As the park's 630 Somei Yoshino cherry blossom trees bloom simultaneously, it is easy to be swept away by the scenery. You will be able to enjoy the coming of spring as you walk along rows of cherry blossom trees on the sando (a road which runs from the torii gate to the shrine).
Baryo Park is a well-known location for viewing cherry blossoms, and every year from early to mid April the park holds a light-up event at night. We recommend you visit in the evening to see the cherry blossoms illuminated by the lights from the paper lanterns. A good spot for taking pictures is at the bottom of the sando, looking up at the torii.
Soma Nakamura Shrine is connected to the park and is also worth a visit for its tranquil atmosphere and beautiful architecture.
| Website | https://soma-kanko.jp/(Japanese) |
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| Contact | Soma City Tourism Association (+81) 244-35-3300 |
| Best Season |
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| Parking | Available |
| Entrance Fee | Free |
| Related info | Best time to see cherry blossoms: Early to Mid April |
| Access | 140 Kitamachi, Nakamura, Soma City, Fukushima Pref. 976-0042 View directions |
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| Getting there | By Car: 5 min drive from Soma I.C. exit off the Joban Expressway. |
The Minamisoma City Museum is located on the eastern side of the Soma Nomaoi festival grounds within the spacious Higashigaoka Park.Its exhibitions center around the Soma Nomaoi festival, a traditional festival of the Soma region that is a nationally-designated important intangible cultural property, and the nature, history, and culture of the local region.
Founded over seven hundred years ago, Suzumigaoka Hachiman Shrine came under the aegis of the Soma clan in the sixteenth century, whereupon warlord Soma Masatane rebuilt its halls with zelkova wood. It was known as Soma Nikko at the time for being the northern equivalent of Nikko's Toshugu Shrine.Hachiman shrines are devoted to the warrior deity of the same name, seen historically as a protector of the nation, as well as someone prayed to for protections from illness and success in personal life.The shrine is an excellent trip both in spring, when the road leading to the shrine is sheltered with parallel rows of cherry trees, or in autumn, when the great gingko tree by the shrine building is a vibrant yellow.
The Iitate Reconstruction Three Thousand Cherry Trees began as a private planting project in 1998, when a local couple started growing cherry trees on former farmland. Over time, the number of trees gradually increased, with the help of locals, so that the grounds now feature cherry blossoms as far as the eye can see every April.Following the 2011 disaster, Iitate Village was evacuated, but the couple still returned periodically to look after the trees. From around 2013, the area became a focus for volunteers helping with things like cleaning and pruning, and the project became something of a symbol of Iitate's reconstruction. Nowadays, the site is a great example of how far Fukushima has come in the years since the earthquake.
Lovingly referred to as 'Horuru' by locals, Iwaki City Coal & Fossil Museum is home to exhibitions on the city's history of coal mining. Horuru also exhibits a range of fossils, including the locally-excavated Plesiosaur Futabasaurus, which was discovered by a high school student. There are also some hands-on experiences to try out, such as making your own amber accessories. Horuru is accessible on foot from Iwaki Yumoto Onsen town, and is a great addition to any trip to the Iwaki area.
Inside the park, you can see the blossom of around 200 Somei Yoshino and Oshima Cherry Trees in the spring. Marine Tower, which stands inside the park, offers fantastic views of the whole of Iwaki. It’s amazing to see the sea and sakura together at the same time.This wide park also has a play area for children, a picnic and barbeque area, an outside concert hall, and a viewpoint from which you can contemplate the Pacific Ocean.
Founded over seven hundred years ago, Suzumigaoka Hachiman Shrine came under the aegis of the Soma clan in the sixteenth century, whereupon warlord Soma Masatane rebuilt its halls with zelkova wood. It was known as Soma Nikko at the time for being the northern equivalent of Nikko's Toshugu Shrine.Hachiman shrines are devoted to the warrior deity of the same name, seen historically as a protector of the nation, as well as someone prayed to for protections from illness and success in personal life.The shrine is an excellent trip both in spring, when the road leading to the shrine is sheltered with parallel rows of cherry trees, or in autumn, when the great gingko tree by the shrine building is a vibrant yellow.
Approximately 1,500 cherry trees of the quintessential Japanese Somei Yoshino variety create a beautiful tunnel of cherry blossom for visitors to pass through. Many of these trees are over 100 years old.
A massive field of nanohana flowers that first bloomed in Spring 2012, bringing great joy to the community. Since 2013 to today, huge flower fields and mazes are organized for the public to come and enjoy entirely for free. Children can receive prizes for completing the maze and visitors of all ages are encouraged to walk through the maze and have fun. Takayuki Ueno is a local farmer and creator of the Nanohana Flower Maze, planting the first flowers here in November 2011; eight months after the Great East Japan Earthquake. Click here to read more about his inspiring story.