Cherry blossoms in the Tohoku region begin to bloom when those in the Kanto region such as Tokyo and Kanagawa begin to fall. So, even if you miss the cherry blossoms in Kanto, you can still find some in Tohoku! What's more, the cherry blossoms blooming against the backdrop of Tohoku's unique scenery are worth seeing even if you've already seen the pink petals in the area. In this article, we will introduce FUN! JAPAN's top recommended cherry blossom viewing spots in Tohoku. Why don't you follow the cherry blossom front all the way to Tohoku?
1. Aomori Prefecture: Towada City Kanchogai-dori (Komakaido)
Towada City Kanchogai-dori (十和田市官庁街通り / Towada-shi Kanchōgai-dōri) has been selected as one of Japan's Top 100 Roads, and has a beautiful contrast between cherry blossoms and pine trees. What makes the row of cherry blossom trees even more atmospheric are the beautiful horse objects that look like they are going to move at any moment, as they are associated with the horse-producing area. At night when the cherry blossoms are lit up, you can enjoy a different expression of the cherry blossoms than during the day. In addition, the observatory lobby on the 5th floor of the new building of the city hall is also a recommended cherry blossom viewing spot.
Spot Information
- Best time for cherry blossoms: Late April to early May
- Access: About 35 minutes by Towada Kanko Dentetsu Bus from JR Shichinohe-Towada Station to Kanchogai-dori bus stop, then about 1 minute on foot
- Address: Map
2. Aomori Prefecture: Hirosaki Park
Hirosaki Park (弘前公園 / Hirosaki Kōen) is home to Hirosaki Castle, a national Important Cultural Property. There are about 2,600 cherry trees of about 50 varieties, including Somei-yoshino and weeping cherry trees (Shidare-zakura) on the vast grounds. The "Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival" is held during the peak period. During the festival, there are stalls and you can enjoy the atmosphere of a Japanese fair. Also, the beauty of the "hana ikada" (花筏 - 'flower raft'), which is made up of scattered petals floating on the surface of the outer moat, is a must-see for those visiting here. At night when it is lit up, you can see the beauty of the castle and cherry blossoms even more fantastically.
Spot Information
- Best time for cherry blossoms: Late April to early May
- Access: About 15 minutes by bus from JR Hirosaki Station to "Shiyakusho-mae Koen Iriguchi", then about 3 minutes on foot
- Address: Map
3. Akita Prefecture: "Sakura & Nanohana Road", Ogata-mura, Minamiakita-gun
The "Sakura & Nanohana Road" (桜・菜の花ロード) is an 11km-long road along Prefectural Route 298 where 3,700 Somei-yoshino cherry trees, Yama-zakura trees, Yae-zakura trees, and other cherry blossom trees along with canola flowers (nanohana) are in full bloom. If your timing is right for both the flowers blooming and the weather, you can enjoy the scenery of the vivid contrast of pink cherry blossoms and yellow canola flowers. This spectacular view, which seems to go on forever along the straight road, is a great photo spot. You can take great pictures for your journey here.
Spot Information
- Best time for cherry blossoms: Late April to early May
- Access: About 15 minutes from JR Hachirōgata Station to "Ogata Fuji" bus stop on the "Nanshu Chiiki Koiki My Town Bus", then about 3 minutes on foot
- Address: Map
4. Akita Prefecture: Kakunodate Samurai Residences
Known as the "Little Kyoto of Michinoku", Kakunodate's Samurai Residence Street (武家屋敷通り / Bukeyashiki-dōri) retains the atmosphere of the Edo period. Approximately 400 weeping cherry trees (shidare-zakura) are planted, of which 162 are designated as national Natural Monuments. Bright pink weeping cherry blossoms stand out against the black walls of samurai residences, making you feel like you've traveled back in time. The cherry blossoms are lit up at night, and the solemn atmosphere of the cherry blossoms at night makes a perfect prefect with this historical town. The "Kakunodate Cherry Blossom Festival" is also held during the cherry blossom season.
Spot Information
- Best time for cherry blossoms: Late April to early May
- Access: 20 minutes walk from JR Kakunodate Station
- Address: Map
5. Akita Prefecture: Senshu Park
"Senshu Park" (千秋公園 / Senshū Kōen), which was built on the site of the castle of the Akita Domain, is one of the Japan's Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots. In the large grounds, about 700 cherry trees are planted, including Somei-yoshino cherry trees that are about 120 years old, Yae-zakura, Edo-higan, and Omura-zakura. During the blooming season, the "Senshu Park Cherry Blossom Festival" is held with stalls selling foods. In addition, the park is lit up at night, creating a different atmosphere from the daytime. The competition with the restored Kubota Castle is also wonderful.
Spot Information
- Best time for cherry blossoms: Mid to late April
- Access: About 10 minutes on foot from JR Akita Station
- Address: Map
6. Iwate Prefecture: Goronuma
The name "Goronuma" (五郎沼 / Gorōnuma) comes from a legend that a military commander named Gorō Suehira (五郎季衡) often used to swim there. Cherry blossoms are planted on the shore. During spring, you can take a walk while looking at the cherry blossoms in full bloom. Especially on days with calm winds, the cherry blossoms are vividly reflected on the surface of the water, which sparkles like a mirror - as if to compete with the cherry blossoms on the ground in terms of beauty. Waterfowls swimming above the cherry blossoms reflected in the water will surely highlight your cherry blossom viewing experience.
Spot Information
- Best time for cherry blossoms: Late April to early May
- Access: About 11-12 minutes on foot from JR Hizume Station
- Address: Map
7. Yamagata Prefecture: Tsuruoka Park
Tsurugaoka Castle Ruins "Tsuruoka Park" (鶴岡公園 / Tsuruoka Kōen) is one of the "Japan's Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots" with about 730 cherry blossom trees such as Somei-yoshino and Yae-zakura. The cherry blossoms in full bloom offers a fascinating glimpse into local history. At the cherry blossom festival, you can enjoy delicious food from the stalls while gazing at the lit up cherry blossoms as the delicious aroma wafts from the stalls. The paper lanterns that are displayed at the same time as the light-up will also add to the festive mood.
Spot Information
- Best time for cherry blossoms: Mid to late April
- Access: About 10 minutes from JR Tsuruoka Station to the "Shiyakusho-mae" bus stop on the bus bound for Yunohama Onsen, then about a 2-minute walk
- Address: Map
8. Yamagata Prefecture: Kuratsugawa River
Weeping cherry trees line both sides of the Kuratsugawa River (倉津川) near Tendo Onsen for 1.4km, and their beauty is reflected on the surface of the river. At night, the lit-up cherry blossoms stretching 750m long give the whole area a Japanese atmosphere for night viewers. Every year, the festival "Weeping Cherry Blossom Evening" (しだれ桜の夕べ / Shidarezakura no Yūbe) is held (cancelled in 2022), and you can enjoy traditional and elegant events such as the ancient Japanese wedding ceremony "Mukasari Gyoretsu" (むかさり行列). Stalls are set up in Central Park near the Kuratsugawa River during the cherry blossom viewing season. You can enjoy delicious local gourmet food at the same time.
Spot Information
- Best time for cherry blossoms: Mid-April to early May
- Access: About 10 minutes on foot from JR Tendo Station
- Address: Map
9. Miyagi Prefecture: Shiroishigawa Riverbank Park
"Shiroishigawa Tsutsumi Hitome Senbon-zakura" (白石川堤一目千本桜) along the Shiroishigawa River is one of the "Japan's Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots" with rows of cherry blossom trees that stretch for 8km. Along the riverbank, there are scenic spots and parks for cherry blossoms everywhere. One of them is the "Ogawara Cherry Blossom Festival" held in spring at Shiroishigawa Park (cancelled in 2022). There are various ways to enjoy the cherry blossoms, such as enjoying a hanami bento lunch box, or viewing the cherry blossoms from the river on a hanami yakatabune (houseboat). At night, the lit up cherry blossoms are reflected on the surface of the river, creating a magical atmosphere for anyone to enjoy.
Spot Information
- Best time for cherry blossoms: Early to mid-April
- Access: About 3 minutes on foot from JR Funaoka Station
- Address: Map
10. Fukushima Prefecture: Nicchu Line Weeping Cherry Blossoms
Approximately 1,000 weeping cherry trees bloom over a 3km stretch of the former Nicchu Railway Line site which was discontinued in 1984. A steam locomotive is displayed near the middle, and the black car body and the light red color of the weeping cherry blossoms offer a wonderful contrast to behold.
The "Kitakata Cherry Blossom Festival" is also held during the flowering season. The illuminated weeping cherry blossom tunnel and steam locomotives will give you an extraordinary experience of a life time!
Spot Information
- Best time for cherry blossoms: Mid to late April
- Access: About 5 minutes on foot from Kitakata Station on the JR Banetsu West Line
- Address: Map
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