Fukushima Cherry Blossom Guide
Fukushima is the third largest prefecture in Japan and is divided into three regions by two mountain ranges. Fukushima Prefecture's cherry blossom season can be enjoyed from early April to mid-May, because of the different blooming times brought about by the geographical features and climate of each region. We have listed some of our recommended popular cherry blossom viewing spots below.
Where to find sakura
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Hanamiyama Area（Fukushima City)Hanamiyama Park, located at the center of Hanamiyama Area, was opened to the public by the owner of the land, who grew trees and flowers. Approximately seventy kinds of flowers such as plum blossoms, Tokaizakura cherry blossoms, rosebud cherry blossoms, Yoshino cherry blossoms, golden bells, Japanese quince blossoms, and more bloom simultaneously to create a beautiful scene. You don’t want to miss the contrast of the flowers in the park against the snow-covered Azuma mountain range.
*Seasonal bus services are run from Fukushima Station during cherry blossom season. |
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Miharu Takizakura（Miharu Town)This weeping cherry tree has is a nationally-recognized Natural Monument. It is one of the three most famous cherry trees in Japan and is estimated to be more than one thousand years old. The tree is 13.5 meters in height, and the trunk circumference measures 11.3 meters. You will be impressed by its magnificent towering height when viewing Miharu Takizakura from up close.
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Kasumigajo Castle Park（Nihonmatsu City）Located at the former site of Nihonmatsu Castle, Kasumigajo Castle Park is a well-known cherry blossom viewing spot. As many as 5,000 cherry trees bloom during spring, creating a dreamlike scene, as if the whole castle park were covered with thin pink haze. The park is lit up at night during the annual Cherry Blossom Festival which is held from early April to early May when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom.
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Kannonji-gawa River（Inawashiro Town）Yoshino cherry trees line both sides of the Kannonji-gawa River. These rows of trees begin 100 meters north of Kawageta Station and continue northward for about one kilometer. The surface of the river appears pink from reflecting the overhead blossoms. The contrast of the green grass of the river banks with the soft pink cherry blossoms paint a picturesque scene. Visitors can enjoy seeing four varieties of cherry blossom during spring.
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Weeping Cherry on the Nicchu Line（Kitakata City）Approximately 1000 weeping cherry trees have been planted at the site of the now-defunct Nicchu Railway Line. These rows of trees begin from 300 meters west of Kitakata Station, and continue for 3 kilometers. This scenic path is spectacular to behold, on foot or on bike. An antique steam train that use to run on the Nicchu Line is on display for visitors to see.
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Baryo Park（Soma City）Baryo Park is home to around 600 Yoshino cherry trees. When in bloom, the contrast of the blossoms with bridge leading into Soma Nakamura Shrine, and the surrounding evergreen trees, makes for a beautiful view. The park is lit up during the evenings with paper lanterns when the blossoms are in full bloom.
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Best time to see cherry blossoms
There is no fixed time for when cherry blossoms bloom across Fukushima, due to the prefecture’s large size. This means that Fukushima is blessed with a long cherry blossom season; during the average year, visitors can enjoy cherry blossoms from the start of April to mid-May!