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Cherry Blossoms at Lake Biwa: Kaizu-Osaki, a Scenic Spot Near Kyoto

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Cherry Blossoms at Lake Biwa: Kaizu-Osaki, a Scenic Spot Near Kyoto

This article is for those who want to know the best time to view the cherry blossoms at Kaizu Osaki in Shiga Prefecture. Read on to discover details about access and traffic regulations.

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After graduating from high school, I enrolled in a scriptwriting course for three and a half years with the aim of becoming a screenwriter. After that, I started working as a writer to utilize my writing skills. At MATCHA, I mainly write articles introducing places to go out, but so far I have been involved in creating articles related to beauty, rental cars, and MVNO.

The Cherry Blossoms at Kaizu Osaki

Kaizu Osaki

Photo by Pixta

Kaizu Osaki, situated on the western shore of Lake Biwa in Shiga Prefecture, is renowned for its stunning cherry blossom (sakura) views. It is included in the 100 Famous Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots in Japan, attracting a significant number of visitors each year.

Approximately 800 Somei Yoshino trees line the shore, spanning 4 kilometers and creating a breathtaking landscape.

This article covers the best times to view the cherry blossoms, information on access, and traffic regulations.

Kaizu Osaki Cherry Blossom Guide

Best Time to Visit Kaizu Osaki in Spring
Cherry Blossom Highlights
Cherry Blossom Cruises in 2025
Access and Traffic Regulations
About Kaizu Osaki
FAQ About the Cherry Blossoms at Kaizu Osaki

Best Time to Visit Kaizu Osaki in Spring

Kaizu Osaki

Photo by Pixta

The flowers bloom annually around early to mid-April.

Please note that the exact date for full bloom changes every year, so be sure to check the latest flowering forecast before your visit.

Kaizu Osaki is one of the major sakura viewing spots in Shiga, attracting numerous visitors during the season. Those looking to avoid the crowds should consider visiting on weekdays, especially in the early morning or evening.

Highlights

The following are the features of the site.

1. Sakura Tunnel

Kaizu Osaki

Photo by Pixta

The cherry trees at Kaizu Osaki, lined up along the shore of Lake Biwa for 4 kilometers, are also known as the Sakura Tunnel.

The stunning contrast between the cherry blossoms and the sky on a sunny day makes the site a popular photo spot. Additionally, the trees cast beautiful shadows on the ground at sunrise and sunset, creating a dreamy atmosphere.

Visitors can enjoy a walk, drive, or a bicycle ride at the site, so be sure to pay a visit.

2. Ohsakiji

Kaizu Osaki

Picture courtesy of photoAC

Ohsakiji is a temple quietly situated by the Sakura Tunnel, with Somei Yoshino blooming on its grounds in spring.

The combination of cherry blossoms and the temple's architecture is a sight not to be missed, allowing visitors to enjoy both the stunning view and the historic atmosphere.

From the temple grounds, you can see Lake Biwa, which provides a beautiful backdrop for the cherry trees. The scenery is perfect for your social media account, so be sure to capture a photograph.

3. Lake Biwa

Kaizu Osaki

Photo by Pixta

At Kaizu Osaki, Lake Biwa and the cherry trees come together to create a magnificent scenery.

The calm surface of the lake reflects the pink blossoms. Petals, blown by the wind and falling onto the lake, create a dreamlike setting. Depending on the sunlight, visitors can experience a mystic aura in the mornings or evenings.

Blossoms can be viewed along the shore, and also from the lake by going on a cruise. Read about the details in the next paragraph.

Cherry Blossom Cruises in 2025

Kaizu Osaki

Photo by Pixta

At Kaizu Osaki, visitors can enjoy a Cherry Blossom Cruise.

Details for the 2025 tours have not been announced yet, so be sure to check the official site of the promoters for the latest information.

Biwako Kisen Cherry Blossom Cruise

Details: return trip from Nagahama Port), one to three trips a day

Fares: 4,000 yen (adult), 2,000 yen (child)
With Meals: 8,000 yen (adult), 6,000 yen (child) *Please note that the listed fares are those of the 2024 cruise.

Official website: https://www.biwakokisen.co.jp/season_event/5972/

Ohmi Marine Hikone Port

Fare: Not listed on the official site.
Official website: https://www.ohmitetudo.co.jp/marine/

Nihonmatsu Hanamibune

Fares:
Red Course (50 minutes): 4,000 yen (adult)/2,500 yen (child)
Blue Course (30 minutes): 2,500 yen (adult)/1,500 yen (child)

Official website: http://okubiwako-resort.co.jp/publics/index/35/

Yakatabune Kirari

Details: 60 Minute Course
Fares:
Weekdays: 3,000 yen (adult)/1,500 yen (junior high and high school)/500 yen (elementary school)
Weekends and National Holidays: 3,500 yen (adult)/1,500 yen (junior high and high school)/500 yen (elementary school)
Official website: http://nakamura-suisan.com/?mode=f1

Access and Traffic Regulations

Kaizu Osaki

The nearest station is Makino Station on the JR Kosei Line. From there, it takes about an hour on foot to reach Kaizu Osaki, so it's advisable to take the shuttle bus or a taxi.

It is also a 30-minute drive from the Kinomoto Interchange on the Hokuriku Expressway. Please note that heavy traffic is expected during the season, and parking lots tend to fill up quickly. To avoid any hassle, consider using public transport.

There will be traffic regulations on weekends when the flowers are in full bloom. In 2024, traffic was restricted on the Nishiasai-Makino Line, a prefectural road, and Route 161, a national highway.

The restrictions for 2025 have yet to be announced, so be sure to check them in advance.

About Kaizu Osaki

The basic information is as follows.

FAQ about Cherry Blossoms at Kaizu Osaki

FAQs

When is the best time to visit?

It would be from early to mid-April. In 2024, the flowers were expected to start blooming around April 5th, and reach its peak between the 10th and the 15th. The precise date changes every year, according to the weather, so check the latest forecast before the visit.

Where are the parking lots?

There will be temporary toll parking lots, along with the facility at Makino Ossaka Tohge Roadside Station. Keep in mind that the number of parking space will be limited, so drivers should arrive at the lot in the early hours.

When is the full-bloom date in Shiga?

The cherry trees in Shiga Prefecture are expected to be in full bloom from early to mid-April. The 2025 forecast has not been announced yet, so check the latest news at the Japan Meteorological Agency site, or other weather forecast sites.

Enjoy the Cherry Blossoms at Kaizu Osaki

Information about the cherry trees at Kaizu Osaki, along with access to the site and traffic restrictions, is mentioned above.

Tourists can enjoy the Sakura Tunnel, Ohsakiji, and the Cherry Blossom Cruise, so be sure to plan a visit.

かとうまこ

After graduating from high school, I enrolled in a scriptwriting course for three and a half years with the aim of becoming a screenwriter. After that, I started working as a writer to utilize my writing skills. At MATCHA, I mainly write articles introducing places to go out, but so far I have been involved in creating articles related to beauty, rental cars, and MVNO.

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