The Ultimate Guide to Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots in Tohoku (2024)

Discover the top spots to view stunning cherry blossoms in the Tohoku region. From famous parks to hidden gems, this comprehensive guide covers it all.

In this cherry blossom guide, I’ll explore Japan’s northern region, Tohoku. You can check out the other spring travel guides down below:

• Nara Cherry Blossoms – 9 Best Spots
• Kanazawa Cherry Blossom Best Viewing Spots

Compared to southern Japan, foreign tourists often ignore much of Japan’s northern region, Tohoku. Despite its relatively low profile, it boasts some of the most stunning cherry blossom spots in the entire country. Combined with ancient castles, historic temples, serene lakes, and towering mountains, the region offers a diverse and rich landscape for exploration. The cooler temperatures mean the cherry blossoms typically bloom from mid to late April, making Tohoku a fantastic destination for enjoying the cherry blossoms if you miss the season elsewhere in Japan.

f*ckushima Prefecture

Nicchu Line Memorial Walkway (日中線しだれ桜並木)

Blossoming period: mid-April to late April
Photo Date: 15th April, 2024

If there is one spot you must visit in f*ckushima, it is the Nicchu Line Memorial Walkway. In fact, it was one of the most beautiful spots in Tohoku, along with the famous Hirosaki Park in Aomori Prefecture, which I’ll get into later.

The former Nicchu Railway Line, which spanned 13 km, used to run between Kitakata City and Atsushio Onsen town. Three kilometers of this line have been transformed into a walking and cycling path lined with over 1,000 weeping cherry trees.

Along the 3km walk, you’ll find an old steam locomotive previously used on the Nicchu railway line. Food stalls also appear as the cherry blossoms bloom, offering classic Japanese street food delicacies.

Sections of the northern part of the pathway are quite literally engulfed in a sea of pink. The ethereal pink tunnelway stretches as far as the eye can see, making it one of the most stunning cherry blossom viewing spots I have ever seen.

Hanamiyama Park (花見山公園)

Blossoming period: mid-April to late April
Photo Date: 11th April, 2024

Just outside central f*ckushima, amongst a rural farming town, lies Hanamiyama Park. Initially, a private park, second-generation owner Ichiro Abe and his father Isejiro devoted themselves to cultivating new land through ornamental plants and flowering trees on the hillsides around their land. It was opened to the public in 1959 and quickly became one of f*ckushima’s top cherry blossom spots.

During the peak season, when the park is bustling with visitors, parking spots near the park are limited. Dedicated parking spots are available just a few kilometers away, and a shuttle bus service is ready to whisk you directly to the park. For those using public transport to f*ckushima, a separate shuttle bus also operates between f*ckushima Station and the park.

Upon arriving at the park, you’ll be greeted by stunning fields of flowers bursting with vivid colors like something out of a painting. The riot of colors makes its way up the mountain, turning into magical shades of pink.

Visitors can choose from various walking trails that take you through the park and up the mountainside. The longest trail will lead to an observation deck, where you can oversee the park and an incredible array of spring colors, with beautiful views of the Azuma Mountains in the distant background.

Tsurugajo City Park (鶴ヶ城公園)

Blossoming period: mid April
Photo Date: 15th April, 2024

If you want to learn about Japanese history while admiring the cherry blossoms, Tsurugajo Park is the place to go. Inside the park is Tsuraga Castle, which was constructed in 1384.

The castle was the battleground for the fierce Boshin War of 1868. It started as a rebellion against the newly formed Meiji government, which had taken over control of the Tokugawa shogun and ended Japan’s feudal era. The original castle was destroyed in the war but was reconstructed using concrete in the 1960s.

Inside the castle is a collection of historical artifacts and information about its history and the samurai lifestyle. If you climb to the top, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the park and surrounding city!

Head by the nearby Rinkaku Teahouse, where historic feudal lords used to enjoy tea ceremonies. Inside is a small Japanese garden and a place to enjoy a cup of matcha and wagashi.

Miharu Takizakura (三春滝桜)

Blossoming period: mid-April
Photo Date: 11th April, 2024

Often considered one of Japan’s most beautiful cherry trees, Miharu Takizakura’s waterfall-like branches cascade down in a stunning, vivid pink, attracting countless visitors from across the country.

In the serene town of Miharu (also known as the town of three springs), cherry, plum, and peach trees burst into a breathtaking symphony of colors every spring. The show’s star is Miharu Takizakura, a 12-meter-tall tree that spans approximately 20 meters and is a nationally recognized Natural Monument, a true wonder of nature.

You can admire the tree from a distance or up close to admire the pink petals in all their glory. Around the tree are food stalls and small cafes, where you can enjoy food and drinks while looking over the great tree.

Miyagi Prefecture

Hitome Senbonzakura (白石川堤一目千本桜)

Blossoming period: early April to mid April
Photo Date: 10th April, 2024

Just a 45-minute train ride southwest of Sendai city is one of Tohoku’s most famous cherry blossom viewing spots known as “View of a Thousand Cherry Trees.” Approximately 1,200 cherry trees line Shiroishi Riverside in Ogawara Town, creating Miyagi Prefecture’s go-to spot in spring.

Stopping off at Funaoka Station, the riverside path leads you 5 miles (8km) down Shiroishi River, allowing you to bask in the soft pastel hues of cherry blossoms every step of the way. Look out for Somei Yoshino, White Mountain cherry, Double-flowers cherry, and Sendai Yoshino, amongst a host of other varieties! As you walk, the majestic snowy-capped Mt. Zao looms in the distance, adding to the awe-inspiring beauty of the scene.

From early April to mid-April, you can enjoy the Ogawara Sakura Festival. Food stalls line the riverbank, offering street food classics. The blossoms are lit in the evening, making it a fantastic spot to relax for the whole day!

Funaoka Castle Park (船岡城址公園)

Blossoming period: mid to late April
Photo Date: 10th April, 2024

Halfway along Hitome Senbon Sakura is Funaoka Castle Park. A bridge connects the two, allowing you to gaze over the rows of cherry blossoms and the JR Tohoku Main Line train as it passes slowly between Ogawara Station and Funaoka Station.

Once a formidable fortress, Funaoka Castle stood proudly at the park’s summit until the Meiji Restoration (1868) brought its downfall. Today, a 24-meter concrete Kannon statue stands in its place, a powerful symbol of peace and security.

The park is on a small mountain, so it’s a steep climb to the top. Some comfortable shoes are highly recommended when visiting Hitome Senbonzakura and Funaoka Castle Park! Alternatively, you can board the slope car that makes its way through cherry blossom trees as if traveling through a pink sea of clouds.

At the top is a small shop selling bento boxes and other food and drinks to enjoy with the spring scenery. You can look over Hitome Senbonzakura with the backdrop of Mt. Zao from the various lookout posts.

Tsutsujigaoka Park (榴岡公園)

Blossoming period: Mid April
Photo Date: 12th April, 2024

If you’re visiting Miyagi, you will more than likely pass through or stay in Sendai. The prefecture’s largest city offers a fantastic array of delicious foods and is a convenient hub for getting around other parts of Tohoku.

As you traverse the city, stop at the serene Tsutsujigaoka Park. This park, adorned with over 360 cherry trees, transforms into a tranquil pink oasis amidst the urban landscape. Many locals enjoy their picnics here, so grab some food and drinks from the food stalls and relax under the pink-petaled canopy as the trees softly rustle in the spring breeze.

A quick mention of another popular spot I didn’t get to visit: Nishi Park. It has many culturally significant monuments, including a steam locomotive, sculptures by Sendai artists, and a plum tree that the first lord of Sendai, Date Masamune, brought back from Korea 400 years ago.

Matsushima (松島)

Blossoming period: early April to late April
Photo Date: 14th April, 2024

Known as one of the “Three Views of Japan,” Matsushima is home to 260 pine-covered islands and is famous for its seafood and oysters. We have a complete Matsushima travel guide, but we have to give it a quick mention for its cherry blossoms.

After enjoying the sightseeing boat and a seafood-filled lunch, head to Saigyo Modoshi no Matsu Park, where you can look over Matsushima Bay, framed with 250 odd cherry trees.&

Yamagata Prefecture

Kajo Park (霞城公園)

Blossoming period: Mid-April
Photo Date: 12th April, 2024

Located in the center of Yamagata City is Yamagata Castle, constructed in 1592 by Yoshiaki Mogami, one of Tohoku’s most revered feudal lords. It was only named and opened as Kajo Park after World War Two.

Yamagata Castle, now transformed into Kajo Park, is a true treasure in the heart of Yamagata City. Its expansive 235-hectare design elegantly blends history and nature, offering a serene escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. The park’s allure is further enhanced during cherry blossom season when it is adorned with nature’s vibrant hues of pink and white.

Ningen Shogi (人間将棋)

Event period: Mid-April (event dates change every year)
Photo Date: 14th April, 2024

For two days during full bloom, Tendo City hosts a special event called Ningen Shogi or Human Japanese Chess. Similar to Western chess, humans dress in historic Edo Period attire during Ningen Shogi.

Tendo City is Japan’s largest shogi production city and the only place you can enjoy Ningen Shogi. Surrounded by cherry blossoms, the two-day event is played on a 16m x 14m life-sized shogi board in Tendo Park.

The rules are different from Western chess, so it can be difficult to follow. However, the overall performances, scenery, and atmosphere are worth visiting!

Iwate Prefecture

Kitakami Tenshochi Park (展勝地公園)

Blooming period: Mid-April to early May
Photo Date: 18th April, 2024

From mid-April to early May, the Kitakami Tenshochi Cherry Blossom Festival is held in Kitakami Tenshochi Park. It is recognized as one of the “100 best cherry blossom viewing spots in Japan” and one of the “Top 3 cherry blossom sites in the Tohoku region.”

The park spans over 300 hectares and contains over 10,000 cherry trees of over 150 varieties. Yoshino trees bloom around mid-April, while Kasumizakura blooms closer to early May, meaning longer cherry blossom fun!

From Sango-Bashi Bridge, a tunnel of cherry blossoms runs for about 2km, which is easily walkable, or you can take a scenic horse ride! As the festival runs through Golden Week, you can also enjoy koinobori (carp streamers) hanging over the Kitakami River and various boat cruises to enjoy the scenery from the water.

Koiwai Farm (小岩井農場)

Blooming period: Mid-April to early May
Photo Date: 21st April, 2024

Founded in 1891, Koiwai Farm is one of Japan’s oldest and most famous dairy farms. Located in Morioka, the farm covers over 3000 hectares and has farmlands, pastures, farm buildings, and facilities for visitors to enjoy.

The main area for visitors is Makiba Park, which has an entrance fee of 800 yen for adults and 300 yen for children. Inside are wide open fields to relax, a host of souvenir shops and restaurants where you can enjoy Koiwai Farm-produced goods and other activities such as horse riding and archery. During the spring season, the farm becomes dotted with pockets of pink with the backdrop of the snowy Mt. Iwate.

On the other side of the farm is Kamimaru Cowshed, which houses a small museum about the farm, the former head office, and several cowsheds.

Just a short walk from the farm is a lonesome cherry tree amongst the vast open green pastures and the snowy Mt. Iwate in the background (unfortunately, it wasn’t blooming when I visited.)

Akita Prefecture

Hinokinaigawa Tsutsumi Park & Kakunodate (桧木内川堤公園＆角館町)

Blooming period: Mid-April
Photo Date: 19th April, 2024

Nestled among the open fields and meandering mountain rounds of Akita is Tohoku’s “Little Kyoto,” also known as Kakunodate. The small castle town, founded in 1620, is located in Semboku City, between Morioka and Akita City. The northern part of the town is known as the samurai distinct (Uchimachi), and the southern part is the regular town (Tomachi).

Throughout the Uchimachi, many samurai residences are open for visitors to explore and learn about the town’s history. While the beautiful traditional architecture captivates visitors for most of the year, during the Kakunodate Cherry Blossom Festival, the elegant weeping cherry blossoms take center stage.

The ancient elegance of the dark wooden facades of the samurai houses contrasts beautifully with the pink and white branches that cascade down like a curtain of floral rain. While exploring, indulge in some kiritanpo, a local dish made from half-mashed steamed rice wrapped on a stick and roasted over a charcoal fire.

Near the Uchimachi is Hinokinaigawa Tsutsumi, where 400 Yoshino cherry trees stretch for 2 kilometers along the Hinokinai River. The calm river banks and serene landscape make for the perfect hanami spot!

What better way to finish off a day of exploring than with some chicken? Akita is famous for its Hinai Jidori, a highly valuable native type of chicken found in the Hinai region. You can find specialized restaurants selling Hinai Jidori throughout parts of Akita, but I decided on Akita Hinai Ya for some oyakadon and yakitori. Hinai Jidori has a full-bodied flavor with unparalleled succulent meat, and it is a must-try if you’re in the area!

Aomori Prefecture

Hirosaki Park (弘前公園）

Blooming period: Mid-April to Late April
Photo Date: 19th April, 2024

Hirosaki Park is Aomori’s most famous cherry blossom spot and the top sakura spot in Japan. The park easily became my top sakura spot in Tohoku, along with the Nicchu Line Memorial Walkway.

Between April 23rd and May 5th, over 2 million visitors flock to Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival to enjoy the 2,600 cherry trees in over 50 varieties, some over 300 years old.

There is so much to enjoy, from the open grounds and food stalls to Hirosaki Castle and the surrounding moats. While walking around, you’re greeted by a never-ending sea of pink and white.

Head to the western moat, where you’ll find a cherry blossom tunnel and some rental boats to enjoy the scenery from the water!

Be on the lookout for this cut heart shape amongst the branches!

While the daytime view is beautiful, it’s in the evening when the park really comes alive. The pink petals reflect and shimmer in the waters of the western moat, creating an unmissable otherworldly sight.

If you walk a couple of minutes away to the edge of the moat, you’ll be granted a view of the red bridge framed by all the illuminated cherry blossoms. The pictures do not do the park justice, and it is definitely the go-to sakura spot in this whole list.

If you visit just after full bloom, don’t worry! Another spectacular sight is the fallen petals, which turn the moats into a carpet of pink!

Ashino Park (芦野公園)

Blooming period: Mid-April to Late April
Photo Date: 20th April, 2024

Last but not least is the most northern cherry blossom spot on this list, Ashino Park. Part of the Ashino Chishogun Prefectural Natural Park, it also includes Lake Ashinoko. Home to 1,500 cherry trees and 1,800 pine trees, it’s a fantastic spot for a day out in nature.

The highlight is the cherry blossom festival held from 29 April to 7 May (subject to change every year) and the local train that passes through the tunnel of cherry blossoms. You’ll find avid photographers and many other locals and tourists trying to grab a snap of the passing train, so it can get quite busy!

And what better way to end your trip in Aomori than with Nokke-Don! Imagine kaisendon (seafood bowl), but you can choose your favorite seafood. At Aomori Gyosai Center, pick up a bowl of rice, go around the market, and pick up your favorite ingredients. From salmon and tuna to sea urchins and scallops, there is everything you could wish for!

So that’s it for our four-part cherry blossom guide! If you’re late to the cherry blossom party, consider traveling up to Tohoku! These are just some of the more popular spots we recommend you add to your itinerary, but there are many smaller pockets of cherry blossoms waiting to be discovered!