[2025 Edition] Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms in Fukui, Japan – Top 10 Spots for Hanami & Stunning Views

• Table of Contents
• Easy access from the city! Surprisingly close and lovely countryside! To Fukui Prefecture!
• 1. An easy walk from JR Fukui Station! The 2.2km long cherry blossom tunnel "Asawa River Cherry Blossom Tree Line"
• [Stopover spot] Along the way, there is a famous cherry blossom spot called "Fukui Castle Ruins Cherry Blossoms"
• The 370-year-old weeping cherry tree at Asuwa Shrine
• 3. "Benten Sakura" - a beautiful combination of remaining snow, blue skies and cherry blossoms
• 4. Enjoy lunch at a national tangible cultural property while admiring the cherry blossoms at "Kagetsuro Weeping Cherry Blossoms"
• 5. Kanazaki Shrine: Enjoy romantic events
• 6. Maruoka Castle: Climb the existing castle tower and enjoy the spectacular cherry blossom views
• 7. The weeping cherry blossoms swaying in the wind create a scenic world: "Weeping Cherry Blossoms at Takekurabe Square"
• 8. The single cherry tree blooming in the middle of the schoolyard is photogenic: "Edohigan Sakura at Ajimano Elementary School"
• 9. "Sparkle Road Nakagawa" where you can enjoy the collaboration of cherry blossoms and daffodil carp streamers
• 10. "Miko no Yamazakura" - a scenic spot with a beautiful contrast between the blue of the sea and the pink of the cherry blossoms

Fukui Prefecture has many famous cherry blossom viewing spots and breathtaking views.

This time, we will introduce 10 attractive cherry blossom viewing spots, such as the "Cherry Blossom Trees Along the Asuwa River," which was selected as one of the 100 best cherry blossom viewing spots in Japan, the "Benten Cherry Blossoms," also known as "a thousand trees at a glance," the "Miko no Yamazakura," which has been designated as a scenic spot in Fukui, and "Kanazaki Shrine," which has a romantic festival held during the cherry blossom season.

The best time to see cherry blossoms in Fukui Prefecture is usually from late March to early April, but please note that this varies depending on the location and the weather of the year.

Easy access from the city! Surprisingly close and lovely countryside! To Fukui Prefecture!

Easy access from Tokyo! The Hokuriku Shinkansen makes it even closer!

With the extension of the Hokuriku Shinkansen, Fukui has become much closer to Tokyo. It takes about three hours by direct train, so why not get away from the crowds and spend some relaxing time in Fukui, where nature, history, and culture live on? In this countryside, which is surprisingly close, you can enjoy the beauty of Japan to your heart's content.

Easy access from Osaka and Kyoto! Enjoy the cherry blossoms at your leisure in Fukui!

Fukui Prefecture has become even easier to get to from Osaka and Kyoto. Why not escape the crowds and enjoy some peaceful time? Fukui, with its beautiful nature and historic townscapes, offers a relaxing trip. Please come and spend some time relaxing.

Easy access from Kanazawa! We also recommend renting a car to get to Fukui Prefecture!

Access from Kanazawa to Fukui has become even easier, making it convenient to enjoy sightseeing. If you rent a car, you can easily visit famous places. Why not enjoy the trip at your own pace while experiencing history and nature?

1. An easy walk from JR Fukui Station! The 2.2km long cherry blossom tunnel "Asawa River Cherry Blossom Tree Line"

Along the Asuwa River that runs through the center of Fukui City, Fukui Prefecture, there is a 2.2 km long row of cherry trees lined with about 600 Somei Yoshino cherry trees, which has been selected as one of the "100 Best Cherry Blossom Spots."

This beautiful cherry blossom tunnel is lit up at night during the cherry blossom season, creating a fantastical sight that is different from the daytime.

The best time to see the flowers is usually from late March to early April.

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15 minutes walk from JR Fukui Station.

During the Fukui Cherry Blossom Festival, temporary free parking will be available at the parking lot next to the former Cultural Hall, the educational parking lot on the south side of Fukui Keirin Stadium, and the Kagetsubashi parking lot.

Cherry Blossoms along the Asuwa River

1-11 Tsukumo, Fukui City, Fukui Prefecture 918-8001

The Cherry Blossoms along the Asuwa River is a cherry blossom spot that has been selected as one of the top 100 cherry blossom spots. About 600 Yoshino cherry trees line the Asuwa River, which flows through the center of Fukui City, Fukui Prefecture, for about 2.2 km.

[Stopover spot] Along the way, there is a famous cherry blossom spot called "Fukui Castle Ruins Cherry Blossoms"

On the way from Fukui Station to the Asuwa River, you will come across the remains of Fukui Castle, with its stone walls and moat, and cherry trees planted all around the moat. The prefectural office is now located where the castle once stood, and it is a popular walking course for locals that can be completed in about 20 minutes.

When the petals fall, you can see flower rafts floating in the moat, which is a sight to behold. If you go to see the cherry blossoms along the Asuwa River, be sure to stop by.

Fukui Castle Ruins

3-17-1 Ote, Fukui City, Fukui Prefecture 910-0005

Fukui Castle was built by Yuki Hideyasu, the second son of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first feudal lord of Fukui. During the Edo period, it prospered as the castle town of the Echizen Matsudaira family, the feudal lord of Fukui. Today, only stone walls and a moat remain. In spring, the moat is lined with cherry blossoms, and it is also known as a cherry blossom spot.

The 370-year-old weeping cherry tree at Asuwa Shrine

The 370-year-old weeping cherry tree that blooms majestically in the center of the grounds of Asuwa Shrine in Asuwa, Fukui City is a spectacular sight.

The branches hang down evenly on all four sides, creating a beautiful dome shape that is unlike anything else.

It is lit up at night, creating a bewitching beauty that is different from that during the day.

The best time to see the flowers is usually from early April to mid-April.

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Public transport: 25 minutes on foot from JR Fukui Station, or 5 minutes on foot from the west exit of JR Fukui Station, take the Smile Bus bound for Terute/Asuwa and get off at "Atagozaka"

By car: From the Hokuriku Expressway IC, take National Route 158 west for about 8km (15 minutes)

Asuwa Shrine

918-8007 1-8-25 Asuwa, Fukui City, Fukui Prefecture

It enshrines Emperor Keitai and the five deities of Ikasuri-no-kami. The 380-year-old weeping cherry tree and the Takao maple on the approach are designated as natural monuments of Fukui City.

3. "Benten Sakura" - a beautiful combination of remaining snow, blue skies and cherry blossoms

The Benten Sakura avenue, which stretches for about 1.5 km along the right bank of the Kuzuryu River, is known as a "thousand cherry trees at a glance," and its approximately 450 Somei-yoshino cherry trees offer a beautiful sight.

Furthermore, Katsuyama City is one of the snowiest areas in Fukui Prefecture, and the combination of remaining snow on the distant mountains, clear blue skies, and cherry blossoms is a spectacular sight that can only be seen here.

The best time to see the flowers is usually from early April to mid-April.

The Sakura Festival is held every year in early April, with local stalls lining the tunnel of cherry blossoms.

Also, during the week before and after the Cherry Blossom Festival, lanterns are lit from evening until 10pm, allowing you to enjoy the fantastical scenery of the cherry blossoms at night.

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Public transport: 8 minutes on foot from Katsuyama Station on the Echizen Railway

Car: Free parking available on the Kuzuryu River riverbed at Benten Ryokuchi

Bentenzakura

〒911-0805 Tachikawa Town, Katsuyama City, Fukui Prefecture

About 450 Somei Yoshino cherry trees stretch for about 1.5 km on the right bank of the Kuzuryu River, and are called Hitome Senbon.

4. Enjoy lunch at a national tangible cultural property while admiring the cherry blossoms at "Kagetsuro Weeping Cherry Blossoms"

The weeping cherry tree at Kagetsuro is over 100 years old and is very impressive when viewed from below.

Kawaramachi Street, where Kagetsuro is located, is lined with weeping cherry trees, making it a fun and recommended place to stroll around the town.

The building with the weeping cherry blossoms in the background is the "Shunsai Shokusai Kagetsuro", built in 1897. It is registered as a national tangible cultural property, and you can taste Fukui's local cuisine and seasonal ingredients. If you come to see the cherry blossoms, be sure to stop by.

The best time to see the flowers is usually from early April to mid-April.

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Public transport: 11 minutes walk from Katsuyama Station on the Echizen Railway.

By car: Free parking is available at Machinaka Parking Lot (next to Akiyoshi along Honmachi Street).

Kagetsuro

2-6-21 Honmachi, Katsuyama City, Fukui Prefecture 911-0806

Renovation of the cultural property "Former Ryotei Kagetsuro" built in 1897 (Meiji 30). It is a tasteful building that once prospered as a geisha district. The first floor is a restaurant where you can enjoy local cuisine for lunch and a cafe menu with a Japanese taste. You can relax while looking at the garden where you can feel the four seasons of Japan. The “umbrella ceiling” that looks like an open umbrella on the second floor is also a must-see.

5. Kanazaki Shrine: Enjoy romantic events

This shrine is located at the foot of the ruins of Kanegasaki Castle and is famous as a cherry blossom viewing spot, with about 400 Somei-Yoshino cherry trees planted. The area around the shrine grounds is also a city park, and many people gather there throughout the year.

The best time to see the flowers is early April.

An event called the "Hana-gae Festival" is held every year in early April, when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom.

This romantic event is said to have taken place in the 1900s, when men and women visiting the cherry blossom viewing spots would ask each other, "Let's exchange flowers," and exchange cherry blossoms to convey their feelings to each other.

It is said that couples who change the flowers will be blessed with happiness in the future, and many people visit every year.

Why not join us as a couple or with your family?

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Public transportation: 30 minutes walk from JR Tsuruga Station. Take the Tsuruga sightseeing bus for about 8 minutes from JR Tsuruga Station and get off at "Kanazakimiya" bus stop for 5 minutes.

By car: There is a free parking lot near Kanazaki Shrine (30 spaces for regular cars, 5 spaces for buses).

Kanazaki Shrine

1-4 Kanegasakicho, Tsuruga City, Fukui Prefecture 914-0072

In 1890 (Meiji 23), Kanpei Chusha Kanazakigu Shrine was established on the site of Kanegasaki Castle to enshrine Prince Takanaga. Kanazaki Shrine is said to bring blessings such as "marriage, fulfillment of love" and "breakthrough of difficult problems", and many worshipers visit every year.

6. Maruoka Castle: Climb the existing castle tower and enjoy the spectacular cherry blossom views

Maruoka Castle is registered as an Important Cultural Property of Japan and is the only castle in the Hokuriku region with a surviving castle tower.

There are 400 Somei-Yoshino cherry trees in the park, and it has been selected as one of Japan's 100 best cherry blossom viewing spots.

At night, the area is lit up with around 300 lanterns, creating a fantastical scene with Maruoka Castle towering over the floral mist.

The best time to see the flowers is usually from early to mid-April.

This year, projection mapping will be held on the Maruoka Castle tower. You can enjoy a fantastic collaboration with the cherry blossoms. For more information, please see the official website.

Maruoka Castle Cherry Blossom Festival Official Website

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Public transport: 50 minutes by Keifuku bus bound for Maruoka Castle from JR Fukui Station

Car: 5 minutes from Maruoka IC on the Hokuriku Expressway

Maruoka Castle

910-0231 1-59 Kasumicho, Maruokacho, Sakai City, Fukui Prefecture

Maruoka Castle is a Hirayama Castle that has the oldest architectural style among existing castle towers, and as its other name, Kasumiga Castle, stands out among the cherry blossoms in full bloom in spring, it is a fantastically beautiful castle. It was built by Katsuie Shibata and his nephew Katsutoyo on the orders of Oda Nobunaga in preparation for the Ikko Ikki uprising in 1576 during the Sengoku period. It is a nationally important cultural property, and is a watchtower-shaped castle tower with a two-story exterior and three-story interior, and the stone walls are built using the old method of ``nozura zumi''.It has many gaps and looks rough, but it has good drainage and is safe from collapse even in heavy rain. It is said. There is a Japanese garden-style park built to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the construction of Maruoka Castle, and the History and Folklore Museum exhibits items related to successive castle owners.

7. The weeping cherry blossoms swaying in the wind create a scenic world: "Weeping Cherry Blossoms at Takekurabe Square"

In the quiet mountain area of ​​Takeda, Sakai City, along the national highway connecting Eiheiji Temple and Yamanaka Onsen, weeping cherry blossoms can be seen everywhere.

The total number of bottles is approximately 700.

At Takekurabe Park in particular, you can enjoy the weeping cherry blossoms swaying in the breeze from mid-April through to Golden Week.

During the Takeda no Sato Weeping Cherry Blossom Festival, which is held every year in mid-April, the area is lit up at night, creating a fantastical tunnel of illuminated cherry blossoms. It takes about 30 minutes to stroll through the area, so it's definitely worth a visit.

The best time to see the flowers is usually from mid-April to late April.

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Public transportation: Take the Keifuku Bus (Maruoka Line) to Maruoka Bus Terminal, then take the Keikan Kotsu (Takeda Line) to Maruoka Terminal and get off at Takekurabe-mae.

Car: 20 minutes by car from Maruoka IC on the Hokuriku Expressway

Click here for details on Takekurabe Square

8. The single cherry tree blooming in the middle of the schoolyard is photogenic: "Edohigan Sakura at Ajimano Elementary School"

A single cherry tree blooms in the middle of the schoolyard of Ajimano Elementary School in Echizen City, Fukui Prefecture.

The tree is estimated to be over 150 years old and is registered as a cultural asset of Echizen City.

It is lit up at night, allowing you to enjoy the cherry blossoms shining in the darkness together with the twinkling stars in the night sky.

However, please note that as it is on school grounds, it is not possible to enter during school hours.

The best time to see the flowers is usually from late March to mid-April.

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Public transport: Take a taxi from JR Takefu Station for about 10 minutes. Or take the Fukutetsu bus and get off at Amano, then walk for 5 minutes.

By car: Approximately 10 minutes from Takefu IC on the Hokuriku Expressway (parking available)

Ajimano Elementary School

9-1 Ikeizumicho, Echizen City, Fukui Prefecture 915-0023

Ajimano Elementary School, located in Echizen City, Fukui Prefecture, has a single cherry tree called "Edohigan Sakura" that blooms in spring in the center of the school grounds. This cherry tree is estimated to be over 150 years old and is registered as a designated cultural property of Echizen City.

9. "Sparkle Road Nakagawa" where you can enjoy the collaboration of cherry blossoms and daffodil carp streamers

A row of cherry trees planted along the approximately 300m bank of the Asamizu River in Sabae City.

Rows of cherry blossoms hang overhead, and daffodils planted by locals are blooming at your feet. Over 100 carp streamers swim leisurely between the banks on both sides of the river, creating a gorgeous sight as they dance in the air with the spring breeze.

The best time to see the flowers is usually early April.

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Public transport: 30 minutes on foot from JR Sabae Station. 3 minutes on foot from "Higuchi" bus stop on the Sabae City Tsutsuji bus

By car: About 5 minutes from Sabae IC on the Hokuriku Expressway.

Parking: None (You can park at Nakagawa Community Center)

Nakagawa Community Center

Kirameki Road Nakagawa

56-41 Nakanocho, Sabae City, Fukui Prefecture 916-0033

It is a row of cherry blossom trees planted on the 300m embankment of Asami River in Sabae City. Cherry blossoms are lined up overhead, and daffodils planted by locals are blooming at your feet.

10. "Miko no Yamazakura" - a scenic spot with a beautiful contrast between the blue of the sea and the pink of the cherry blossoms

Miko no Yamazakura, designated as a scenic spot in Fukui Prefecture, is said to have been planted as a boundary for cultivating rice fields in 1742. Due to the large number of trees, it is also called Senbonzakura by locals.

During the peak season, the Tsunegami Peninsula, located just off Wakasa Bay, is dyed pink with mountain cherry blossoms, and the contrast between the blue of Wakasa Bay and the pink of the cherry blossoms is stunning.

The best time to see the flowers is usually from late March to early April.

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Public transportation: Take the Wakasa Town Bus Tsunegami/Mikata Line from Mikata Station on the JR Obama Line and get off at "Misaki School Front"

Car: 26 minutes by car from Mikata IC on the Maizuru-Wakasa Expressway

30 minutes by car from Kaminaka IC on the Maizuru-Wakasa Expressway

Parking: None

Miko no Yamazakura

Miko, Wakasa-cho, Mikatakaminaka-gun, Fukui Prefecture 919-1452

It is said that Miko's Yamazakura, which is designated as a scenic spot in Fukui Prefecture, was planted in 1742 as a border for the reclamation of the fields. There are about 300 wild cherry trees in Miko, and it is also called 1,000 cherry blossoms because of its large number.

This time, we have introduced 10 famous cherry blossom viewing spots and scenic flower viewing spots in Fukui Prefecture.

Have you found a spot you'd like to visit?

There are many famous cherry blossom viewing spots in Fukui Prefecture, so be sure to find your favorite spot.