Trip Moments Recommendations
Taipei, Taiwan | Best Cherry Blossom Viewing Spot: Pingjing Street Lane 42
📝 Located in a small alley on Yangmingshan, this is the most beautiful cherry blossom lane in Taipei. The entire row of lush cherry blossoms is incredibly romantic, making it a must-visit check-in spot in Taipei. The best time to visit is generally from mid-January to mid-February. Sharing this with fellow cherry blossom lovers 🌸
📍 No. 10, Lane 42, Pingjing Street, Pingdeng Village, Shilin District, Taipei City
Attraction "Fu Shoushan Farm" in Taichung, Taiwan
#Great Places in September 2024
📝Fu Shoushan Farm is known as Little Switzerland. During the flower season, the entire mountain top is in full bloom. Last time I rented a yukata with my friends to take pictures, as if I were in Japan admiring the maple leaves. This is also a famous cherry blossom viewing spot in Taiwan, from February to March. There will be a whole field of cherry blossoms in bloom, which are super beautiful to take pictures. It is a good place to take photos and check in!
📍No. 29, Fushou Road, Heping District, Taichung City
#Taiwan Attractions #花season #Maple Leaf #Sakura #Yukata
Best Spots for Cherry Blossoms and Trains in Tokyo
Ichigaya Station, located in the heart of Tokyo, is an excellent spot for capturing trains and cherry blossoms together. The cherry trees and railway lines here create a beautiful scene that attracts countless photography enthusiasts every spring. Here are some tips and reasons to help you take stunning photos at Ichigaya Station.
Morning or evening light is soft and can add a warm tone to your photos, avoiding overexposure from harsh sunlight. The cherry blossom season typically peaks from late March to early April, when the blossoms are at their fullest and the scenery is most spectacular.
💞 Recommended Reasons:
🚃 Convenient Transportation: Ichigaya Station is centrally located in Tokyo, making it very accessible. Whether you take the JR Chuo Line, Sobu Line, Tokyo Metro Namboku Line, or Toei Shinjuku Line, you can easily reach the station.
🌸 Beautiful Scenery: The cherry trees around Ichigaya Station blend beautifully with the railway lines, creating a unique landscape. Every spring, when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, this place becomes a paradise for photography enthusiasts.
📸 Diverse Shooting Themes: Besides trains and cherry blossoms, there are many other photogenic spots near Ichigaya Station, such as Ichigaya Mitsuke Park and Ichigaya Moat. These places also offer beautiful cherry blossom views, adding more fun to your photography journey.
Tokyo - The Most Picturesque Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots
Last year's most unforgettable trip was at the end of March to Tokyo. Due to the warming weather, the cherry blossoms bloomed earlier than usual, and we were lucky enough to catch the streets of Tokyo in full bloom.
The early blooming cherry blossoms filled the streets with smiling faces of tourists. This year, the cherry blossoms in Tokyo bloomed a week earlier than usual. On the first day of the Chiyoda Cherry Blossom Festival, the cherry blossoms were already in full bloom, and many petals had already fallen on the river. We originally thought we would only see a few cherry blossoms in bud, but we were fortunate to catch them in full bloom.
Coincidentally, Tokyo had been cloudy recently, and the Chidorigafuchi boat rental was closed all day due to the weather the day before. We anxiously checked the official Twitter for updates, and woke up to find the sun shining, feeling relieved. Although it wasn't completely cloudless, we were able to go boating with a bit of sunshine, surrounded by the early blooming cherry blossoms along the moat. This trip was truly filled with the luck that every traveler hopes for.
Enjoy the Mini Statue of Liberty and Cherry Blossom Season in Odaiba
The Odaiba Statue of Liberty is a miniature version of the Statue of Liberty located in Odaiba Marine Park, Tokyo, Japan. This statue was erected in 1998 as part of the Japan-France friendship celebration and is a replica of the original Statue of Liberty on the Seine River in Paris. Standing at approximately 12.25 meters tall, it is much smaller than the original in New York but has become one of Odaiba's iconic attractions.
🌸Must-Visit Attractions
1️⃣ Odaiba Statue of Liberty: Admire this mini Statue of Liberty, which, along with the Rainbow Bridge in the background, creates a beautiful scene.
2️⃣ Odaiba Marine Park: A great place for walking, sightseeing, and photography, especially in the evening when you can enjoy the beautiful night view of Tokyo Bay.
3️⃣ Aqua City Odaiba: A large shopping center with various restaurants and shops, and an excellent observation deck with a view of the Odaiba Statue of Liberty.
🌸Must-Try Foods
1️⃣ Odaiba Takoyaki Museum: Here you can taste various flavors of takoyaki, a great place to experience Japanese street food.
2️⃣ Kua Aina: A Hawaiian burger joint known for its large and juicy burgers.
3️⃣ Bills Odaiba: A café with a beautiful view, serving delicious breakfasts and desserts.
🌸Photo Spots
1️⃣ In front of the Odaiba Statue of Liberty: Take iconic photos with the Rainbow Bridge in the background.
2️⃣ Cherry Blossom Season in March and April: Capture stunning photos of the cherry blossoms.
3️⃣ The beach at Odaiba Marine Park: Facing Tokyo Bay and the Statue of Liberty, this is a great spot for sunset and night view photography.
Tips
🔺️ It is recommended to visit early to avoid peak times, allowing you to take photos of the attractions without crowds.
Yangmingshan Cherry Blossom Season - Pingjing Street Lane 42
This is one of the earliest blooming cherry blossoms in Yangmingshan, located on Pingjing Street. Navigation usually suggests coming from the National Palace Museum side. You can park along the white lines on the roadside, but there are very few spots. It is recommended to turn into Lane 43 and drive up; there is a parking lot that charges 100 TWD per entry and can accommodate nearly 20 cars. It takes about 7-8 minutes to walk back to the intersection, which is not too far. Along the way, many cherry blossoms are already in full bloom, and at the intersection, you can also enjoy the firecracker flowers.
A Must-Visit Spot for “First Love” Fans!
Nakajima Park is located in the heart of Sapporo, Hokkaido, surrounded by lush greenery. With its beautiful scenery that changes with the seasons, it's one of the most popular parks in Sapporo.
We visited during the cherry blossom season in spring, and the views were even more stunning! Don't forget to check in at the “First Love” Observatory!
📍Address: 1 Nakajimakoen, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 064-0931, Japan
Ogata Village's Cherry Blossoms and Canola Flowers
The county road lined with cherry blossoms and canola flowers in Ogata Village is one of the top flower viewing spots in the Tohoku region of Japan. Stretching for 11 kilometers, the road is flanked by approximately 3,700 cherry trees, including varieties such as Somei Yoshino and double-flowered cherries, as well as about 11.2 hectares of canola flower fields. During the peak season, the vivid contrast of the cherry blossoms' pink and the canola flowers' bright yellow creates an intensely colorful spectacle that overwhelms the senses and captures the heart.
The Sanctuary of Eight Million Gods: A Hidden Cherry Blossom Haven
Located at an elevation of 400 meters, the Sanctuary of Eight Million Gods on the hillside is home to up to 8,000 Yoshino cherry trees and various other cherry blossoms. In spring, one can witness a breathtaking view as the entire hillside bursts into a sea of blooming flowers, gradually turning the landscape into a stunning shade of red. Some of the best spots for cherry blossom viewing are not even marked on GPS, known only to those well-acquainted with the area. Every year, many visitors flock to this location.
Hanamaki City's Cherry Blossoms
In late April, cherry blossoms bloom throughout Hanamaki City, adding even more beauty to the cityscape. The famous viewing spot, Shimotanizaki Park, boasts several kilometers of cherry blossom trees along the Kitakami River, creating a spectacular sight. There are also magnificent trees like the giant weeping cherry at Shidarezakura Temple and the over 200-year-old Mikawa Nagane no Tanemaki cherry tree that you absolutely must not miss. The streets of Hanamaki in spring are filled with a variety of flowers. Next time, come and enjoy the beautiful cherry blossoms and hot springs in Hanamaki City.
Fuchu City Cherry Blossoms
Cherry blossoms are blooming everywhere in Fuchu City. Although there are several cherry blossom viewing spots in the city, Fuchu no Mori Park is recommended. The park has a Flower Walkway, and the most spectacular part is the cherry blossom tunnel that almost covers your head. For those who want to lay out a picnic mat and leisurely enjoy the flowers, there is also a spacious plaza. In addition, along the Nogawa River, there are Musashino Park and Tama Reien, which are home to about 1,000 cherry trees, offering a variety of cherry blossoms to admire. Furthermore, the Wind Path along the Tama River in Fuchu and the area around the gymnasium are perfect for those who want to take a stroll while enjoying the cherry blossoms.
Cherry Blossoms at Matsune Temple in Miyagi Prefecture.
The cherry blossoms at Matsune Temple in Miyagi Prefecture usually bloom in mid-April. The temple's most distinguishing feature in spring is the opportunity to enjoy both the Japanese temple architecture and the cherry blossoms blooming around it. Notably, Matsune Temple also offers seating, allowing visitors to comfortably appreciate the beauty of spring in Sendai. In addition, the temple is not far from Tsutsujigaoka Park, making it possible to visit two popular cherry blossom spots in Sendai in one day.
Address: 〒984-0051 Miyagi Prefecture, Sendai City, Wakabayashi Ward, Shinmachi 4 Chome-6-28
Cherry Blossoms in Maizuru Park, Fukuoka Prefecture.
Maizuru Park in Fukuoka Prefecture is home to over 1,000 cherry blossom trees. In spring, a variety of cherry blossoms such as Somei Yoshino, weeping cherries, and mountain cherries come into full bloom. Visitors can enjoy the historical ambiance of the Fukuoka Castle walls while flower viewing. Each year, when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, a lively cherry blossom festival is held. The park's over 1,000 cherry trees are particularly elegant when illuminated at night. During the day, there are various food stalls, making it a bustling spot. At night, the lighting up of the trees offers a chance to admire the enchanting night cherry blossoms.
Japan's National Flower Garden with 200 Cherry Blossom Varieties, a Must-Visit Spot in Akita Prefecture.
The garden is home to over 200 varieties of cherry blossoms from all over Japan and seven European countries, with as many as 2,000 cherry trees competing in beauty. The Japan National Flower Garden was established to commemorate significant events such as the imperial couple's visit to Europe and the centennial of Akita Prefecture's establishment. In addition to the vast 400,000 square meter garden, in recent years, camping sites and public bath facilities have also been developed. If you haven't experienced the romance of falling asleep under a sky full of spring cherry blossoms, how can you miss this opportunity?
Japan National Flower Garden
Address: Nikaidochi, Hamaiikawa, Ikawa, Minamiakita District, Akita Prefecture
Transportation: About a 20-minute walk from JR Ikawa Sakura Station
Funaya Castle Ruins Park, a Cherry Blossom Viewing Spot.
Now is the best time to view cherry blossoms at Funaya Castle Ruins Park in the Tohoku region. There are many ways to enjoy the cherry blossoms, such as walking or taking a boat ride. However, there is a very special way to enjoy the flowers at Funaya Castle Ruins Park. Here, you can take a climbing cable car from the parking lot directly to the park's mountaintop, about 305 meters high. Along the way, you will pass through clusters of blooming cherry trees, as if you are traveling through a cherry blossom tunnel. Upon reaching the mountaintop, you will see a unique and stunning view that can only be found here. At a glance, not only can you see the 24-meter-tall Funaya Peace Kannon statue standing in the city center, but you can also take in the streets of Shibata Town, the Senbonzakura (thousands of cherry trees), the Shiroishi River, the Zao mountain range, and the Pacific Ocean. In addition, the park is lit up at night, allowing visitors to appreciate the beautiful night cherry blossoms. Funaya Castle Ruins Park is a place where you can enjoy different romantic atmospheres during the day and night.
Address: 95-1 Funayakanayama, Shibata Town, Shibata District, Miyagi Prefecture
Access: Get off at JR Funaya Station, about a 15-minute walk
Hokkaido Flower Viewing
Hokkaido's Shibazakura season has begun, with two main attractions:
Mombetsu Shibazakura Takinoue Park
Boasting a vast area of 10 hectares, this Shibazakura flower sea is Japan's famous and largest scale Shibazakura spot. The best time to see the Shibazakura in full bloom is from early May to early June.
Kamiyubetsu Tulip Park
On a vast land of 70,000 square meters, about 200 varieties of tulips are planted, including rare species imported directly from their native Netherlands. The best time to view the tulips is from mid to late May each year.
Cherry Blossoms in Jinhae District, Korea
Jinhae District in Korea boasts over 300,000 cherry blossom trees throughout the city. During the blooming season, one can admire vast swathes of pink blossoms along the roadsides. The dancing cherry blossoms, especially when the petals fall, create a romantic scene reminiscent of a cherry blossom blizzard. It is highly recommended to visit the stunning cherry blossom tunnel for a photo opportunity, and to appreciate the famous cherry blossom viewing spot at Yojwacheon Romance Bridge, where one can experience the unique beauty of the cherry blossoms by day and night.
Fukuoka's Back Garden - Finally saw the rapeseed flower fields.
Nokonoshima Island offers a variety of flower fields throughout the year... The park also has a small zoo area, making it a great place for families to relax!
I had been there before but couldn't see anything, so I was very lucky this time to be able to see both cherry blossoms and rapeseed flowers, which made me so happy!
Although the rapeseed flowers were at the end of their blooming season, the weather was great that day, with blue skies and white clouds, it was really beautiful 🥰
There is a ferry every 60 minutes, so it's recommended to start your trip early to avoid the crowds!
Admission fee: Adults 1200 yen (high school students and above)
Children 600 yen (elementary and middle school students) Toddlers 400 yen (over 3 years old)
Operating hours: Monday to Saturday 9:00～17:30
Sunday and holidays 9:00～18:30
Address: Nokonoshima Island Park, Nishi Ward, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture
How to get there:
Subway to Nishijin Station ➡️ Bus No. 98 (towards Nokonoshima Ferry Terminal)
➡️ Ferry (about 10 minutes) ➡️ Bus (Nokonoshima Island Park)
Hikone Castle Cherry Blossoms.
Hikone Castle has a history of over 400 years, having been planned and built by Ii Naomasa, one of the four great retainers of the Tokugawa shogunate during the Warring States period. It was fortunate to be removed from the demolition list by influential figures after the castle abolition edict was issued in 1873 during the Meiji period, preserving it to this day. Its castle tower has been designated as a national treasure.
Hikone Castle, along with Aomori Prefecture's Hirosaki Castle, Hyogo Prefecture's Himeji Castle, and Nagano Prefecture's Matsumoto Castle, is listed as one of the four great castles that remain from the Edo period. Located on a small hill, surrounded by a moat that draws water directly from Lake Biwa, the castle is truly beautiful with the cherry blossoms in bloom.
Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival
The Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival is the earliest cherry blossom festival in Eastern Japan, usually blooming from early February to late February. It attracts about one million visitors each year. The petals of the Kawazu cherry blossoms are a vivid pink, making them perfect for photography. The festival route map extends from Kawazu Town to Mine Onsen, with about 800 Kawazu cherry trees lining both sides of the Aono River, creating a cherry blossom avenue approximately 4.2 kilometers long. Coupled with the yellow rapeseed flower fields along the embankments, it weaves a colorful tapestry of spring scenery. Along the way, there are many snack stalls, local crafts, and souvenirs, and at night, there are illumination events. There are also interesting rickshaw rides available for a unique flower-viewing experience.
Toyama Station's Gourmet Shopping District 'Noren Yokocho'
Noren Yokocho is located on the first floor to the right of the Toyama Station building complex. It is a district brimming with food streets and souvenir shops. During the beautiful spring season, cherry blossoms bloom at the station entrance, creating a picturesque scene with the station.
The shopping area inside the station is also very enjoyable to explore, offering a variety of dining, drinking, and entertainment options to satisfy travelers' shopping needs. Seafood delicacies are a must-try classic in Toyama, so remember to indulge in the local cuisine and complete your Japanese food journey.
Yeosu-gwan Cherry Blossom Path.
The Jinhae Naval Port Festival in South Korea is one of the most beautiful cherry blossom viewing spots in the country. The babbling Yeosu-gwan stream is flanked by an endless array of blooming cherry trees, creating a truly spectacular sight. At night, the lush cherry blossoms are even more enchanting with the lights on, making it a dreamy experience. When visiting, you must try the various cherry blossom desserts and cherry blossom latte.
Located in Tongshin-dong, Jinhae-gu, Changwon-si, Gyeongsangnam-do, the Yeosu-gwan Cherry Blossom Path.
Takada Castle Ruins Park Cherry Blossoms.
The harmonious beauty of Japanese castles and the surrounding natural landscape is a sight to behold. The three-story pagoda and bridges within the Takada Castle Ruins Park along the Hokuriku Shinkansen line in Joetsu City have been restored. The sight of the snow-covered pagoda, the contrast of the red bridges against the white snow, presents a winter scene where one can truly experience Japanese aesthetics. The view of the park with cherry blossoms in full bloom is also a magnificent beauty that can only be enjoyed in Japan.
Seoul Cherry Blossoms
The whole of Seoul is a sea of pink, with several major cherry blossom viewing spots including Yeouido and Seokchon Lake offering breathtaking views that make it hard to leave. Walking under the fully bloomed cherry trees, the blossoms at first glance resemble tender popcorn flowers blooming in abundance. The stunning cherry blossom season typically lasts just a week each year, fleeting in its beauty. In Korea, cherry blossoms symbolize purity and peerless beauty. Recently, the season has also begun to enter the period of 'cherry blossom snowstorms', where being showered in cherry blossom rain is another kind of beauty.
Moka Station Cherry Blossoms
Born in 1912, the Moka Railway is Japan's first regional railway. Many railway enthusiasts flock to see the steam locomotive that still runs in its original form from a century ago. As a small railway that connects Tochigi and Ibaraki prefectures, it remains an active part of local residents' lives to this day. However, what really puts the small city of Moka in southern Tochigi Prefecture in the spotlight is the annual cherry blossom festival held each spring. During the festival, not only is there about a kilometer of cherry trees adorning the area around Kita-Moka Station, but there are also fields of rapeseed flowers that elevate the scenery. This street, known as SL, Cherry Blossom, and Rapeseed Flower Street, presents a spring tableau with a yellow carpet of rapeseed fields and cherry blossoms as the backdrop. The sight of the SL train slowly passing by, creating a fleeting yet enchanting scene, is not only moving but also a must-capture subject for photography enthusiasts at least once in their lifetime.
Moka Station (Moka Eki)
Address: 908-10 Kumakura-cho, Moka-shi, Tochigi-ken
Attractions along the Fukui Prefecture Line: Tsuruga Station, Kehi Shrine & Kanegasaki Shrine
Tsuruga Station will become the starting and terminal station for the Hokuriku Shinkansen. The design concept of the Shinkansen station, which appears to float in the air and is surrounded by nature, includes a view of the port. Standing at 37 meters, it is the tallest Shinkansen station in all of Japan.
Attraction 1: Kehi Shrine
Known as the Ichinomiya of Echizen and the chief guardian shrine of the Hokuriku Road, this ancient shrine has a large torii gate that stands approximately 11 meters tall and has been designated as a national important cultural property. Along with the torii gates of Itsukushima Shrine in Hiroshima and Kasuga Taisha in Nara, it is one of Japan's three great wooden torii gates. Additionally, Kehi Shrine is famous for its 'longevity water.' Legend has it that in 702, when the shrine was being constructed, divine water sprang forth from the ground. Since the deity enshrined here is associated with longevity, the water is recognized as 'longevity water.'
Attraction 2: Kanegasaki Shrine
Also known as the 'Shrine of Romance,' it is said that about 150 years ago, men and women who came to admire the flowers at Kanegasaki Shrine would bring flower branches and greet their crushes by exchanging them. This custom evolved into the annual Flower Exchange Festival held in early April. Visitors purchase cherry blossom branches, worship at the main hall, and then exchange them with the shrine maidens. The cherry blossom branches received from the maidens become amulets that can be used to pray for good relationships and the fulfillment of wishes. Additionally, this period coincides with the blooming of over 400 cherry trees within the shrine, allowing visitors to enjoy the flowers while they worship.
Funaoaka Castle Ruins Park
Funaoaka Castle Ruins Park is the only spot in Miyagi Prefecture selected as one of the Top 100 Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots. The park occupies half a mountain and covers a vast area. At the summit, a 24-meter-tall Statue of Peaceful Kannon is erected, serving as a landmark of Tateyama. During the cherry blossom season, the park hosts the Shibata Cherry Blossom Festival, attracting over 200,000 visitors annually, a testament to its exceptional charm. Over a thousand Yoshino cherry trees are planted throughout the mountain, and when in full bloom, the hilltop is dotted with red and white, creating an elegant and pleasant cherry blossom landscape as beautiful as a postcard. Visitors can choose to hike or take the old-fashioned inclined mine cart up the mountain. As the railway to the summit is flanked by dense cherry blossom trees, riding the small cable car feels like traveling through a cherry blossom tunnel, a famous cherry blossom scene at Funaoaka Castle Ruins Park. Despite the large number of people waiting, the journey of approximately 300 meters is fleeting, but it is still recommended to experience the dreamy feeling of being surrounded by cherry blossoms.
As it involves climbing a mountain, the greatest highlight of Funaoaka Castle Ruins Park, besides the cherry blossoms all over the mountain, is undoubtedly the panoramic view from the summit. The top offers a spacious view with a plaza for cherry blossom viewers to stop and enjoy the scenery. Looking north, one can see the cityscape of Shibata Town and the charming view of Senbonzakura along the Shiroishi River embankment. To the east, one can gaze at the Pacific Ocean, and to the west, the snowy mountain scenery of the Zao mountain range. The commanding view satisfies all cherry blossom viewers. Moreover, the Statue of Peaceful Kannon at the summit is said to have been donated by the medical scientist Noguchi Hideyo, a native of Funaoaka, in memory of his late wife and to protect the people of Shibata Town. The peaceful Kannon statue, set against the backdrop of numerous cherry blossoms, appears even more majestic and is another famous cherry blossom spot for photo opportunities at Funaoaka Castle Ruins Park.
Funaoaka Castle Ruins Park
Address: 95-1 Tateyama, Funaoaka, Shibata Town, Shibata District, Miyagi Prefecture
Shiroishigawa Embankment Senbonzakura
The cherry blossom scenery of the Shiroishigawa Embankment is aptly named Senbonzakura, meaning that you can see a thousand cherry trees at a glance. The impact of such a sight is immense. Along the banks of the Shiroishigawa River, which flows through Ogawara Town, about 1,200 cherry trees have been planted, including the Somei Yoshino cherry trees that are over 80 years old, Yaezakura, and Yamazakura trees. The cherry blossoms stretch nearly 8 kilometers from Ogawara Town to Shibata Town, lined up along the riverbank. The azure Shiroishigawa River, the pale pink cherry trees, and the snowy Zao Mountain Range in the background create a three-tiered tapestry of colors that is a unique and unparalleled spectacle throughout Japan. It's no wonder that it has been selected as one of the top 100 cherry blossom spots in Japan and is recognized by the locals of Miyagi Prefecture as the champion of spring cherry blossoms.
The best viewing period is from early to mid-April. During the blooming season, the Ogawara Cherry Blossom Festival is held. In addition to participating in the festive atmosphere, you can continue the excitement to the evening and enjoy the dreamy night cherry blossoms. There are two ways to enjoy the Shiroishigawa Embankment Senbonzakura: one is to take a flower-viewing houseboat from the Shiroishigawa River, drifting on the water for a more expansive view of the embankment scenery, feeling the thrill of being surrounded by cherry blossoms, or to take a rickshaw ride along the cherry blossom avenue.
Shiroishigawa Embankment Senbonzakura (白石川堤一目千本桜)
Address: From Kanase in Ogawara Town to Funoka Embankment in Shibata Town, Miyagi Prefecture
Goryokaku Park Cherry Blossoms
Hakodate, Hokkaido, boasts two must-see sights at least once in a lifetime. The first is the million-dollar night view from Mount Hakodate, and the second is undoubtedly Goryokaku. As the cherry blossoms in Hokkaido bloom the latest in all of Japan, visiting Hakodate from late April to mid-May allows one to enjoy the most representative cherry blossom viewing spot in Hokkaido and the million-dollar night view in one trip. Goryokaku, a source of pride for the people of Hakodate, is a fortress built in 1864 in the shape of a five-pointed star. It was constructed under the orders of the Edo shogunate and is the largest European-style fort in Japan. It was the site of the famous Battle of Hakodate, the last battle between the former shogunate army and the new Meiji government forces. Due to its historical value and uniqueness, it is now listed as one of Japan's Top 100 Castles and has been designated as a Special Historic Site and a Hokkaido Heritage, attesting to its significance. Goryokaku Park evolved from a fortress and the Imperial Japanese Army's training grounds into the park it is today. With about 1,600 cherry trees planted within, the blossoming cherry trees spread along the moat and inside the fortress, densely filling the star-shaped fort and presenting a captivating scene of a cherry blossom star fortress. The design of Goryokaku, originally intended to confuse invaders, offers a unique cherry blossom viewing experience akin to being in a cherry blossom maze, making it worth a special visit.
Goryokaku Park
Address: 44 Goryokakucho, Hakodate, Hokkaido
Kajo Park Cherry Blossoms
Kajo Park is located at the site of Yamagata Castle, a Japanese castle built in 1592. It is the fifth largest castle in Japan and still retains some historical sites, as well as the local government's successively restored Honmaru Ichimonji Gate, Ninomaru Higashi Otemon Gate, Ninomaru Higashi Otemon Gate Yagura, and cultural facilities such as the Yamagata City Folk Museum, Yamagata Prefectural Museum, and the Mogami Yoshiaki History Museum, making it an essential destination for understanding the history of Yamagata Castle and the Mogami family, the castle lords. The park is quite spacious, covering an area of about 36 hectares, and is planted with about 1,500 cherry trees, more than half of which are over a hundred years old. It is one of the most famous cherry blossom viewing spots in Yamagata City. Strolling along the park's walking paths and admiring the towering cherry blossoms on both sides, like a waterfall of cascading weeping cherry trees, one can feel the spring atmosphere filled with birdsong and floral scents. Perhaps it is only in Yamagata Prefecture, where the attention to cherry blossom viewing is relatively low, that one can enjoy the leisure and elegance that flower viewing should have.
Kajo Park
Address: Kasumicho, Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture