Nicchu Line Weeping Cherry Blossoms

Nicchu Line Weeping Cherry Blossoms

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.

Venue Details

Venue Details
Websitehttp://www.kitakata-kanko.jp/category/detail.php?id=104(Japanese)
Contact

Kitakata Tourism and Product Association

(+81) 241-24-5200

Best Season
  • Spring
ParkingPaid parking
Entrance FeeFree
Related infoBest time to see cherry blossoms: Mid to Late April
Access Details
Access2 Oshikiri Higashi, Kitakata City, Fukushima Pref.
View directions
Getting there

By Car: 35 min drive from the Aizuwakamatsu I.C. exit off the Ban-etsu Expressway.

By Train: 5 min walk from Kitakata Station on the JR Ban-etsu West Line

Useful Links

Destination Spotlight: Nicchu Line Weeping Cherry Blossom

Fukushima's Top Cherry Blossom Spots

Cycling in Kitakata City

Related trips

  1. Culture

    Cherry Blossoms and Hot Spring Relaxation

    Get the full springtime cherry-blossom viewing experience on this two-day adventure through Fukushima. You'll hit all the major sites of the area and then even relax in a luxurious onsen! Your trip begins at Kitakata Station; from there you will walk to the start of the Nicchu Line walking path. This spot is famous for its over 1,000 cherry trees stretching along both sides of the 3 km-long road and park. Nicchu Line makes for a magical vista with cherry petals falling like fresh snow against a backdrop of springtime colors and fresh air. From there, travel on to Kyu Kai Honke Zurashiki to see the early 20th-century kura-style residences. Admire the architecture and quality lacquer work on the building. Finish the day with a sake brewery museum tour at Yamatogawa Brewery. No springtime cherry blossom viewing party in Japan is complete without the famous Japanese alcohol. Finish your two-day trip at the fantastic Higashiyama Onsen town where you can relax at any number of hotels or ryokan-style inns. It’s a truly Japanese spring experience.  

    Cherry Blossoms and Hot Spring Relaxation

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Atsushio Onsen – which means ‘Hot Salt Onsen’ – gets its name because of the high salt content and hot temperature of its source water (70 degrees). For generations, this onsen has been hailed by local people as having healing properties. Also known as ‘Kodomo Takara no Yu’ (‘The Sanctity of Children Onsen’), Atsushio Onsen is home to a Buddhist statue dedicated to the act of raising children. Here you often see mothers paying their respects to deities after their wishes have been realized.

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Hideyo Noguchi Memorial Museum

Most people probably don’t know who Hideyo Noguchi (1876-1928) is by name but just look at a 1,000-yen note and you’ll know his face. A renowned bacteriologist, Noguchi made great advances in the research of a vaccine for yellow fever. He’s also credited with the discovery of the agent which causes syphilis.This memorial museum was established to honor the Nobel-nominated bacteriologist, and to introduce his life achievements. The house where Noguchi was born stands within the museum grounds. Visitors to the house can see the fireplace where he fell as a child, leading to him seriously burning his left hand. The alcove post of the house has carved into it the words of resolution Noguchi made before he went to Tokyo.The exhibition room contains many resources that introduce Noguchi's life and accomplishments, including his favorite articles, letters, and photographs. In Noguchi's laboratory, which was recreated for the memorial museum, visitors can interact with a robot designed in the image of Noguchi. The robot answers questions from visitors and gives them encouraging messages.Though the house retains its Meiji Period charm, the hall and facilities were renovated in April 2015, during which time the experience-based corner was added. Here, guests can learn about bacteriology through videos and interactive games.Aizu-Ichiban Café, a café which renovated from the clinic where Hideo Noguchi received treatment for the burns he suffered to his left hand, is located nearby. Once named Kaihiyo Clinic, this is where he spent much of his youth and acquired his motivation to study and ambition to help others. There are also a number of his belongings on display, making it an interesting place to visit after a trip to the museum.
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