherry blossom trees that stretch across both banks of the Hii River, and as you pass through the Sakura tunnel, you get a glimpse of the mountains of the Chugoku region in the distance.
Every April of the year, a festival is held on the weekends featuring regional products and local entertainment. During the blooming season, the cherry trees are lit up by paper lanterns at night, and it is recommended to take a walk through the “tunnel” of cherry blossoms for the best viewing experience straight out of an Anime movie!
Address: Kisuki, Kisuki-cho, Un’nan, Shimane Prefecture
Best sakura viewing time: Late March to Mid April
Admission fee: Free
5. Kamagatani Park (Ikeda, Gifu Prefecture)
Kamagatani means “valley of mist”, and the name is assumed to have derived from when the 3000 sakura trees are in full bloom, the ravine appears to be shrouded in a pink mist.
Fun fact: The area was designated a natural monument by the Japanese government in 1928 and is also well known for its shibazakura (“lawn sakura” or moss phlox), and several different species of cherry trees, making it a picturesque destination for nature lovers, so bring along your picnic mat to enjoy the scenic view!
Address: 901 Fujishiro, Ikeda, Ibi District, Gifu 503-2429, Japan
Best sakura viewing time: Early April
Admission fee: Free
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