Fukushima Cherry Blossom Spots

If you travel to Japan in the Spring, sakura or cherry blossom viewing cannot be missed. Although usually cherry blossoms bloom for only a very short time, in Fukushima Prefecture they can be enjoyed over a longer period of time because of the variation in climate across the wide distances between the east and west.

Some places start to bloom from the end of March and some places you would be able to see them even into May. If you think you’ve missed the cherry blossom season in Japan, you may be able to find a hanami location in Fukushima.

One must-see is "Miharu Takizakura" an ancient cherry tree over 1,000 years old and the first cherry tree to be designated a national natural monument 100 years ago in 1922. The Miharu Takizakura is a red weeping cherry tree of the Edohigan family, with numerous small dark pink blossoms on thick branches extending in all directions, giving it the appearance of cascading water, hence the name Takizakura, which means Waterfall Cherry Blossom. Aside from this huge cherry tree which is over 40 feet (12 meters) tall and 65 feet (20 meters) wide, the area is also blessed with various wildflowers including rapeseed flowers.

The combination of the pink cherry blossoms and the bright yellow rapeseed is truly breathtaking. Also, when the cherry blossoms are in bloom, the trees are lit up, so if you visit at night, you can enjoy a magical, fantastic scene. It is said that 300,000 tourists from all over Japan visit the area every year.

SEASON: Mid-April*

ACCESS: Oza Taki Sakurakubochi, Miharu-cho, Tamura-gun

* The dates are the best time to see the flowers in a typical year. May be subject to change depending on weather conditions.

Tsurugajo is the only red-tiled castle tower in Japan and famous for its 1000 cherry blossom trees. They are illuminated in the fall to show off the vivid autumn colors, and in the winter, the snow-capped rooftops and the winter candle festival are equally magical. The white of the castle walls are complemented by 1000 pink cherry blossom trees, mainly Someiyoshino, but also Edohigan(double weeping rosebud cherry), Shidare-zakura (weeping cherry) and Yamazakura (mountain cherry).

From the observatory at the top of the castle, visitors can marvel at the magnificent 360 degree view of the cherry blossoms from above. Between the time the cherry blossoms bloom and the end of June, the castle is illuminated at night, allowing visitors to enjoy the Yozakura (cherry blossoms at night).

Relax at the traditional Japanese tea house inside the castle, take a walk in Tsurugajo Park, and discover the rich and interesting samurai history of Aizu Wakamatsu City. Free English guided tours are available if booked 2 weeks in advance through the Aizu-Wakamatsu City International Association. You can also rent bicycles at the castle.

SEASON: Mid-April to late April*
ACCESS: 1-1 Outemachi, Aizu-Wakamatsu City,
Fukushima Pref. 965-0873

* The dates are the best time to see the flowers in a typical year. May be subject to change depending on weather conditions.

Kannonji-gawa River Cherry Trees is a beautiful half-mile path (1 km-path) along the banks of the Kannonji- gawa River and lined with approximately 200 Someiyoshino, Edohigan, Shidare-zakura, and Yamazakura cherry trees. When the cherry trees are in full bloom, a tunnel of pink sakura is revealed. The vivid green grass on the banks contrast beautifully with the light pink of the cherry blossoms. Oyamagoshi-jinja Shrine, located in the middle of the river, holds a "Cherry Blossom Festival'' during the cherry blossom season, with events and food stalls. The cherry blossom trees are lit up at night, allowing visitors to enjoy the blossoms even at night.

SEASON: Late April - early May*
ACCESS: 83 Kamigawara, Kawageta, Inawashiro-cho, Yama-gun

* The dates are the best time to see the flowers in a typical year. May be subject to change depending on weather conditions.