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Sendai Cherry Blossom Guide: 8 Scenic Spots in 2025

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Sendai Cherry Blossom Guide: 8 Scenic Spots in 2025

Sendai is home to many famous cherry blossom spots. This article features six iconic hanami spots in the city and two stunning spots outside of the city, so be sure to check it out!

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Omura Wataru

Written by

Omura Wataru

Tottori,Japan

Famous Cherry Blossom Spots in Sendai

Known as the "City of Trees," Sendai is surrounded by lush greenery. The city is also home to numerous famous cherry blossom spots.

This time, we’re featuring six iconic hanami spots in Sendai, including Nishi Park and Nishikicho Park. We’ll also introduce spots outside of the city–the Shiroishi Riverbank Hitome Senbonzakura and Saigyo Modoshi no Matsu Park–where you can see stunning cherry blossom avenues, not far from Sendai.

Sendai Cherry Blossom Guide

1. Nishi Park
2. Tsutsujigaoka Park
3. Nishikicho Park
4. Aobayama Park (Sendai Castle Ruins)
5. Jogi Nyorai Saihoji Temple
6. Mikamine Park
Scenic Locations near Sendai
7. Shiroishi Riverbank Hitome Senbonzakura
8. Saigyo Modoshi no Matsu Park

Sendai: A Treasure Trove of Hanami Spots

There are numerous famous cherry blossom spots in Sendai, many of which are conveniently located near the station, allowing you to enjoy the cherry blossoms while shopping or doing other activities!

This article explains how to enjoy hanami and the highlights of each spot, so feel free to use it as a guide!

1. Nishi Park

Sendai Nishi Park

Photo by Pixta
Nishi Park is the oldest municipal park in Sendai. It’s a well-known and popular hanami spot among residents and has even been selected as one of the Top 100 Famous Cherry Blossom Spots.

Nishi Park is home to around 200 cherry trees of various varieties, including Somei Yoshino, Edohigan, and Yamazakura (mountain cherry), creating a dazzling pink landscape throughout the park. The blossoms typically reach their peak from early to late April, making it a lively hanami spot.

During peak season, multinational food stalls line the park with free seating available. The park is illuminated with paper lanterns from sunset until 22:00, allowing visitors to enjoy the cherry blossoms at night.

Nishi-koen park

Nishi-koen park

980-0823 3 Sakuragaoka Park, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture
It is a famous spot for cherry blossoms, and you can also enjoy the changing leaves in autumn.

Hotels near Nishi-koen park

2. Tsutsujigaoka Park

Tsutsujigaoka Park

Photo by Pixta
Tsutsujigaoka Park is a historically significant park that dates back to 1965, when Lord Date Tsunamura, the fourth lord of the Sendai Domain, prayed for his mother’s soul to rest in peace and established Shakado Hall.

He planted the area with 1,000 Shidarezakura (weeping cherry) trees brought from Kyoto. In 1989, it was selected as one of the Top 100 Municipal Parks in Japan.

Tsutsujigaoka Park is one of the leading cherry blossom spots in Sendai, just as its history suggests. During hanami season, approximately 350 cherry trees in 14 varieties go into full bloom, ranging from early to late bloomers, including Shidarezakura, Somei Yoshino, Yamazakura, Higanzakura, and Gyoikou (green cherry blossoms).

There are no evening illuminations, but the cherry blossom festival is typically held from late March to early May. During the festival, various events take place, with lit-up paper lanterns and vendor stalls, making the park bustle with people.

Katsuoka Park

Katsuoka Park

Olympic 1, Miyagino-ku, Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture 983-0842
Katsuoka Park began when Lord Tsunamura, the fourth lord of the Sendai domain, built a Shakado to pray for the repose of his mother Hatsuko Misawa (Masaoka), planted 1,000 cherry blossom saplings, and made it a place for the ``Four People's Excursion.'' Over time, even after the war, large-scale tree planting was carried out, and now around 350 trees, including weeping cherry trees, Somei Yoshino cherry trees, and wild cherry trees, are in bloom. It is one of Japan's top 100 urban parks and one of the nationally designated scenic spots of Okunohosomichi.

Hotels near Katsuoka Park

3. Nishikicho Park

Nishikicho Park

Photo by Pixta
Nishikicho Park is located in Aoba, Sendai. Kohiganzakura (winter-flowering cherry) trees are planted around the grassy field, almost as if enveloping it.

Kohiganzakura have small, deep pink blossoms. Blooming about a week earlier than the more common Somei Yoshino, they mark the start of the cherry blossoms season in Sendai, allowing you to enjoy hanami from late March. Before heading to the park for hanami, we recommend picking up a bento to-go from the underground mall at Sendai Mitsukoshi near the park.

Nishikicho Park

Nishikicho Park

980-0014 2-21 Honmachi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture
An oasis in the city center. It is also often used as a venue for events. The cherry blossoms, fresh greenery, and lawn open space are popular spots for families with children.

Hotels near Nishikicho Park

4. Aobayama Park (Sendai Castle Ruins)

Aobayama Park

Photo by Pixta
Aobayama Park, located at the Sendai Castle Ruins, is home to approximately 480 cherry trees, primarily Somei Yoshino, planted around the Sendai City Museum and the Goshikinuma Pond area.

During the peak season in April, you can enjoy evocative scenery, such as the Otemon Gate Watchtower seen through the cherry blossoms from Hirose River, or the flower rafts floating on Naganuma Pond. The cherry blossom avenue leading from the park towards Miyagi Sendai Daini High School transforms into such a magnificent display that it’s often referred to as the Cherry Blossom Path.

Sendai Castle Ruins

Sendai Castle Ruins

Kawauchi, Aoba-ku, Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture 980-0862

Hotels near Sendai Castle Ruins

5. Jogi Nyorai Saihoji Temple

Jogi Nyorai Saihoji Temple

Photo by Pixta
Jogi Nyorai Saihoji Temple, located five kilometers past Okura Dam, is known as the village of Heike (Taira clan) fugitives. It is affectionately called “Jogi-san” by the locals.

The temple is famous for the Mausoleum of Sadayoshi Taira, a registered tangible cultural property where the Heike fugitive is enshrined, and Emperor’s Hill, where the relics of Emperor Antoku are believed to be buried. Many people visit seeking blessings.

Saihoji Temple is also a famous cherry blossom spot. For example, you can admire the delicate cherry blossoms blooming with the Five-Storied Pagoda in the background. The contrast between the beautiful cherry blossoms in the garden and the pagoda evokes the unique charm of Saihoji Temple.

Right near the temple, you can find local specialties such as sankaku aburaage (triangular fried tofu), miso onigiri (miso-flavored rice balls), and age-manju (fried buns) for sale. We recommend enjoying hanami with these local specialties in hand.

Defining Tathagata Western Temple

Defining Tathagata Western Temple

1 Okura Shimo, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture 989-3213
Saihoji Temple, known as the home of Heike refugees, is a temple called the Definition of Tathagata. The temple was founded in 1706 and was founded in 1706 by Taira Sadanori, a senior vassal of the Taira clan who lived here in hiding after the Taira clan was defeated at the Battle of Dan-no-ura in 1185, and changed the name to Taira Geisha. Saihoji Temple is said to be beneficial for marriage, fertility, and safety, and it is customary to make a wish while receiving prayers. In particular, the Emperor Mound, where Emperor Antoku's belongings are said to have been buried, is famous for its matchmaking properties and has become a kind of power spot. In addition, the precincts include the Sanmon gate, which is a registered tangible cultural property, the bell tower, the Tei-no-do mausoleum, the chozyusha, the amulet hall, as well as the five-storied pagoda and the main hall.  

6. Mikamine Park

Mikamine Park

Photo by Pixta
Mikamine Park is a scenic park that stretches across the Aobayama Hill area in Sendai. Around the grassy field, a total of 750 trees in 48 varieties, including Somei Yoshino and Yaezakura (double-flowered cherry blossoms), are planted, making the park known as a famous cherry blossom spot.

The cherry blossoms at Mikamine Park include a mix of early and late bloomers, each blooming at different times. As a result, you can enjoy a vibrant cherry blossom landscape with deep pinks, pale pinks, and whites from early April to early May.

The Cherry Blossom Festival is held annually, featuring vendors, sales of original products, and free mat rentals. It’s a great idea to enjoy hanami with food or drinks purchased from the stalls in hand.

Mikamine Park

Mikamine Park

1-chome, Mikamine, Taihaku-ku, Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture 982-0826

Recommended For Breathtaking Views

Outside of Sendai, there are also many famous cherry blossom spots scattered throughout Miyagi Prefecture.

It’s a bit far from Sendai, but if you want to see breathtaking scenery, be sure to visit the next two spots we’ll be introducing: Shiroishi Riverbank Hitome Senbonzakura and Saigyo Modoshi no Matsu Park.

7. Shiroishi Riverbank Hitome Senbonzakura

Shiroishi Riverbank cherry blossoms

Photo by Pixta
The Shiroishi Riverbank Hitome Senbonzakura is a cherry blossom avenue, primarily consisting of Somei Yoshino, that blooms in profusion along the banks of Shiroishi River, with the magnificent Zao Mountains in the background. It was selected as one of the Top 100 Famous Cherry Blossom Spots by the Japan Cherry Blossom Association.

The Hitome Senbonzakura, when in bloom, creates a cherry blossom avenue of 1,200 trees that bloom brilliantly in profusion, set against the Zao Mountains with lingering snow, and reflected in the clear waters of Shiroishi River, transforming the area into an absolutely stunning landscape.

The highlights aren’t limited to the majestic cherry blossom avenue visible during the day. During the Ogawara Cherry Blossom Festival, illuminations are held, allowing you to enjoy the cherry blossoms at night.

Shiroishi River Bank Hitome Senbonzakura

Shiroishi River Bank Hitome Senbonzakura

989-1606 12 Funaoka, Shibata-cho, Shibata-gun, Miyagi Prefecture
One of the most famous cherry blossom viewing spots in the Tohoku region, ``Shiraishi River Bank Hitome Senbonzakura'' is home to approximately 1,000 cherry blossom trees that connect ``Funaoka Castle Ruins Park'' and ``Shibata Senzakura Bridge''. In addition, the roughly 2,500 cherry blossom trees in Funaoka Castle Ruins Park are the only place in Miyagi Prefecture that has been selected as one of the top 100 cherry blossom spots.

8. Saigyo Modoshi no Matsu Park

Saigyo Modoshi no Matsu Park

Photo by Pixta
Saigyo Modoshi no Matsu Park is said to be the place where Saigyo Hoshi, during his travels to various regions, engaged in a Zen mondo (a verbal exchange to provoke enlightenment) with a young boy under a large pine tree and was defeated, subsequently giving up on visiting Matsushima.

The park is home to around 260 cherry trees, including Somei Yoshino, offering visitors views of the cherry blossoms with passing tour boats and islands in the background during hanami season.

Saigyo Modoshi no Matsu Park has varying elevations, so the landscape changes depending on where you are. A highlight of hanami at this park is finding your favorite spot based on the changing views.

Saigyo Moshi no Matsu Park

Saigyo Moshi no Matsu Park

2 Inuda, Matsushima, Matsushima-cho, Miyagi-gun, Miyagi Prefecture, 98...
Saigyo-modoshi no Matsu Park is a hill with a panoramic view of Matsushima Bay. As the name suggests, this is also the place where Priest Saigyo is said to have given up on going to Matsushima after losing a Zen debate with a herdsman during his pilgrimage to various countries. The area of ​​Saigyo-modoshi no Matsu Park is a famous spot for viewing more than 260 cherry blossom trees, and during the cherry blossom viewing season, you can enjoy a unique cherry blossom viewing experience from the observatory where you can see the cherry blossoms and Matsushima Bay all in one.

Hotels near Saigyo Moshi no Matsu Park

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the peak blooming period in Sendai?

It varies by location, but the peak season for cherry blossoms in Sendai is typically from early to mid-April.

What is the 2025 cherry blossom forecast for Sendai?

Sendai is predicted to reach full bloom on April 13, 2025.

What are the famous hanami spots in Sendai?

Famous hanami spots in Sendai include Nishi Park, Tsutsujigaoka Park, and Mikamine Park.

Enjoy Cherry Blossoms in Sendai and Beyond!

Sendai is home to many cherry blossom spots despite being a city. In that sense, this lush, green area is befitting of the nickname City of Trees.

The hanami spots in Sendai introduced in this article are nothing short of wonderful, photogenic locations. If you visit the city, you’re sure to let out an exclamation of awe without realizing it.

Omura Wataru

Written by

Omura Wataru

Tottori,Japan

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