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Cherry Blossoms in Late April! Top 15 Spots in Northern Japan
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Japan's Tohoku region is home to many beautiful cherry blossom spots. We introduce 15 cherry blossom spots in Aomori, Akita, Fukushima, Miyagi, and other locations in northern Japan, along with the 2024 cherry blossom forecast for Tohoku.
Cherry Blossom Spots in Northern Japan
1. Hirosaki Castle Park
2. Towada City Hall Street
3. Hinokinai River Tsutsumi Park
4. Kakunodate Samurai Residences
5. Senshu Park
6. Kitakami Tenshochi Park
7. Morioka Castle Ruins Park (Iwate Park)
8. Koiwai Farm
9. Eboshiyama Park
10. Kajo Park
11. Mikamine Park
12. Funaoka Castle Ruins Park
13. Shiroishi River View of a Thousand Cherry Trees
14. Miharu Takizakura Cherry Tree
15. Aizu-Wakamatsu Castle (Tsurugajo Castle)
2024 Cherry Blossom Forecast for Northern Japan
2024 Cherry Blossom Forecast for Northern Japan
The Tohoku region refers to the six prefectures in the northern part of Japan's Honshu Island: Aomori, Iwate, Miyagi, Akita, Yamagata, and Fukushima.
Due to its location at a higher latitude, the cherry blossoms in Tohoku bloom a little later than in Tokyo, usually from early April to late May each year.
Below are the predicted dates for full bloom in each prefecture and the optimal viewing period for cherry blossoms in the Tohoku region as of April 16, 2024.
| Prefecture | Blooming forecast | Best time to view |
| Aomori | 4/18 | late April - early May |
| Akita | 4/16 | late April - early May |
| Iwate | 4/16 | mid to late April |
| Yamagata | 4/12 | early to mid April |
| Miyagi | 4/6 | early to mid April |
| Fukushima | 4/6 | early to mid April |
For detailed information, please refer to the cherry blossom forecasts announced by each regional tourism association.
Read on to learn the top 15 cherry blossom spots in Tohoku. Once you find a location that interests you, head out to the Tohoku region for cherry blossom viewing!
1. Hirosaki Castle Park in Aomori
Picture courtesy of pixta
Aomori's Hirosaki Castle Park has been selected as one of the 100 Famous Cherry Blossom Spots in Japan.
Within the park, there are approximately 400 Somei Yoshino cherry trees that are over one hundred years old, making them the oldest in Japan. This is quite remarkable for the relatively short lifespan of Somei Yoshino trees. In fact, the cherry blossom management techniques at Hirosaki Castle are considered some of the best in Japan!
Additionally, visitors can enjoy a variety of cherry blossom types including weeping cherry blossoms and double-flowered cherry blossoms, with a total of about 2,600 trees encompassing 52 different species.
Picture courtesy of pixta
When the cherry blossoms at Hirosaki Castle are in full bloom, the petals fall and cover the surface of the moat, creating a long pink carpet-like appearance, a truly romantic sight.
During the Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival, lanterns are lit up, allowing visitors to enjoy the nighttime cherry blossoms while gazing at Hirosaki Castle, recognized as one of the 100 Famous Castles in Japan.
Furthermore, with rowboats available for rent, experiencing the historical ambiance while enjoying the cherry blossoms from the water in the moat surrounding Hirosaki Castle is a truly special experience.
2024 Hirosaki Castle Park Cherry Blossom Festival
Best Viewing Period: Late April - Early May
Cherry Blossom Varieties: Somei Yoshino, Weeping Cherry Blossom, Double-flowered Cherry Blossom, and other 49 varieties
Number of Cherry Trees: 2,600
2024 Festival Dates: April 12 - May 5
Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival
2. Towada City Hall Street
Picture courtesy of pixta
Towada City Hall Street, which has been selected as one of the 100 Roads in Japan, spans just 1.1 kilometers in length and is lined with approximately 155 cherry blossom trees and 161 pine trees.
Picture courtesy of pixta
During the cherry blossom festival, the entire street becomes very lively with local food stalls. Among them, the specialty sweet takoyaki is a must-try.
Moreover, the observation deck at the main office building of the city hall is a hidden gem where you can overlook the beautiful cherry blossom scenery from a different perspective. Music concerts at Sakura Square and performances of Yabusame (sakura-flower-patterned horseback archery) are also events that you can enjoy.
Towada City Hall Street Cherry Blossoms
Peak Viewing Period: Late April to Early May
Cherry Blossom Varieties: Somei Yoshino, Weeping Cherry, Yamazakura, etc.
Number of Cherry Trees: 155
3. Hinokinai River Tsutsumi Park in Akita
Picture courtesy of pixta
The Somei Yoshino cherry trees along the Hinokinai River embankment were planted in 1934 to commemorate the birth of Emperor Akihito. The landscape where cherry blossoms bloom along the river is like a scene from a Japanese movie. You can almost imagine students in uniforms riding bicycles along the embankment.
Stretching about 2 kilometers, around 400 cherry trees have been selected as one of Japan's Scenic Sites.
Picture courtesy of pixta
The Hinokinai River Embankment is within a 10 to 15-minute walk from another famous cherry blossom spot in Akita, the Kakunodate Samurai Residences. After enjoying the full bloom of cherry blossom trees, you might want to take a stroll to the samurai residences.
Hinokinaigawa-Tsutsumi Park Cherry Blossoms
Peak Viewing Period: Late April to Early May
Cherry Blossom Varieties: Somei Yoshino
Number of Cherry Trees: Approximately 400
4. Kakunodate Samurai Residences
Picture courtesy of pixta
The town of Kakunodate in Senboku City, Akita Prefecture, is known as the most elegant town in Tohoku and is also referred to as the "Little Kyoto of Northern Japan."
Picture courtesy of pixta
The famous Samurai Residence Street here is lined with 168 weeping cherry trees, designated as a national natural monument, and around 450 pine trees.
Moreover, at the Kakunodate Cherry Blossom Festival, various events are held annually. Experience the unique springtime in Kakunodate with its waterfall-like pink weeping cherry blossoms and preserved residences dating back to the Edo period (1603-1868).
Kakunodate Samurai Residence Cherry Blossoms
Peak Viewing Period: Late April to Early May
Varieties: Weeping Cherry Trees
Number of Cherry Trees: Approximately 450
Official website: Tazawako-Kakunodate Travel Guide
5. Senshu Park
Picture courtesy of pixta
Senshu Park was built on the site of the former residence of the Satake clan, the lords of Akita, and it has been selected as one of Japan's Top 100 Cherry Blossom Viewing Sites.
Senshu Park is home to around 700 cherry trees, mainly of the Somei Yoshino variety, that are approximately 120 years old.
Picture courtesy of pixta
From the park's observation deck, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the cherry blossoms and downtown Akita City. After admiring the cherry blossoms, why not enjoy some delicacies from the food stalls?
2024 Senshu Park Cherry Blossoms
Peak Viewing Period: Late April to Early May
Varieties: Somei Yoshino, Weeping Cherry, Yaezakura
Number of Cherry Trees: Approximately 700
Website: Akita Travel Convention Association
6. Kitakami Tenshochi Park
Picture courtesy of pixta
Located in Iwate, Kitakami Tenshochi Park is one of the three major cherry blossom viewing spots in Tohoku. First, outside the park, there is a tunnel of around 500 Somei Yoshino cherry trees that welcomes visitors from all over the world.
Picture courtesy of pixta
In the 2.93 million square meters of Kitakami Tenshochi's hinterland, approximately 10,000 cherry trees from around 150 different varieties, including Somei Yoshino and Kasumizakura, bloom magnificently.
During the cherry blossom festival, there are sightseeing carriages that operate inside the tunnel, making it a perfect cherry blossom viewing spot in Iwate for families.
Kitakami Tenshochi Park Cherry Blossoms
Peak Viewing Period: Early to Mid-April
2024 Festival dates: April 4 - 29
Varieties: Approximately 150 varieties including Somei Yoshino and Kasumizakura
Number of Cherry Trees: Approximately 10,000
Website: Kitakami Travel Association
7. Morioka Castle Ruins Park (Iwate Park)
Picture courtesy of pixta
Morioka Castle is one of Japan's 100 Famous Castles and has been selected as one of the 100 Best Historical Parks in Japan.
Within the Morioka Castle Site Park, you'll find more than 250 cherry trees of various varieties such as Somei Yoshino and Satoyama cherry.
Picture courtesy of pixta
When the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, the pink blossoms harmonize with the ancient moats and castle walls, creating a unique atmosphere.
Additionally, visitors can also see literary monuments dedicated to local writers such as Kenji Miyazawa and Inazo Nitobe.
2024 Morioka Castle Site Park (Iwate Park)
Peak Viewing Period: Mid to Late April
Varieties: Somei Yoshino, Satoyama Cherry, Edohigan, etc.
Number of Cherry Trees: Approximately 200
Website: Morioka Castle Park (Japanese)
8. Koiwai Farm
Picture courtesy of pixta
Iwate's Koiwai Farm is famous for its magnificent Cherry Tree that blooms on a spacious lawn.
If you gaze into the distance, you can see Mount Iwate, the highest peak in the region, attracting numerous visitors from all over the world to admire this unique and stunning view.
This single cherry tree standing proudly here is also renowned as a popular spot for photography.
Picture courtesy of pixta
Moreover, the farm has restaurants and cafes where you can enjoy gourmet dishes made using fresh local ingredients. It's a must-visit for food enthusiasts who appreciate delicious cuisine!
2024 Koiwai Farm Cherry Blossom Information
Peak Viewing Period: Late April to Early May
Varieties: Edohigan
Number of Cherry Trees: 1
Website: Koiwai Farm
9. Eboshiyama Park
Picture courtesy of pixta
Located in Yamagata's Nanyo City, Eboshiyama Park is home to nearly one thousand cherry trees and has been selected as one of Japan's Top 100 Cherry Blossom Viewing Sites.
Nearby, you can find the famous Akayu Onsen. After soaking in the hot springs, strolling in the evening among the cherry blossoms in a yukata provides a different charm of the blossoms compared to the daytime.
Picture courtesy of pixta
Additionally, the Eboshiyama Hachimangu Shrine, famous for its impressive stone torii gate, one of the largest in Japan, is another renowned cherry blossom spot in Yamagata.
2024 Eboshiyama Park Cherry Blossoms
Peak Viewing Period: Mid to Late April
Varieties: Weeping Cherry, Somei Yoshino, Edohigan, and 25 other varieties
Number of Cherry Trees: Approximately 1,000
10. Kajo Park
Picture courtesy of pixta
Located in the center of Yamagata City, Kajo Park was constructed by the famous warlord Mogami Yoshiaki and has since been designated a national historic site and recognized as one of Japan's Top 100 Castles.
Every spring, approximately 1,500 cherry trees bloom magnificently in the park.
Picture courtesy of pixta
Visitors can not only enjoy the cherry blossoms but also partake in experiences like tea ceremonies.
If you have extra time, stay until evening for the illuminations and enjoy the unique beauty of nighttime cherry blossoms!
2024 Kajo Park Cherry Blossoms
Peak Viewing Period: Early to Mid-April
Varieties: Somei Yoshino
Number of Cherry Trees: Approximately 1,500
11. Mikamine Park
Picture courtesy of pixta
Easily accessible from Sendai, Mikamine Park is home to 600 cherry trees of 48 different varieties, making it one of the most popular cherry blossom viewing spots among the residents of Sendai.
Picture courtesy of pixta
With a wide variety of cherry blossom types that bloom at different times, the cherry blossom viewing period here is relatively longer compared to other locations.
You might even have the chance to admire both the double-flowered weeping cherry blossoms and the full bloom of Somei Yoshino simultaneously! The double-flowered variety blooms a bit later than the Somei Yoshino trees.
2024 Mikamine Park Cherry Blossoms
Peak Viewing Period: Early to Mid-April
Varieties: Yaebeni Shidare (double-flowered weeping cherry), Somei Yoshino, and 48 other varieties
Number of Cherry Trees: Approximately 600
12. Funaoka Castle Ruins Park
Picture courtesy of pixta
The Funaoka Castle Ruins Park is a scenic spot in Miyagi that gained popularity after being featured in a historical TV series.
Picture courtesy of pixta
While ascending towards the mountaintop via a slope car, you are greeted with a splendid view alongside beautiful Somei Yoshino cherry blossoms.
Upon reaching the summit, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Zao Mountain Range and the thousand cherry trees along the Shiroishi River embankment.
The Shibata Spring Festival held here annually features nighttime cherry blossom light-ups that are worth seeing!
Funaoka Castle Ruins Park Cherry Blossoms
Peak Viewing Period: Early to Mid-April
Varieties: Somei Yoshino
Number of Cherry Trees: Approximately 1,200
Website: Shibata District Travel Association
13. Shiroishi River View of a Thousand Cherry Trees
Picture courtesy of pixta
The Shiroishi River View of a Thousand Cherry Trees is one of the prominent cherry blossom spots in Miyagi, featuring approximately 1,200 cherry trees in full bloom along an 8-kilometer river embankmen.
Picture courtesy of pixta
This location is known as the View of a Thousand Cherry Trees because of the sensation you get when looking into the distance and seeing the endless row of a thousand cherry trees.
During the cherry blossom festival, you can enjoy activities like riding a yakatabune (a traditional Japanese houseboat) under the cherry blossoms and enjoying the evening illuminations.
When traveling through Miyagi by train, pay attention to the views outside the window. Between Ogawara Station and Funaoka Station, the train slows down to allow passengers to fully appreciate the cherry blossoms along the Shiroishi River embankment.
Shiroishi River View of a Thousand Cherry Trees
Peak Viewing Period: Early to Mid-April
Varieties: Somei Yoshino, Shiroyamazakura, Yaezakura, Sendai Yoshino, etc.
Number of Cherry Trees: Approximately 1,200
Website: Ogawara District Travel Association (Japanese)
14. The Ancient Miharu Takizakura Cherry Tree
Picture courtesy of pixta
The Miharu Takizakura is one of Japan's three great cherry trees. It is over a thousand years old, stands at a height of 13.5 meters, and its thickest part reaches nearly 25 meters.
Named Takizakura for its resemblance to a waterfall, this cherry tree was the first to be designated a national natural monument.
Picture courtesy of pixta
Every year during the cherry blossom viewing season, various cherry blossom spots in the town are illuminated. The magical Takizakura, which presents a different ambiance compared to the daytime view, is a sight not to be missed.
Why not visit Fukushima to appreciate this precious and beautiful cherry blossom phenomenon?
Miharu Takizakura Cherry Tree
Peak Viewing Period: Early to Mid-April
Variety: Yaebeni Shidare
Number of Cherry Trees: 1
15. Aizu-Wakamatsu Castle (Tsurugajo Castle)
Picture courtesy of pixta
There are approximately 1,000 Somei Yoshino cherry trees around the Aizu-Wakamatsu Castle that bloom magnificently every spring, creating a beautiful landscape.
This castle has also been selected as one of Japan's Top 100 Cherry Blossom Sites, showcasing its undeniable charm.
Picture courtesy of pixta
Compared to other cherry blossom spots, Aizu Wakamatsu Castle tends to have fewer tourists on weekdays, making it a hidden gem recommended for those who prefer to avoid crowds.
Aizu Wakamatsu Castle (Tsurugajo) Cherry Blossoms
Peak Viewing Period: Mid to Late April
Varieties: Somei Yoshino, Yaezakura, Shiroyamazakura, etc.
Number of Cherry Trees: Approximately 1,000
Website: Aizu Wakamatsu Castle
Catch the Cherry Blossoms in Northern Japan
Cherry blossom spots in the Tohoku region tend to be less crowded than popular locations like Tokyo and Kyoto. Additionally, the cherry blossoms bloom later, allowing you to avoid the peak crowds during spring.
By opting for less crowded areas, you can save time waiting at airports and other busy locations, enabling you to enjoy Japan's cherry blossoms stress-free.
Why not consider enjoying the cherry blossoms in the Tohoku region based on this article as a reference?
死心塌地的貓奴一枚。
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