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Kawagoe Cherry Blossoms 2025: Top 7 Spots and Tips
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Kawagoe, a beautiful historic city near Tokyo, boasts several stunning spots for cherry blossoms. This article introduces seven cherry blossom locations, all perfect for enjoying beautiful blooms.
The Most Beautiful Cherry Blossom Spots in Kawagoe
Kawagoe is a city located northwest of Tokyo and can be reached in about 30 minutes by train from Ikebukuro Station. During the Edo period, it thrived as a castle town and many of its traditional buildings remain today.
There are many spots where you can enjoy cherry blossoms in the charming cityscape of Kawagoe. Additionally, the Little Edo (Koedo) Kawagoe Spring Festival is held every year from the end of March to the beginning of May. These seasonal festivities will make your visit even more enjoyable.
In this article, we have selected seven spots perfect for enjoying the cherry blossoms in Kawagoe.
Kawagoe Cherry Blossom Guide
1. Kawagoe Park (Kawagoe Aquatic Park)
2. Kitain Temple
3. Shingashi River
4. Nakain Temple
5. Renkeiji Temple
6. Around Isanuma
7. Oisezuka Park (Oisebashi Street)
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Kawagoe Park (Kawagoe Aquatic Park)
Our first recommended cherry blossom spot in Kawagoe is Kawagoe Park (Kawagoe Aquatic Park).
As the name suggests, Aquatic Park is equipped with various types of pools and offers plenty of water-related activities such as fishing.
Approximately 300 cherry trees bloom in Kawagoe Aquatic Park come spring. The main varieties are Somei Yoshino and Yaezakura (double-cherry trees). The best viewing period is generally from late March to late April.
During the peak season, you can enjoy fully bloomed Somei Yoshino cherry blossoms along the paths from the parking lot. As for the Yaezakura, you can marvel at its vibrant pink flowers near the boat pond.
Kawagoe Aquatic Park
880 Ikebe, Kawagoe City, Saitama Prefecture, 350-1171
Kawagoe Aquatic Park is a park located in Kawagoe City, Saitama Prefecture. It was opened as a pool facility in 1988.
It is equipped with four types of slider pools and fishing spots and features many activities that families and couples can enjoy.
Photo by AC
2. Kitain Temple
Kitain Temple is a historic Tendai Buddhist temple founded by the great monk Ennin (posthumously named Jikaku Daishi) in the year 830.
During the cherry blossom season, various spring festivals are held throughout Kawagoe. We also recommend paying a visit to Kitain Temple while strolling around the city.
On the temple grounds, visitors can usually see weeping cherry blossoms in mid-March. However, Somei Yoshino cherry blossoms are at their best from late March to early April. There are about 100 cherry trees, and you can even enjoy viewing them at night.
Please note that from April 2 to April 4, the Sacred Fire Goma Ceremony will be held. Therefore, visits inside the buildings will be closed. Be mindful of this before your visit!
Kitain Temple
1-20-1 Kosenba-cho, Kawagoe City, Saitama Prefecture 350-0036
Kitain is a Tendai sect temple located in Kawagoe City, Saitama Prefecture. This is a historic temple, created in 830 by Jikaku Daishi. In the early Edo period, Amami served as the head priest, and is famous nationwide for its many buildings associated with Tokugawa Iemitsu and Kasuga Bureau, which were relocated from Edo Castle.
Photo by AC
Hotels near Kitain Temple
3. Shingashi River
Shingashi River flows from Saitama Prefecture to Tokyo. In Kawagoe, it runs behind Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. When spring arrives, the cherry blossoms planted along the river bloom splendidly.
The cherry blossom trees along the river stretch for about 500 meters, making it a great place to take a walk while enjoying the blossoms.
The main variety of cherry blossoms here is Somei Yoshino, with the best viewing period generally from mid-March to early April. During the cherry blossom viewing season, there are also light-ups held, allowing you to enjoy the cherry blossoms at night.
Shingashi River
108 Hikawacho, Kawagoe City, Saitama Prefecture 350-0851
The Shingashi River is a first-class river that flows from Saitama Prefecture to Tokyo. The Akama River, which flows from Sayama City, Saitama Prefecture, changed its name to the Shingashi River near Yawata Bridge in Uenoda-cho, Kawagoe City.
Along the Shingashi River, there are a variety of shrines and temples, making it an ideal course for strolling.
Photo by AC
Hotels near Shingashi River
4. Nakain Temple
Nakain Temple was founded by Ennin (posthumously known as Jikaku Daishi) in the year 830. It is also a famous temple associated with the poet Toson Shimazaki. The temple grounds feature a tea room called Fusen-tei, which is said to have been gifted to Shimazaki's mother-in-law. It is also designated as a cultural property of Kawagoe.
Nakain Temple is well known as a cherry blossom spot. It is widely recognized for its weeping cherry blossom trees.
The best viewing period for the cherry blossoms is generally from mid-March to early April. Light-ups will also be held from 6 PM to 9 PM in mid-March. Temple-goers can enjoy the weeping cherry blossoms glowing delicately under the lights.
Nakain Temple
Address: 5-15-1 Kosenbamachi, Kawagoe City, Saitama Prefecture
Phone Number: 049-222-5556
Access: About a 20-minute walk from Kawagoe Station, about a 12-minute walk from Honkawagoe Station, approximately 14 minutes from Kawagoe IC
5. Renkeiji Temple
Photo by AC
Renkeiji Temple is a Jodo sect temple founded during the Muromachi period. It originally began as a place built by Renkei Taishi, the mother of the Japanese samurai and commander Daidouji Masashige, to provide comfort for the people.
As intended, it is still cherished by the local community today. Many visitors come to enjoy the cherry blossoms in spring.
The main variety of cherry blossoms here is Somei Yoshino. The best viewing period is generally from late March to early April when the entire temple grounds are covered in cherry blossoms.
Renkeiji Temple
7-1 Renjakucho, Kawagoe City, Saitama Prefecture 350-0066
Renkeiji Temple is a temple located in Kawagoe City, Saitama Prefecture. It was founded by Hasukai Daisai, the mother of Kawagoe Castle, to make it a place where common people can relax during the Muromachi period.
Because it is an environment rich in nature, many people, including locals, still visit Renkeiji Temple today.
Photo by AC
Hotels near Renkeiji Temple
6. Around Isanuma Pond
Isanuma is the second-largest natural pond in the Kanto region. It spans approximately 1,300 meters north to south and about 300 meters east to west.
It is also famous as a cherry blossom spot. With well-maintained walking paths and parks, springtime offers the opportunity to take strolls while admiring the seasonal blooms.
Isanuma is surrounded by about 230 Somei Yoshino cherry trees, and many people lay out picnic sheets to enjoy cherry blossom viewing. The best viewing period is generally early April.
Isanuma Pond Area
Address: 604 Isanuma, Kawagoe City, Saitama Prefecture
Phone Number: 049-222-5556
Access: About a 36-minute walk from Minami-Furuya Station, approximately 14 minutes from Kawagoe IC
7. Oisezuka Park (Oisebashi Street)
Oisezuka Park is a spacious park rich in nature, featuring many facilities that children would enjoy. In particular, there is a monument inspired by kappa (mythical creatures) and a gourd-shaped pond.
Around the pond and plaza, Somei Yoshino cherry trees planted on the premises cover the entire area with fully bloomed cherry blossoms during the peak season.
In addition, cherry blossoms are planted over approximately 500 meters along Oisebashi Street, located to the southwest of the park. You can enjoy a stroll while taking in the breathtaking blooms.
Oisezuka Park (Oisebashi Street)
Address: 3-3 Iseharamachi, Kawagoe City, Saitama Prefecture
Phone Number: 049-224-5965
Access: About a 20-minute walk from Matoba Station, approximately 20 minutes from Kawagoe IC
FAQ
When is the best time to see cherry blossoms in Kawagoe?
The best viewing period is generally from late March to late April. However, it may vary slightly depending on weather conditions.
What cherry blossom festivals will be held in Kawagoe in 2025?
The representative cherry blossom festival held in Kawagoe in 2025 is the Little Edo Kawagoe Spring Festival. At this festival, you can enjoy boat rides along the Shingashi River, demonstrations by the Kawagoe Clan Matchlock Gun Troop, and ladder-riding performances by the Kawagoe Tobi Union.
Are there any spots in Kawagoe where cherry blossoms are lit up?
Recommended spots in Kawagoe where cherry blossoms are lit up are Shingashi River and Nakain Temple. Since you can see a different side of the blossoms at night, be sure to visit if you want to enjoy nighttime cherry blossoms.
Are there parks in Kawagoe where you can enjoy hanami (cherry blossom viewing)?
If you want to enjoy hanami in Kawagoe, we recommend going to spots around Isanuma. With well-maintained walking paths and parks, you can lay down a picnic sheet and enjoy hanami.
Where are the beautiful shrines and temples for cherry blossoms in Kawagoe?
Recommended places for beautiful cherry blossoms in Kawagoe are Kitain, Nakain Temple, and Renkeiji Temple. Among them, Nakain Temple is famous for its weeping cherry blossoms and attracts many visitors every spring.
Enjoy the Cherry Blossoms in Kawagoe
As introduced in this article, there are numerous spots in Kawagoe where you can enjoy beautiful cherry blossoms.
Among them, temples such as Kitain, Nakain, and Renkeiji are recommended given the combination of historical buildings and cherry blossoms enhancing the scenic charm.
If you plan to visit Kawagoe in spring, be sure to use this article as a reference to enjoy these seasonal sights.
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