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Toyama boasts many cherry blossom spots, but some may not know where to go to enjoy the seasonal blooms. This article introduces seven notable cherry blossom locations in Toyama.
Toyama Prefecture is located in the northern central part of Honshu, facing the Sea of Japan and surrounded by mountains. This is why it's an area rich in natural beauty.
As spring approaches, many spots in Toyama emerge where you can enjoy cherry blossoms. Those living in Toyama or planning to visit in spring may be curious to know the best cherry blossom locations in the area.
In this article, we will introduce seven prime spots in Toyama where you can appreciate cherry blossoms.
1. Sakura along the Gando Riverbank
2. Jinzu River Cherry Blossom Embankment and Shio-no-Senbon Sakura
3. Asahi Funagawa Spring Quartet
4. Toyama Castle Ruins Park
5. Matsukawa Riverbank
6. Takaoka Old Castle Park
7. Fugan Canal Kansui Park
Frequently Asked Questions
One of the cherry blossom spots in Toyama is along the Gando Riverbank.
The Gando River flows through the urban area of Fukuoka Town in Takaoka City, Toyama Prefecture. In spring, it is famous for its beautiful cherry blossoms that bloom profusely, making it a well-known cherry blossom location.
The origins date back to 1950 when Yoshihara Tokikichi from the former Fukuoka Town donated Somei Yoshino cherry trees to the town over three years. The number of trees donated was an impressive 5,000.
Currently, about 1,000 of those trees create a stunning cherry blossom tunnel each year, affectionately known as "Sakura Street."
The typical peak viewing period is from early to mid-April. During this time, the Fukuoka Cherry Blossom Festival is also held.
The festival includes nighttime light-up events, so be sure to enjoy the blossoms before the peak season ends!
Sakura along the Gando Riverbank
Address: Fukuoka Shin, Takaoka City, Toyama Prefecture
Access: Approximately 5 minutes on foot from Fukuoka Station; about 10 minutes by car from Fukuoka IC.
The Jinzu River is a major river flowing through Toyama City and Nanto City in Toyama Prefecture, as well as Takayama City and Hida City in Gifu Prefecture. On the sandbanks of the Jinzu River, there exists a place known as the Jinzu River Cherry Blossom Embankment.
The Jinzu River Cherry Blossom Embankment features a 4.8 km long pathway lined with about 800 cherry trees.
Additionally, Shio-no-Senbon Sakura refers to the cherry trees planted along the embankment on the right bank of the Jinzu River in Toyama City. Approximately 200 cherry trees are planted over a distance of about 1 km.
Together, the Jinzu River Cherry Blossom Embankment and Shio-no-Senbon Sakura form a magnificent cherry blossom avenue comprising a total of 1,000 cherry trees, making it one of the largest cherry blossom spots in the country.
The types of cherry trees here are Somei Yoshino, with the peak viewing time in mid-April.
Jinzu River Cherry Blossom Embankment/ Shio-no-Senbon Sakura
Address: Nishikanzutsumi and Nakakanzutsumi, Yao Town, Toyama City, and Shio, Toyama City
Access: Approximately 30 minutes on foot from Higashi-Yatsuo Station; about 15 minutes by car from Toyama IC.
Asahi Funagawa Spring Quartet is located in Asahi Town, Shimoshinkawa District, Toyama Prefecture.
At Asahi Funagawa Spring Quartet, the beautiful cherry blossoms, tulips, and rapeseed flowers bloom along the Funagawa River, creating a stunning display referred to as the "Spring Quartet."
Every year during the cherry blossom season, about 280 Somei Yoshino cherry trees reach full bloom along approximately 1.2 km of both banks of the Funagawa River. The tulips and rapeseed flowers were planted to coincide with the cherry blossoms, resulting in a harmonious spring floral display.
The typical peak viewing period is from early to mid-April. The area tends to be very crowded during peak viewing times on weekdays and weekends. Therefore, those driving should exercise caution.
Located next to Toyama Castle in Toyama City, Toyama Castle Ruins Park offers a beautiful setting.
The Matsukawa River flows nearby, and the extensive grounds are rich in greenery. Given its natural environment, the park is cherished as a calming place for the local community.
It becomes a popular cherry blossom viewing spot in spring, where visitors can enjoy picnics in the grassy areas.
The park also features plenty of playground equipment and athletic facilities that are sure to delight children, making it a great destination for families.
The type of cherry tree here is Somei Yoshino, with the typical peak viewing period from early to mid-April. It's also enjoyable to take a stroll along the cherry blossom avenue next to the Matsukawa River.
Matsukawa River is a major river flowing through Toyama City. It runs right next to Toyama Castle Ruins Park, making it well-known as one of the top cherry blossom spots in the prefecture.
In spring, about 530 cherry trees bloom magnificently along approximately 3.9 km of the riverbank. The history of these cherry trees dates back to the Taisho era, though they were lost due to a fire during wartime. They were replanted in 1950 and have since been recognized as one of Japan's 100 Famous Cherry Blossom Spots.
A sightseeing boat operates along the river, allowing visitors to experience the beauty of the cherry blossoms from a different perspective during the peak viewing period.
The type of cherry tree here is Somei Yoshino, with the typical peak viewing time in early April. During the peak season, the light-up event is held until 11 PM. It is perfect for those who want to enjoy the cherry blossoms at night.
Takaoka Old Castle Park is located in the urban area of Takaoka City, Toyama Prefecture.
Originally, this was the site of Takaoka Castle, which was founded by Maeda Toshinaga. The park was opened to the public during the Meiji era.
Although the castle itself no longer exists, the water moats and earthen walls remain, allowing visitors to feel the history of the area.
Takaoka Old Castle Park has also been recognized as one of Japan's 100 Famous Cherry Blossom Spots, transforming into a beautiful cherry blossom location in spring. A variety of cherry trees bloom here, including Somei Yoshino, Koshino Higan-zakura, Yama-zakura, Inuzakura, and Uwamizuzakura.
The typical peak viewing period is from early to mid-April. During this time, the Takaoka Cherry Blossom Festival is held, where visitors can also enjoy the illuminated cherry blossoms at night with decorative lanterns.
Fugan Canal Kansui Parki is an urban park located in Toyama City.
Positioned around the Geno Canal, this park is easily accessible from the city center. The beauty of the waterfront is the main attraction. Visitors can enjoy the scenery while dining in the park. Notably, it has a Starbucks Coffee often referred to as "the most beautiful in the world," along with a French restaurant.
Fugan Canal Kansui Park is also a popular cherry blossom viewing spot. Typically, the cherry blossoms begin to bloom around late March, with peak viewing occurring in early April.
The types of cherry trees include the classic Somei Yoshino, as well as Koshino Higan and Jugatsu-zakura. This allows for a longer enjoyment of the blossoms due to their varied blooming times.
The best time to see cherry blossoms in Toyama is usually from early to mid-April. In 2024, the cherry blossoms at the Botanic Gardens of Toyama reportedly bloomed on April 1st.
Cherry blossom festivals held in Toyama during spring include the Fukuoka Cherry Blossom Festival at the Gando Riverbank and the Takaoka Cherry Blossom Festival at Takaoka Old Castle Park. These festivals feature light-up events with lanterns, allowing visitors to enjoy the cherry blossoms at night.
Cherry blossom spots with light-up events in Toyama include locations such as the Gando Riverbank and Matsukawa Riverbank. Notably, the light-up events along the Matsukawa Riverbank are held in the evening until 11 PM. Visitors can enjoy the nighttime cherry blossoms for an extended period.
The cherry blossom forecast in Toyama is April 5, with the full bloom expected around April 10. Since this coincides with the school enrollment season, it will certainly enhance the feeling of spring.
Recommended photo spots at cherry blossom locations in Toyama include Matsukawa Riverbank, Toyama Castle Ruins Park, and Takaoka Old Castle Park. Particularly at Matsukawa Riverbank, you can experience the cherry blossom tunnel from a boat, capturing enchanting photos of the illuminated blossoms that cannot be experienced from the ground.
Toyama is home to several cherry blossom spots selected among Japan's "100 Famous Cherry Blossom Locations."
Toyama's cherry blossom viewing period typically occurs between early to mid-April, which coincides perfectly with the school enrollment season.
If you want to enjoy the cherry blossoms during this time, we recommend welcoming the arrival of spring in Toyama!
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