Kagamizakura is a huge Sargent's cherry located in the Numanotaira area, Yamato-machi, Kitakata City. Numanotaira is also known as the home of one million Fukujusō (vibrant yellow flowers). Rich with nature, the area contains many wildflowers and wild mountain vegetables. The single Sargent’s cherry is located on the edge of a pond called “Kagami Ike” (lit. Mirror Pond). The age of the tree is unknown but it is estimated to be over 100 years old. The trunk consists of dozens of roots growing from the foot of the tree. The tree's branches spread out widely, making it look as if the tree is leaning over toward the pond. When the flowers of the cherry tree blossom, the scenery with the reflection on the surface of the pond is exceptionally beautiful. The dark pink flowers typical of Sargent’s cherry are simply gorgeous.
| Website | http://www.kitakata-kanko.jp/category/detail.php?id=103(Automated translation available) |
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| Contact | Kitakata Tourism and Local Product Association (+81) 241-24-5200 |
| Best Season |
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| Parking | Available |
| Entrance Fee | Free |
| Related info | Best cherry blossom viewing period: From mid-April to late April |
| Access | Tennounoue, Asakura, Yamato-machi, Kitakata City, Fukushima Pref. 969-4108 View directions |
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| Getting there | By Car: 20 min by taxi or rental car from Yamato Station on the Ban-etsu West Line. |
Himesayuri, a kind of lily, blooms at Takashimizu Natural Park from mid-June to early July. This park is located on a mountain, at an elevation of 850 m. One million Himesayuri flowers grow wild across approximately 7 hectares of land. It's said that Takashimizu Natural Park is the largest Himesayuri flower park in Japan.
Yunokami Onsen is famous for having one of the only thatched roof station buildings in Japan. The hot spring area is fed from 8 source springs. Each ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) in the town draws its hot water directly from the source. The clear, transparent water is beloved for being soft and gentle on the skin. Many lodges offer just day-use of their baths, making it a great place to enjoy on a whim. There is also a public foot bath located at Yunokami Onsen Station. During the cherry blossom season, visitors can enjoy a warm foot bath while watching the light pink petals fluttering in the wind.
Be transported back to the elegant Taisho Period at Kitakata’s Mitsuya District. Kitakata is famous as being a town of charming red brick kura (Japanese warehouses). The rich texture and distinctive color of the warehouse bricks are an integral part of Kitakata’s townscape. In the year Meiji 23 (1890), the connecting kilns of Mitsuya District were opened. As well as roof tiles, bricks made here were also painted a deep red color, giving the area a unique atmosphere and classic scenery. The area was registered as an Industrial Modernization Heritage Site by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. The large red brick climbing kiln, located inside the Wakana Family's home, is truly a sight to behold. This district has even been written about on the Michelin Travel website.
Tsurugajo Kaikan is a shopping complex next to Tsurugajo Castle. Here you can try local cuisine, from Wappa Meshi and Sauce Katsudon, to soba noodles and Kitakata Ramen. The French restaurant "Racines" is also on the premises, so that both Japanese and western-style cuisines can be enjoyed in one location. The restaurants have seating for approximately 1,000 guests.The first floor contains a tax-free shop that sells local Aizu goods and souvenirs, from ready-to-cook Kitakata Ramen, soba noodles, Japanese pickles, and sweet treats, to traditional crafts like Akabeko lucky red cow.You can even try painting your own akabeko cow (a traditional folk toy which is said to bring luck), and take it home as a souvenir of your trip. Painting an akabeko takes about 30 minutes, and a reservation is required for groups. The parking area accommodates full-size buses as well as personal vehicles.
Over the course of the year, Kaneyama Fureai Hiroba Viewpoint greets visitors with views of atmospheric fog rising above the Tadami River, mountains frosted with snow or painted with autumn leaves, all surrounding the Oshi Shuraku district of traditional houses.
A panoramic view of the arch bridge stretches over the Tadami River. On clear winter days, the bridge is reflected in the river, surrounded by deep, glistening snow. Spring's fresh leaves, summer's lush greenery, autumn's red leaves... the view changes each season.
As the fourth-largest lake in all of Japan, Lake Inawashiro is well-known for its gorgeous blue waters, wildlife sightings and stunning views thanks to its position south of the Bandai mountain range. This sightseeing boat gives visitors a chance to get out on to the lake, where they can enjoy the atmosphere and soak in the sights.Guests can step out on to small sightseeing decks at the front and rear, although it's worth bringing a heavy jacket as the wind chill is quite bracing in winter on the front deck.On the interior, announcements over the tannoy explain more about the history of the area in Japanese, English and Mandarin. The journey takes about 35 minutes.The swan boat leaves every hour between 10am and 4pm, while the turtle boat leaves every half an hour on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays only. In winter, the turtle boat remains docked and functions as a cafe and waiting area (from December 15th). The winter schedule for the swan boat is also reduced, with departures at 11am, 12pm, 2pm and 3pm.
The Nicchusen cherry blossoms in Kitakata City follow a three-kilometer section of the former Nicchu Line railway. Once running between Kitakata and Atsushio Onsen, part of the line has been converted into a walking and cycling path. Each spring, rows of cherry trees along the path draw visitors to see them in bloom, usually around Golden Week in late April or early May.The length of the path allows people to enjoy the blossoms at their own pace. Even when some areas are busy, it is easy to find quieter spots for photos or a break. Visitors often walk the full route, stopping at different points to take in the changing scenery.Along the way, there are several features of interest. An old steam locomotive, once used on the Nicchu Line, remains on display at the midpoint and has become a popular photo spot. The path also runs past houses, rice fields, and farmland, giving a glimpse of the everyday landscape of Kitakata.Different types of cherry trees can be seen, from weeping varieties to those with pale or darker blossoms. With open areas to sit and rest, many people bring food or drinks to enjoy a picnic under the trees, making the Nicchusen cherry blossom path a relaxed way to experience spring in Fukushima.