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.  

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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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Tsurugajo Castle is the crown jewel of the Aizu region, bringing visitors from all over the world to see its incredible scenery, which changes drastically every season.Despite several reconstructions to the main castle over the years, the surrounding park's stone walls remain in their original state. In 2010, for the first time since it was refurbished in 1965, the castle underwent a cosmetic restoration. Following completion in 2011, the same red-tile roofs seen by the Byakkotai (during the Boshin War and finals days of the Tokugawa shogunate) are now displayed for all to see.This castle is one of the final strongholds of samurai that remained loyal to the shogunate and today stands as a symbol of courage and faithfulness.Within the castle tower's museum, the swords and armor of the castle’s successive lords are on display. Visitors can watch a CG-enhanced theatrical video reflecting on the great history of Aizu.In addition to the historical atmosphere surrounding Tsurugajo, visitors can sense the changes that have occurred throughout history, thanks to the engaging and informative museum within the castle walls. It’s fun to gaze across Aizu from the fifth floor, like a feudal lord admiring his domain—the viewing platform up here provides panoramic views taking in Mt. Bandai and Mt. Iimoriyama.The castle is also a must-see in the springtime when approximately 1,000 cherry trees offer a magnificent display within the castle's grounds.When you’re in the mood for a rest, visit the Rinkaku Tea Rooms for some freshly-prepared matcha green tea. This tea house on the grounds of Tsurugajo was vital in the spread of this traditional art—and had it been destroyed during the Meiji Restoration, tea ceremony as it is known in Japan might have vanished.
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