Start planning your trip

Takada Castle Site Park in Niigata is one of the most scenic cherry blossom spots in Japan. read on to learn the dates of the annual cherry blossom festival, highlights, access information, and other tips.
Takada Castle Site Park, located in Joetsu City in Niigata Prefecture, is famous for its cherry blossoms (sakura).
Visitors can enjoy the flowers at various spots such as Sakura Road and Takada Castle. Read on to learn the best time to visit and the access to the site.
Best Time to Visit for Cherry Blossoms
Highlights
Takada Castle Site Park Cherry Blossom Festival
Access
Location Overviews
The Takada Castle Site Park is home to about 4,000 Somei Yoshino trees that bloom from early to mid-April.
The park is famous as one of the three major sites in Japan to view the cherry blossoms at night. It is also listed in the 100 Japanese Sakura Viewing Spots and 100 Scenic Spots in Niigata, so it's worth a visit.
The following are the features of the park.
This is the cherry tree-lined avenue at Takada Castle Site Park.
When the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, a sakura tunnel will appear, welcoming the visitors enjoying a leisurely stroll.
This is also famous as a photo spot, so be sure to take a photograph on your visit.
Takada Castle was built for Matsudaira Tadateru, the sixth son of Tokugawa Ieyasu.
In spring, the castle and sakura compliment each other beautifully, a sight that charms the visitors.
During the season, the trees will be lit up at night, creating a fantastic scenery, different from daytime.
From late March to mid-April, Takada Castle Site Park will be lit up at night.
The illuminated blossoms are stellar, and the romantic atmosphere is perfect for a date.
This is the spot for those who want to enjoy the flowers in a serene mood.
Title | Takada Park Cherry Blossom Festival 2025 |
March 28 - April 13, 2025 | |
Niigata, Joetsu, Motoshiro-cho 44-1 | |
Free |
The nearest station is the Takada Station of Myoko Haneuma Line (Echigo TOKImeki Railway Company). It is a 15-minute walk to the park.
Also, it is a 15-minute drive from Joetsu Interchange (Hokuriku Expressway), or a 10 minute drive from Joetsu-Takada Interchange (Joshinetsu Expressway).
There will be heavy traffic around the park during this season, so those who want to avoid it should use a public transport.
Takada Castle Site Park
Address: Niigata, Joetsu, Motoshiro-cho 44-1
Event Period: March 28 - April 13, 2025
Official Site: https://www.city.joetsu.niigata.jp/soshiki/toshiseibi/takada-castle-site-park.html (Japanese)
The majority is Somei Yoshino. There are also Yae-zakura, a late blooming cultivar, and weeping cherry.
It would be from early to mid-April. The exact date for a full bloom changes every year, so check the latest information before the visit.
While there will be temporary toll parking lots, drivers should take a look at the parking lots of Takada Honcho Shopping Street, or Naoetsu Station south gate.
Takada Castle Site Park, located at Joetsu City in Niigata Prefecture, is a sakura viewing venue that annually draws a large number of people.
There are spots such as Sakura Road and Takada Castle in the park, so do make a visit.