Culture and Event Information

Famous Cherry Blossoms sites in Fukushima

The snow seemed to have ended early this year. As disappointment sets in for skiers and boarders, kotatsu lovers pray for sights of spring season. This is the famously busy season for Sakura, cherry blossom viewing. At this time of the year, people gather in parks, where sakura trees are found, to appreciate the beauty of this traditional nature. Bring a few beers and some light snacks, invite your friends and family over for a picnic under sakura trees, and indulge yourself in this very Japanese experience!

Here at Gyro, we would like to introduce you a few popular places where people go for flower viewing.

Hanami-yama Park

It is located in Watari area of the Fukushima city and is open to public free of charge. Its full blossom is between beginning of April to mid April.

Flowers: Japanese apricot, Japanese cornel, Japanese quince, cherry blossom, peach, magnolia, yoshino cherry, dropping golden-bell, etc. Access: Bus from JR Fukushima Station on Tohoku Line for Hanamiyama-kouen-iriguchi stop. 20 minutes on foot from the bus stop.

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Shinobuyama Park

It is estimated to have 3000 cherry blossom trees planted. It is a popular, and a must-see flower viewing site. Mt. Shinobuyama, which is located in the centre of the Fukushima city, has light-ups in evenings (18:00~23:00). While you are enjoying the beautiful scenery, tea houses and food stands are also around to serve you! Due to the very limited parking spaces, public transportation is strongly recommended.

Access: From Fukushima Station on the JR Tohoku Line, take the bus bound for “shinai junkan” and get off at “Fukushima TV” stop. 10 minutes on foot.

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Omori Jyouyama Park

It is called under the nickname of “oshiro yama”(castle mountain). The castle was built by a historically famous shogun named Masamune Date, the grand grandfather of Tanemune Date. The park has approximately 700 sakura trees and 3 tea houses around. It is also brightly lit from 18:00~21:00.

Access: 15 minutes walk from Yahata Jinja-mae bus stop (bus leaving from Minami Fukushima Station on the JR Tohoku Line) (50 parking spaces available)

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Arakawa Sakura Zutsumi Park

Approximately 220 sakura trees are planted along the river and around the park. The “Azuma Snow Rabbit-little Mt. Fuji”, which is formed as the snow melts in spring, becomes visible from April to May.

Access: 5 minutes walk from Yagita Bus Stop (Bus leaving from JR Fukushima Station)

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Kasumigajyou Park

This place is not only nationally famous for cherry blossom in spring, but also for its Chrysanthemum Doll Festival in autumn. It gets its name from the scenery when cherry blossom is in its full bloom that it surrounds the castle like a mist. Kasumigajyou Park has also been selected as one of the Top 100 Cheery Blossom sites in Japan. Light-ups from 18:00~22:00 with an approximate 1700 sakura trees are in the park. 300 parking spaces available.

Nearest Station: JR Nihonmatsu Station on the JR Tohoku Line

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