The cherry (sakura) trees start blooming from the South, and gradually work their way to the North area from March to May. Therefore, the cherry blossoms in the Tohoku, which is in the north of Japan, begin to bloom from mid-April and will be in full bloom in early May. In some areas, you can even find spots that have late-blooming cherry blossom trees which can be enjoyed until mid-May. I believe you would enjoy these late-blooming cherry blossoms which symbolize the natural beauty of Tohoku until the end of the cherry blossom season.
1. Hirosaki Park
Hirosaki Castle in Hirosaki park was built in 1611. The main structure of the castle such as the tower and the castle gate remain in their original form and are designated as important cultural assets. There are 52 types and a total of 2,600 cherry blossoms trees that are growing in the park. The light-up of the cherry blossom trees is fantastic as well. The Somei-Yoshino cherry blossom tree in Ninomaru is said to be the oldest in Japan. Hirosaki Park has more than 400 Somei-Yoshino cherry blossom trees which are over 100 years old and is accredited as Japan's number one by many experts. Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival will be held from the 22nd of April to the 7th of May 2018.
Hirosaki Park (弘前公園)
- Best viewing period of cherry blossom: end of April to early May
- Light up period: After Sunset ~ 22:00, during the cherry blossom viewing period (during the Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival period)
- Address: 1, Shimoshirogane-cho, Hirosaki-shi, Aomori Prefecture.
- Admission fee: Adult (high school student or above): 320 yen, Primary & Secondary school student: 100 yen (admission at North gate, Hirosaki castle Honmaru)
2. Kitakami Tenshochi Park
Kitakami Tenshochi Park is recorded as one spot of the "Top Ranking 100 of Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots". Somei Yoshino Cherry blossom trees which are over 90 years old are rare and growing uniquely, showing the overwhelming presence in this park. Besides the beautiful cherry blossoms which grow at the riverside of Kitakami River which has 2km in length, it is said that there are about 150 kinds, and about a total of 10,000 cherry blossom trees that grow gorgeously in the park. During the cherry blossom festival from the 10th of April to the 6th of May, you can enjoy sceneries such as carp streamers that are swimming in the river, boats cruising along the river, and a sightseeing horse carriage that runs between the fully blooming cherry blossom trees. In the evening, you can even see the beautifully lit-up cherry blossom trees that are reflected on the river's surface which brings a wonderful atmosphere to the park.
Kitakami Tenshochi Park (北上展勝地公園)
- Best viewing period of cherry blossom: mid-April to early May
- Light up period: 18:00 ~ 21:00 during the cherry blossom viewing period
- Address: Tachibana, Kitakami-shi, Iwate Prefecture
3. Funaoka Joshi Park
During the cherry blossom bloom period, a certain part of Funaoka Joshi Park is covered with cherry red color. Besides activities such as taking a ride in a slope car or viewing the cherry blossom in a tunnel, you can also enjoy viewing the cherry blossoms and remaining snow landscape from the mountaintop or observation deck.
Funaoka Joshi Park (船岡城址公園)
- Best viewing period of cherry blossom: Early April to the end of April
- Light up period: 18:30 ~ 21:00 during the cherry blossom viewing period
- Address: 95-1, Tateyama, Funaoka, Shibata-cho, Shibata-gun, Miyagi Prefecture
4. Kakunodate
During the cherry blossom season, Kakunodate is covered in a single color of cherry blossoms. About 400 of Shidare-Zakura are blooming in the town, and 162 of the trees are designated as National natural monuments of Japan. The contrast between the pale pink color of the cherry blossoms and the black color of the blackboard of the samurai residence is so beautiful and creates a stunning landscape.
Kakunodate (角館)
- Best viewing period of cherry blossom: mid-April to early May
- Light up period: After sunset ~ 22:30, during the cherry blossom viewing period
- Address: Omote-cho～Higashi-Katsuraku-cho, Kakunodate-cho, Senboku-shi, Akita Prefecture.
5. Hanamiyama Park
A park which is operated by a flower farmer, and is opened to the public due to the good intention of the farmer to let the public enjoy flower viewing. The park is available for flower viewing all throughout the year, and is often called an “Earthly Paradise”. The scenery where various flowers are blooming is a must-view scenery in this park. In addition, it is a must to view the contrast between Azuma ranges and the blooming flowers from the mountain top.
Hanamiyama Park (花見山公園)
- Best viewing period of cherry blossom: Early April to the end of April
- Light up period: After sunset ~ 22: 30, during the cherry blossom viewing period
- Address: Watari, Fukushima-shi, Fukushima Prefecture
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