Hanami

Famous Cherry Blossoms sites in Fukushima

The coming of spring in Fukushima is marked by Hanami, which literally means flower watching but is commonly associated with cherry blossom watching. At this time of the year, people gather in parks where sakura trees are found and hold outdoor picnics to celebrate the coming of spring.

Fukushima Life would like to introduce to you a few popular spots for Hanami in Fukushima.

Hanami-yama Park

Hanamiyama is located in the Watari area of Fukushima city and is open to the public, free of charge. A mountain full of cherry blossom trees, Hanamiyama is one of the most popular locations for doing Hanami in all of Japan. Its peak season is between the beginning of April to mid April, and roads become extremely populated during this time. It is reccomended you walk or bike to Hanamiyama from the station during peak seasons.

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

An estimated 3000 cherry blossom trees make Shinobuyama a must visit location for Hanami in Fukushima. Mt. Shinobuyama, which is located in the centre of the Fukushima city, illuminates its flowers in the evenings (18:00~23:00) so people can hold outdoor parties even late into the evening. Tea houses and food stands are put up during peak seasons 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

Omori is often refered to by its nickname of “oshiro yama”(castle mountain). This 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. Like Shinobu, Omori also illuminates its flowers 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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Kasumigajyou Park

This place is not only nationally famous for cherry blossom in spring, but also for its Chrysanthemum Doll Festival in autumn. Kasumigajyou, or "Mist Castle", gets its name from the scenery during spring time, when cherry blossoms are in full bloom and surround the castle like a blanket of mist. Kasumigajyou Park has also been selected as one of the top 100 Cheery Blossom sites in Japan. Light ups are from 18:00~22:00. 300 parking spaces available.

Nearest Station: JR Nihonmatsu Station on the JR Tohoku Line

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