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Spring is a season of renewal and rejuvenation, a time when nature awakens from its slumber and bursts into an explosion of colors and fragrances. For those seeking to experience the magic of spring in Japan, the Tohoku region offers a unique and unforgettable experience. From late March to early May, the region is covered in a blanket of cherry blossoms, creating a stunning backdrop of pink and white hues against the majestic mountains, tranquil rivers, and historic landmarks.
Tohoku Cherry Blossom Spot①: Shiroishi River, Miyagi Prefecture
With the majestic snow-capped Zao Mountains as a backdrop, Shiroishi River is one of the most scenic places to appreciate the cherry blossoms in Miyagi Prefecture. Along the riverbanks, sakura petals color the landscape. Passengers on the JR Tohoku Main Line can watch the blooming cherry trees passing by through the windows. Boat tours also offer an exciting way to view the beautiful seasonal landscape of the Tohoku region. Travelers can enjoy various Tohoku sakura festivals held from early-to-mid April, including the Ogawara Sakura Festival and the Ohanami Yakatabune.
Viewing period: Early April to mid-April
Access: 3-min walk from JR Ogawara Station
Address: Otani, Ogawara-cho, Shibata-gun, Miyagi-ken
Ranking: ★★★★★
Tohoku Cherry Blossom Spot②: Hanamiyama Park, Fukushima Prefecture
Fukushima Prefecture boasts an abundance of cherry blossom viewing spots that leave visitors in awe of Japan’s beautiful nature. In 1959, Hanamiyama Park was opened to the public, providing locals and visitors alike with the chance to witness the stunning display of flowers on the mountain. It has since become a popular destination in the Tohoku region for cherry blossom viewing and spring scenery.
The park features over 1,000 cherry blossom trees of various types, including Somei Yoshino, weeping cherry, and double-flowered cherry blossoms, creating a beautiful pink and white canopy. Visitors can enjoy a stroll through the park’s trails on the slopes of the hills southeast of central Fukushima, which offer stunning views of the snow-capped Azuma Mountains.
Viewing period: Early April to mid-April
Access: 15-min bus ride from Fukushima Station
Address: 1-1 Sakae-machi, Fukushima City, Fukushima 960-8031
Ranking: ★★★★★
Tohoku Cherry Blossom Spot③: Tsutsujigaoka Park, Miyagi Prefecture
Miyagi Prefecture is a beautiful destination, particularly in spring, located in the heart of Japan’s Tohoku region. One example of the rich history and beauty found in Miyagi Prefecture is Tsutsujigaoka Park in Sendai, featuring over 360 cherry trees, including its famous weeping cherry trees. Legend has it that Tsunamura, the fourth lord of the Date clan, planted cherry trees imported from Kyoto.
Visitors can also admire somei yoshino cherry trees and the rare ukonzakura variety with pale golden blossoms. The park is bustling during the cherry blossom season with food stalls selling local sake and traditional Japanese festival food, and red paper lanterns illuminating the park in the evening.
Viewing period: Early April to Late April
Access: 3-min walk from JR Tsutsujigaoka Station
Address: 1-chome 301-3 Gorin, Miyagino-ku, Sendai-shi, Miyagi 983-0842
Ranking: ★★★★☆
Tohoku Cherry Blossom Spot④: Nishi Park, Miyagi Prefecture
Nishi Park is a prime destination for cherry blossom viewing in the Tohoku region during springtime. With around 200 cherry trees in full bloom, including Somei-Yoshino and Edo-higan Zakura, visitors can enjoy a picturesque view of the delicate pink blossoms. In addition to the cherry blossoms, the park also boasts several other attractions, including an old-established teahouse where you can savor Sendai’s famous “zunda mochi” (rice cake with red bean paste) while admiring the beauty of the blossoms.
Nishi Park is also home to a plum tree that was brought back from Korea by the first lord of Sendai, Date Masamune, and later transplanted at Sendai Castle, adding a touch of history to the stunning spring scenery.
Viewing period: Early April to Late April
Access: A short walk from JR Sendai Station
Address: 1-3 Sakuragaokakoen, Aoba Ward, Sendai, Miyagi 980-0823
Ranking: ★★★★☆
Tohoku Cherry Blossom Spot⑤: Aobayama Park, Miyagi Prefecture
Another spot for sakura viewing in Sendai is Aobayama Park, featring over 700 cherry trees of various types. As one of the most popular places in Miyagi Prefecture for appreciating cherry blossoms, visitors can find somei yoshino, yamazakura, and weeping cherry trees coloring the park in spring. The observatory located on the top of Aobayama Hill offers a beautiful panoramic view of the cherry blossoms and the city.
Viewing period: Early April to Late April
Access: 15-min walk from Kokusai Center Station
Address: 1 Kawauchi, Aoba-ku, Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture, 980-0862
Ranking: ★★★★★
Tohoku Cherry Blossom Spot⑥: Nicchu Line Memorial Walkway, Fukushima Prefecture
Visitors can experience the breathtaking beauty of a cherry blossom tunnel walking along the former National Railway Nicchu-sen. After being transformed into a three-km-long promenade lined with 1,000 weeping cherry trees in full bloom during mid-April, the area became a popular spot for view sakura. The sweet aroma of cherry blossoms follow visitors as they walk down the scenic path until the end, where there’s an opportunity to snap a photo with the old steam locomotive that once ran along the line.
Viewing period: Early April to Late April
Access: 5-min walk from Kitakata Station
Address: Oshikiri-Higashi, Kitakata-shi, Fukushima-ken
Ranking: ★★★★☆
Tohoku Cherry Blossom Spot⑦: Ashino Park, Aomori Prefecture
Ashino Park is a must-visit destination during springtime in the Tohoku region. The vast park is home to various attractions, such as Lake Ashino, but it is most famous for its mesmerizing cherry blossom viewing experience. With around 1,500 cherry trees, including Yoshino and Sato Sakura trees, the park has been recognized as one of the Top 100 Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots in Japan, offering a peaceful, natural landscape that will leave visitors in awe.
One of the main attractions at Ashino Park during cherry blossom season is the retro train called “Run, Melos!” that runs along the Tsugaru Railway through the cherry blossom scenery, making it a popular photography spot. Every year, many people visit to watch the train pass through the cherry blossom tunnel. For a more elegant view, visitors can board a boat from Lake Ashino and enjoy the cherry blossom spectacle from a different perspective.
Viewing period: Early April to Late April
Access: A short walk from Ashino Koen Station
Address: Ashino Kanagi-cho, Goshogawara-shi, Aomori-ken
Ranking: ★★★★★
Tohoku Cherry Blossom Spot⑧: Towada City Kanchogai-dori, Aomori Prefecture
Towada City’s Kanchogai-dori is a renowned cherry blossom destination in Aomori. Spanning 1.1 kilometers, the street is lined with 156 cherry trees across from rows of pine trees that add even more color to the scene. The observation lobby on the 5th floor of Towada City Hall provides a fantastic view of the cherry blossoms, making it one of Tohoku’s finest cherry blossom spots.
Viewing period: Early April to Late April
Access: 15-min walk from Towadashi Station
Address: 15-3 Inocho, Towada City, Aomori Prefecture 034-0011
Ranking: ★★★★☆
Tohoku Cherry Blossom Spot⑨: Kajo Park, Yamagata Prefecture
Constructed in 1592 by Yoshiaki Mogami, Yamagata Castle is recognized as one of Japan’s top 100 castles. Like many other castles in Japan, Yamagata Castle has become a popular cherry blossom viewing spot after being turned into a park. The colorful blossoms against the castle walls create a striking image.
Kajo Park in Yamagata boasts of 1,500 cherry blossom trees, making it one of the most picturesque locations to enjoy spring in the Tohoku region. The park’s former castle grounds offer a splendid view of cherry blossoms, especially the rows of trees that line the east and south moats.
Viewing period: Mid-April to late April
Access: 10-min walk from JR Yamagata Station
Address: 1-7 Kajomachi, Yamagata, 990-0826
Ranking: ★★★★☆
