Okayama Cherry Blossoms: 10 Scenic Spots, Festivals, and Light-ups

Cherry Blossom Viewing Season Information for Okayama

In Okayama, the main cherry blossom spots typically reach their peak from late March to mid-April. This is when various types of cherry trees such as Somei Yoshino, yaezakura (double-flowered cherry), and shidarezakura (weeping cherry) bloom beautifully.

Okayama boasts numerous cherry blossom viewing locations, each hosting events such as daytime, nighttime illuminations, and festivals.

Okayama Cherry Blossom Guide

The Cherry Blossom Season in Okayama
Top 10 Cherry Blossom Spots in Okayama
1. Korakuen Garden (Okayama City)
2. Handayama Botanical Garden (Okayama City)
3. Takebe no Mori Park (Okayama City)
4. Kanagawa (Kakagawa) Cherry Blossom Avenue (Okayama City)
5. Asahi River Sakura Road (Okayama City)
6. Tsurugatayama Park (Kurashiki City)
7. Tanematsuyama Park West Park (Kurashiki City)
8. Miyama Park (Tamano City)
9. Ibara Tsutsumi (Ibara City)
10. Konyagawa Bikan Historical Quarter (Takahashi City)

Cherry Blossom Viewing Season Information for Okayama

In Okayama, cherry blossoms typically reach full bloom from late March to mid-April, allowing visitors to enjoy distinctive landscapes at various spots.

The soft light of day highlights the cherry blossoms, while nighttime light-ups create a magical atmosphere, making it a perfect season for hanami (flower viewing) with family and friends.

Top 10 Cherry Blossom Spots in Okayama

1. Korakuen Garden (Okayama City)

Photo by AC

Korakuen Garden is a representative strolling garden from the Edo period and was designated as a special scenic spot in 1952.

Within its expansive grounds, there is a cherry forest where approximately 200 Somei Yoshino and yae-beni-shidare (double-flowered weeping cherry) trees bloom each spring.

Particularly stunning is the yae-beni-shidare (double-flowered weeping cherry tree) that spreads near the Eisho Bridge, which reaches its peak from early to mid-April. Additionally, the falling cherry blossom petals create an enchanting atmosphere in the park's lawn area, attracting many visitors. There are also light-ups held, allowing visitors the enjoyment of night cherry blossoms.

2. Handayama Botanical Garden (Okayama City)

Photo by AC

Handayama Botanical Garden in Okayama City is a rich natural spot that nurtures around 3,200 species of plants and features about 800 Somei Yoshino cherry trees blooming in spring.

Located on a small hill with an elevation of 110 meters, it offers stunning views when the entire mountain is bathed in pale pink during full bloom. This seasonal scenic view also makes it a highly photogenic spot.

The garden even has an observation deck, allowing visitors to enjoy cherry blossoms while overlooking the city of Okayama. From late March to early April 2025, a cherry blossom festival will be held, with light-ups held from sunset until 9 PM. It is a popular spot for families and couples alike.

Okayama City Handayama Botanical Garden

3-1 Hokaiin, Kita-ku, Okayama-shi, Okayama 700-0004

It is a comprehensive botanical garden that manages and grows approximately 3,200 species and 150,000 plants. The entrance has a magnificent view that looks like an open-air opera theater. It is located on a hilly area with an altitude of 10m to 85m, and the view of Okayama from the top is very beautiful. This place is less crowded than the famous cherry blossom viewing spots, so it is highly recommended for people who want to escape from the hustle and bustle, or for families. You will be amazed by the harmony of cherry blossoms, sky, and green colors. Enjoy a leisurely tour of Handayama Botanical Garden, which is approximately the size of 11 Tokyo Domes.

Hotels near Okayama City Handayama Botanical Garden

Recent Culture Hotel

Okayama Prefecture > Okayama

4.2 /5

Very Good

3 reviews

$60～

3. Takebe no Mori Park (Okayama City)

Photo by AC

Takebe no Mori Park is a vast nature park located in northern Okayama City. It features around 10,000 cherry trees of about 100 different varieties scattered throughout the grounds.

One of its highlights is the impressive 1.5 km cherry blossom tunnel, where visitors can stroll beneath the arches of cherry blossoms and fully immerse themselves in the beauty of spring.

The park also includes athletic facilities and a campsite, making it an ideal location for family leisure activities. During the peak bloom, the park is bustling with people enjoying picnics, providing a relaxed atmosphere amidst nature.

Events are also planned to be held during the blooming period.

4. Kanagawa (Kakagawa) Cherry Blossom Avenue (Okayama City)

Picture courtesy of Okayama Tourism Web (Japanese)

The Kanagawa Cherry Blossom Avenue features a scenic cherry tree-lined road extending approximately 2 km along the Asahi River near Kanagawa Station. Every year, the Kanagawa Cherry Blossom Festival is held on the first Sunday of April, attracting many locals who come to enjoy the festivities.

In 2025, the festival is scheduled to take place on April 6 (Sunday). However, we recommend checking the event information beforehand since dates may change based on blooming conditions. During full bloom, the reflections of the cherry blossoms on the river surface are stunning, adding to the charm of the tranquil scenery.

This route is also perfect for walking or jogging and is cherished by locals as a relaxing destination.

Kanagawa Cherry Blossom Avenue

709-2133 Ukanagawa Embankment, Mitsukanagawa, Kita Ward, Okayama City,...

A row of cherry blossom trees about 300m long on the Ugan River embankment in the Kanagawa district of Mitsu-cho, Okayama City. As the cherry blossoms bloom, lanterns are set up and the area is lit up at night, allowing you to enjoy the cherry blossoms at night. In addition, at the Kanagawa Sakura Festival, there will be stage events and various other tenants.

5. Asahi River Sakura Road (Okayama City)

The Asahi River Sakura Road is a scenic walkway that stretches approximately 1 km along the Asahi River flowing through Okayama City. The tree-lined path, which runs from Horai Bridge to Aioi Bridge, features about 250 Somei Yoshino cherry trees that bloom, creating a pink tunnel in spring.

Every year, the Okayama Cherry Blossom Carnival is held from late March to early April, bustling with stalls and events.

During this period, cherry blossom illuminations are held from sunset until 9 PM. This popular spot attracts many tourists who come to enjoy the night cherry blossoms.

6. Tsurugatayama Park (Kurashiki City)

Picture courtesy of Okayama Tourism Web (Japanese)

Tsurugatayama Park, located near the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, is one of the renowned cherry blossom spots in Kurashiki City. The park is home to about 120 Somei Yoshino cherry trees and three weeping cherry trees, which reach full bloom from mid-March to late April.

Positioned on a small hill, the park offers stunning views of Kurashiki City framed by cherry blossoms. After enjoying hanami (flower viewing), visitors are encouraged to stroll through the Bikan Historical Quarter, exploring the charming cafes.

It’s a hidden gem where you can enjoy cherry blossoms in a quiet, serene atmosphere.

Tsurugatayama Park

710-0054 794-1 Honmachi, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture

[Cherry blossoms that dye the park pink and a large wisteria tree that is 300 to 500 years old] A park built to the north of the Bikan Historical Quarter and around the grounds of Achi Shrine, the guardian deity of Kurashiki. In spring, about 120 cherry blossom trees dye the park pink. There is also a large wisteria trellis in the park, which is called ``Achi no Wisteria''. The tree is said to be 300 to 500 years old and has a trunk circumference of 1.5m. It is the oldest and largest wisteria of its kind, and is a natural monument of Okayama Prefecture. At one point, the tree was on the brink of dying, but as a result of local residents' efforts to protect it, and treatment by an arborist, the tree has recovered and blooms beautifully in early May every year. .

Hotels near Tsurugatayama Park

Grand Base Kurashiki Chuo

Okayama Prefecture > Kurashiki

4.4 /5

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$100～

Kurashiki Royal Art Hotel

Okayama Prefecture > Kurashiki

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Hostel Cuore Kurashiki

Okayama Prefecture > Kurashiki

4.2 /5

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7. Tanematsuyama Park West Park (Kurashiki City)

Photo by AC

Tanematsuyama Park West Park, located in Kurashiki City, is a popular cherry blossom spot featuring around 1,200 cherry trees, including Somei Yoshino, yaezakura (double-flowered cherry), and higanzakura (heavenly cherry).

From mid-March to late April, cherry blossoms bloom throughout the park. This creates an expansive cherry blossom forest that is perfect for picnics and strolls.

The elevated location offers stunning views that can extend far into the distance. This park is recommended for those who wish to enjoy cherry blossoms in a quieter atmosphere, away from the crowds. Light-ups are also held at night.

8. Miyama Park (Tamano City)

Photo by AC

Miyama Park, located in Tamano City, is considered one of Okayama Prefecture's leading cherry blossom spots, with approximately 7,000 cherry trees planted throughout the grounds. The park offers a diverse array of cherry blossom varieties, primarily featuring Somei Yoshino, yaezakura, and shidarezakura (weeping cherry).

Every year in early April, the Miyama Cherry Blossom Festival is held. It features light-ups decorated with lanterns at night, creating a magical atmosphere. In addition to the cherry blossoms, the park also features a lake and walking paths, making it an ideal location to enjoy nature while viewing the blossoms.

9. Ibara Tsutsumi (Ibara City)

Photo by AC

9. Ibara Tsutsumi (Ibara City)

Ibara Tsutsumi features a stunning cherry blossom path that stretches approximately 2 km along the banks of the Oda River. About 800 Somei Yoshino cherry trees are planted here, creating a beautiful tunnel of blossoms at full bloom. This allows visitors to enjoy a scenic cherry blossom-lined path in spring.

Every year in early April, the Ibara Cherry Blossom Festival is held, offering local gourmet food stalls and various events, along with night cherry blossom light-ups. The riverside walking path is perfect for a stroll, so visitors can relax and appreciate the arrival of spring in a nature-rich setting.

10. Konyagawa Bikan Historical Quarter (Takahashi City)

The Konyagawa Bikan Historical Quarter in Takahashi City is a beautiful spot where the historical streets, selected among Japan's "100 Roads," contrast wonderfully with cherry blossoms. About 200 cherry trees are planted along the riverside, reaching their peak bloom from late March to early April.

During spring, various local events are often held, making it a recommended spot for combining tourism with cherry blossom viewing.

Konyagawa Bikan Historical Quarter

716-0023 Kajicho, Takahashi City, Okayama Prefecture

The Konya River, which flows into the Takahashi River, once served as the outer moat of Bitchu Matsuyama Castle. The riverside is lined with beautiful cherry blossom and willow trees, and the town is full of atmosphere, including Takahashi Christian Church, the oldest church in the prefecture, and the ruins of the domain school building, and has been selected as one of Japan's top 100 roads. . In spring, you can see cherry blossoms in full bloom.

Enjoy the Cherry Blossoms in Okayama

Okayama offers various cherry blossom spots, including historical gardens, parks, and tree-lined paths along rivers. From classic spots like Korakuen Garden and Handayama Botanical Garden to nature-rich hidden gems like Takebe no Mori Park and Ibara Tsutsumi, each location has its unique charm.

Additionally, events such as the Okayama Cherry Blossom Carnival and the Miyama Cherry Blossom Festival provide opportunities for both daytime hanami (flower viewing) and enchanting night light-ups of the blooms.

As you sense the arrival of spring, why not enjoy the beautiful cherry blossoms in Okayama? Be sure to check the latest blooming information to make the most of your visit and enjoy the blossoms at their peak!