[2025 Spring Feature Articles] Discover spring gifts in Wakayama: 7 carefully selected cherry blossom spots

Cherry blossoms reflect the Japanese spirit

Cherry blossoms have a deep spiritual bond with the Japanese people that has continued for over a thousand years. The flower viewing culture, which has been familiar to the public since the Heian period as "hanami," spread among the common people during the Edo period, and is now a national event that heralds the arrival of spring.

As one of Japan's most iconic flowers, the cherry blossom continues to influence various aspects of Japanese culture, including literature and the arts, and reflects the Japanese spirit of seeing the transience and preciousness of life in its fleeting beauty.

Wakayama's magnificent spring scenery

Wakayama Prefecture where people can't wait for the cherry blossom season. The spectacular scenery of old castles and cherry blossoms, rivers and cherry blossoms, and mountains and cherry blossoms captivates the hearts of all who visit. In the Kii Peninsula, blessed with a warm climate, the cherry blossoms bloom one after another every year from late March to mid-April.

A trip to Wakayama Prefecture's famous cherry blossom viewing spots, each with its own unique charm, will surely become an unforgettable memory this spring. The prefecture is dotted with a variety of scenic cherry blossom spots, from famous trees hundreds of years old to magnificent rows of cherry blossom trees. This time, we will introduce some carefully selected cherry blossom viewing spots to visit in Wakayama Prefecture.

• Table of Contents
• 1. [Wakayama Castle] Floating on cherry blossom petals
• 2. Kimiidera Temple: Bringing spring to the Kinki region
• 3. [Hiragen] A carpet of cherry blossoms spreads across the mountains
• 4. [Nanakawa Dam] 3,000 cherry blossoms reflected on the water
• 5. [Aridagawa Town] A drive through the beautiful cherry blossom trees in the spring
• 6. [Shingu/Tanjaku Castle Ruins] A famous Kumano castle where history and cherry blossoms coexist
• 7. [Hara] World Heritage cherry blossoms blooming in the sacred place of the gods
• Conclusion

1. [Wakayama Castle] Floating on cherry blossom petals

[Wakayama Castle] © Wakayama Prefecture Tourism Federation

In spring, Wakayama Castle is bathed in sunlight and gently enveloped in cherry blossoms. The scenery of the white castle tower and the pale pink petals remains in the minds of all who visit. The branches of the cherry blossoms stretching powerfully out from between the historic Ishigaki convey a timeless beauty.

Within the grounds, people hold banquets to celebrate the arrival of spring. The castle seen among the cherry blossom trees is mystical, and during the day, the vivid colors are a feast for the eyes. Every year, when the sun goes down, the illuminated cherry blossoms make a fantastic appearance at night. There are also night stalls, making it a lively place. Many people look forward to the cherry blossoms at Wakayama Castle every year, making it a special place where you can enjoy traditional Japanese beauty.

[Latest information for 2025]
Illumination: 6pm to 11pm (March 20th to April 13th)
Best time to see: Late March to early April
Address: Wakayama City Ichibancho 3

2. Kimiidera Temple: Bringing spring to the Kinki region

[Important Cultural Property - Tahoto Pagoda] © Wakayama Prefecture Tourism Federation

Kimiidera Temple has about 400 cherry trees in its grounds. It is famous in the Kansai region as a spot for early cherry blossom viewing. In particular, the Somei-Yoshino cherry tree in front of the main hall is a specimen tree designated by the Wakayama Regional Meteorological Observatory, and the temple has gained a reputation as "the temple that heralds the arrival of spring in the Kinki region."
When these cherry trees bloom, it is said that spring has truly arrived in the Kinki region; they have become such an important seasonal indicator in the region.

Although there are 231 stone steps leading up to the main hall, there are also cable cars and elevators, making it easy for people with mobility issues to visit. Tenku Cafe is located at the top of the front stone steps. You can enjoy the spectacular view to your heart's content, avoiding the cold, heat, and bad weather, while tasting the temple's specialty, amazake, and coffee brewed with Yoryusui (water of health and longevity), one of Kimiidera's three wells.

[Saigoku Thirty-Three Kannon Pilgrimage Route - Sand Stepping] © Wakayama Prefecture Tourism Federation

Furthermore, within the temple grounds stand the tower gate, bell tower, and two-storied pagoda, all of which have been designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan. All of these structures have a history spanning more than 100 years, and during cherry blossom season they create a beautiful landscape of harmony between the atmosphere of antiquity and the arrival of spring.

Inside the Buddhist temple, the Great Thousand-Armed Eleven-Headed Kannon Statue is on display. It is famous as the largest wooden Buddhist statue in Japan, standing over 11 meters tall. If you go up to the third floor, you can view the Buddha from the front and get a panoramic view of Wakaura. The blue sea in the distance, combined with the pink of the cherry blossoms scattered here and there, will surely captivate the hearts of those who see this view.

[Latest information for 2025]
Illumination: from sunset to 10pm
Best time to see: Late March to early April
Address: 1201 Wakayama Prefecture, Wakayama City, Wakayama Prefecture

For 2025 flowering information, please visit our website

3. [Hiragen] A carpet of cherry blossoms spreads across the mountains

[Hiragen] © Wakayama Prefecture Tourism Federation

Heisougen is a naturally rich grassland located in the mountains of Wakayama Prefecture, where you can enjoy the spectacular scenery of cherry blossoms in spring. The mountain cherry blossoms blooming in full glory on the gentle hills create a beautiful contrast with the blue sky, captivating all who visit. The sight of the pink cherry blossoms spreading out against the surrounding mountains is a magnificent sight.

At night, the area is lit up, creating an even more fantastical landscape after dusk. A true cherry blossom trio all day long.

[Hiragen] © Wakayama Prefecture Tourism Federation

There are walking paths so you can enjoy the cherry blossoms up close and take a leisurely stroll. The best time to see them is usually from early to mid-April, and it is a hidden cherry blossom spot beloved by locals. There are simple playground equipment made from logs and ropes in the surrounding area, making it a great spot for families to enjoy throughout the spring.

[Latest information for 2025 ]
Cherry Blossom Festival: March 25th (Tue) - April 6th (Sun), 8:30am - 5pm
Cherry Blossom Illumination at Night: Thursday, March 27th to Thursday, April 3rd, 5pm to 9pm (cancelled in case of rain)
Best time to see: Late March to early April
Address: 2054-1 Shirahama-cho, Shirahama Town, Wakayama Prefecture Prefecture

4. [Nanakawa Dam] 3,000 cherry blossoms reflected on the water

[Nanakawa Dam] © Kozagawa Town

Nanakawa Dam, a famous cherry blossom spot in Kozagawa Town, is a scenic spot where about 3,000 Somei-Yoshino cherry trees planted on the dam lakeside bloom in spring. The cherry blossoms reflected on the lake surface are especially beautiful, and are fascinated by people as "upside-down cherry blossoms." It is also a popular spot for photography enthusiasts.

The promenade around the dam is about three kilometers long, and visitors can enjoy the contrast between the waterside and the cherry blossoms from various angles. The view from the top of the dam embankment is also spectacular, and the panoramic view of the cherry blossoms and lake captivates the hearts of all who visit.

[Nanakawa Dam] © Kozagawa Town

At night, the cherry blossoms are lit up by lanterns, creating a fantastical sight that is different from the daytime.

[Latest information for 2025 ]
Night cherry blossom illumination: 6pm to 9pm
Best time to see: Late March to early April
address: Sada, Wakayama Prefecture-cho, Higashimuro Kozagawa Town Prefecture

5. [Aridagawa Town] A drive through the beautiful cherry blossom trees in the spring

Aridagawa Town is located in central Wakayama Prefecture and is famous for the cherry blossom trees that line the clear waters of the Aridagawa, and there are several famous cherry blossom viewing spots within the town.

Near Kanaya Myoekyo Onsen

Along National Route 424 near Kanaya Myoekyo Onsen , the cherry blossom trees line the riverside and bloom in abundance. You can take a drive to enjoy cherry blossom viewing after a day trip to the hot springs.

[Near Kanaya Myoekyo Onsen] © Aridagawa Town

↓For more information on Kanaya Myoekyo Onsen, click here↓

Around Futagawa Dam Lake

Somei-yoshino cherry blossoms bloom in full glory for about 4 kilometers around Futagawa Dam Lake along National Route 480. Zao Bridge is located very close to Futagawa Dam, and if you continue further Higashi on National Route 480, you will find Aragi Island and Shimizu Onsen. This is a great driving route to enjoy the spring scenery from the car window while touring the scenic spots of Aridagawa Town.

[Around Futagawa Dam Lake] © Aridagawa Town

The vivid vermilion of Zao Bridge and the delicate pink of the cherry blossoms create a striking contrast, while also harmonizing beautifully with the flowing river and the blue and green of the mountain mist, creating a breathtakingly beautiful landscape.

[Zao Bridge] © Aridagawa Town

Aridagawa Railway Park

Aridagawa Railway Park conveys the history of the abandoned Arita Railway to the present day, and allows visitors to actually ride on old trains. It is perfect for train enthusiasts, as well as families and friends, as it is fully equipped with a grassy area, playground equipment, and basketball hoops. In spring, you can take commemorative photos with the nostalgic trains under the cherry blossoms that decorate the park, and enjoy a ride that gives off a cherry blossom viewing vibe.

[Aridagawa Railway Park] © Aridagawa Town

The cherry blossoms in Aridagawa Town are usually in full bloom from late March to early April. However, it is expected that they may bloom a little later in the mountainous areas, so you can enjoy them at different times. It is also a great spring driving course, and local cherry blossom festivals are sometimes held during the cherry blossom season, so be sure to visit.

[Latest information for 2025 ]
Best time to see: Late March to early April
Address: According to map information

6. [Shingu/Tanjaku Castle Ruins] A famous Kumano castle where history and cherry blossoms coexist

The ruins of Shingu Castle (also known as the ruins of Tanjaku Castle) are a historic castle built on a flatland mountain on Tanjakuyama, a small hill along the Kumano River River, located in Shingu City, Wakayama Prefecture .

After the abolition of the feudal domains and establishment of prefectures in 1871, the castle was demolished, but parts of the Ishigaki remain to this day.

Shingu/Tanju Castle Ruins © Shingu City Tourism Association

The castle ruins have now been developed into "Tankura Park," with many cherry trees planted. From the castle ruins, you can get a panoramic view of Shingu city and the flowing Kumano River, and during cherry blossom season in particular, the Ishigaki, cherry blossoms, and cityscape blend together beautifully.

Shingu/Tanju Castle Ruins © Shingu City Tourism Association

It is also a popular stopover spot for visitors to the Kumano Kodo, part of the World Heritage Site "Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountains " (a 15-minute walk from Kumano Hayatama Taisha Shrine), and is a valuable place where you can experience the history and nature of Kumano.

This is a recommended spot not to be missed when visiting the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes during cherry blossom season.

[Latest information for 2025 ]
Best time to see: Late March to early April
Address: 7688-2, Tanjaku 3-chome, Shingu City , Wakayama Prefecture

7. [Hara] World Heritage cherry blossoms blooming in the sacred place of the gods

Hara, where the largest torii gate in Japan stands, is a sacred place located at a key point on the Kumano Kodo trail, and is the former site of Kumano Motomiya Shrine, which is also registered as a World Heritage Site. In spring, the contrast between the large torii gate and the cherry blossoms on the vast grounds is spectacular, attracting many photography enthusiasts.

Hara © Kumano Motomiya Shrine

About 500 meters from Kumano Motomiya Shrine. Across the road, you can see a large torii gate (about 34 meters high and 42 meters wide), and behind it is the lush Mori that is Hara.

Hara, which once received the prayers of many people, has been the center of pilgrimages to Kumano since the Heian period, and you can feel the ancient Japanese spirit of nature worship here. The cherry blossoms blooming in this tranquil environment surrounded by the rich nature of Kumano provide a special experience that will purify your soul. Depending on the weather, you can enjoy a natural feast at night with the Amano River and cherry blossoms.

Hara © Wakayama Prefecture Tourism Federation

Kumano Motomiya Shrine and Heian period costumes © Kumano Motomiya Shrine

It's about a 10-minute walk from Kumano Motomiya Shrine, so be sure to visit both.

[Latest information for 2025 ]
Best time to see: Late March to early April
Address: Motomiya, Motomiya Motomiya Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture Motomiya

Conclusion

In spring, cherry blossoms bloom gracefully in Wakayama, a landscape that combines historical charm with natural beauty. The flowering period may change depending on the weather, so please check the latest information before you go out. As the exciting arrival of spring approaches, enjoy the charm of Wakayama's unique cherry blossoms to the fullest.