Where to go to see sakura?
Sakura (cherry blossoms) can be seen all over Japan. For example, if you are staying in Tokyo and will only be there for a few days, it is easy to go sakura viewing when the sakura are in bloom. If you are imagining sakura scenery with historical buildings in the background, Kyoto is the best place to go.
But Tokyo is a big city with a lot of people. Kyoto, too, would be flooded with tourists from all over the world, making it difficult to take pictures.
So, I would like to recommend sakura in the Tohoku region.
Sakura in Tohoku Region
“Tohoku” is the collective name for six prefectures in the northern part of Japan’s Honshu region.
This region has a rather subdued image among Japanese people. It is a minor destination for Japanese tourists, and there are still not that many tourists from overseas.
I would like to introduce to you that such a region has some wonderful sakura viewing spots.
The sakura bloom a little later in Tohoku than in Tokyo and Kyoto because of its colder climate. In fact, in Tohoku, where there are many tourist attractions, there are still many lesser-known sakura viewing spots. Among them, I would like to introduce three of my favorites.
1. Hanamiyama Park (Fukushima Prefecture)
Best time to visit
Usually from late March to mid-April
Access
Tokyo Station – Tohoku Shinkansen(about 90min.) – Fukushima Station
About 12 minutes by bus from Fukushima Station
Places to visit
A mountain owned by a private individual is open to the public. The mountain is called “Peach Blossom Land” with more than 70 kinds of colorful flowers including sakura blooming one after another. The contrast between the colors of the flowers is particularly beautiful, creating a unique landscape. Unfortunately, after the flowering season, there is nothing to stop by.
Time required
Two hours should be enough time to look around the mountain while looking at the flowers and taking pictures.
It is really photogenic and you will end up taking a lot of pictures, so if you need more time to take pictures, it is better to allow more time.
Gourmet recommendations
At the restaurant “Gyoza no Terui” in Fukushima Station, you can enjoy the famous “Enban Gyoza(round dumpling)”. They are small and crispy.
2. Kakunodate (Akita Prefecture)
Best time to visit
Usually from late April to early May
Access
Tokyo Station – Akita Shinkansen about 2 hours and 40 minutes – Kakunodate Station
15 minutes walk from Kakunodate Station
Places to visit
On the street lined with Buke-Yashiki (samurai residences) built around 1600, pink cherry blossoms stand out against the black walls. You can take pictures of typical Japanese scene.
A few streets away from the “Buke-Yashiki-Dori(Samurai Residence Street),” there is a 2-km-long line of cherry trees along the Hinokinai-River. Visitors can enjoy different sakura scenery along the Buke-Yashiki-Dori and along the river respectively. Even if you miss the sakura season, you can still enjoy this place.
Time required
Usually takes about 2 hours. More if you want to take your time to visit the samurai residences or walk slowly along the Hinokinai-River. here are restaurants and souvenir shops, so it is recommended to allow 3-4 hours, including time for lunch if possible.
Recommended Gourmet
“Inaniwa Udon” is a type of udon unique to this area. Try the thin, slippery, and smooth udon for lunch! There are several restaurants along Buke-Yashiki-Dori.
3. Hirosaki Park (Aomori Prefecture)
Best time to visit
Usually from late April to early May
Access
Tokyo Station – Tohoku Shinkansen (about 3 hours) – Shin-Aomori Station – Ou Line (about 30 min.) – Hirosaki Station
From Hirosaki Station, it takes about 30 minutes on foot or 15 minutes by bus.
Places to visit
In Hirosaki Park, there are many historical buildings including the castle tower of Hirosaki Castle. Among them are some of Japan’s oldest surviving Someiyoshino cherry trees. Many other precious cherry trees can also be seen due to skilled management techniques. Hirosaki Park is said to be beautiful even when the cherry blossoms are falling. Please enjoy the sight of petals filling the moat around the park.
Time required
Normally, it takes about 2 hours to visit the park. If you want to visit the inside of the castle or take pictures, it should take about 3 hours.
Gourmet Recommendations
Aomori Prefecture produces the largest amount of apples in Japan. There are many apple pie stores in Hirosaki City that sell apple pies made from apples.
Did you think it was a bit far?
Even if you take the Shinkansen bullet train, it takes a certain amount of time to get to Tohoku.
Hanamiyama Park, introduced in the first section, is a good place for a day trip from Tokyo.
However, Kakunodate and Hirosaki Park are too far to visit in a day trip.
If you go to the trouble, I recommend you spend one or two nights in Kakunodate and Hirosaki Park, as well as sightseeing in the surrounding areas.
Even if it is far away, you will surely see sakura that are worth the trip.