Recommended cherry blossom spots in northern Japan

When it comes to spring outings, cherry blossom viewing and touring cherry blossom spots are a must! We will introduce you to classic cherry blossom viewing spots as well as hidden gems. You can see the cherry blossoms from mid-April to early May. In 2025, the Tohoku region is expected to bloom around April 1st, and Sapporo around April 23rd. The cherry blossoms only bloom for a short period of time, so be sure to plan your cherry blossom viewing trip so you don't miss the best time to see them!

Hirosaki Park (Aomori)

This is a vast park in Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture. It was developed on the site of the former Hirosaki Castle, and is also known as "Yokou Koen Park." Hirosaki Castle is home to the only surviving castle tower in the Tohoku region, as well as turrets and castle gates that are designated as Important Cultural Properties, and still retain their original appearance. It is known as one of Japan's leading cherry blossom viewing spots, and has been selected as one of the "100 Best Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots in Japan." In spring, approximately 2,600 cherry trees of over 50 varieties bloom in full glory. The "Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival," held annually from late April to early May, is said to be one of the three major cherry blossom festivals in Japan, and is always bustling with visitors.

Website: https://www.hirosakipark.com/en/

Recommended Hotel

Dormy Inn Hirosaki Natural Hot Spring

• 
• 

It is easily accessible within walking distance of JR Hirosaki Station, making it an ideal base for sightseeing or business. The hotel boasts a large natural hot spring bath that will soothe your travel fatigue, and offers free Yonakisoba (noodles sold by a hawker at night) in the evening, making it an attractive option with all-you-can-eat service. It is also easily accessible to tourist spots such as Hirosaki Park and Hirosaki Castle, and there are plenty of restaurants in the surrounding area where you can enjoy the flavors of Aomori.

Goryokaku (Hokkaido)

Located in Hakodate, Hokkaido, the remains of Japan's first star-shaped Western-style castle are now maintained as a park. Seen from above, it has a five-pronged star shape, which was devised as a castle construction method developed in Europe to reduce blind spots and provide efficient defense against enemy attacks. Highlights include the beautiful star-shaped terrain, the restored Hakodate Magistrate's Office, and Breathtaking view from the adjacent Goryokaku Tower. In spring, about 1,600 cherry trees, mainly Somei-Yoshino, bloom in full bloom. From the observation deck of Goryokaku Tower, you can see Breathtaking view of the entire star-shaped castle dyed in pink. This is a special view that can only be seen in spring.

Website: https://www.goryokaku-tower.co.jp/en/

Recommended Hotel

LC Goryokaku Hotel

• 
• 

It is easily accessible, just a 3-minute walk from Goryokaku Koen-mae Station on the Hakodate City Tram, making it an ideal base for sightseeing or business. It is equipped with Hakodate's first authentic Finnish-style sauna, and its major attraction is that you can refresh yourself in the spacious sauna room and single-person cold bath. There is a free all-you-can-drink lounge exclusively for guests staying in the main building, where you can easily enjoy soft drinks and alcohol. Breakfast is provided in the form of a free bento box, which is a great point for those who want a quick meal. There is a bakery on the first floor of the main building that sells popular high-quality bread. There are also many other facilities such as karaoke and a convenience store, making it a well-equipped facility.

Kurazu River (Yamagata)

This is a first-class river that flows through the center of Yamagata Prefecture and is a tributary of the Mogami River system. In spring, beautiful weeping cherry blossoms bloom for about 1.4 km on both sides of the Kuratsu River, which flows south of Tendo City Hall. You can enjoy the beautiful scenery while walking or driving along the river. There are also illuminations. There are also many attractions near the Kuratsu River, such as Tendo Onsen and historical buildings.

Recommended Hotel

Yunoka Matsu no Yu

• 
• 

This is the only Ryokan (Japanese inn) in Tendo Onsen with two different hot springs, where you can enjoy natural hot springs to the fullest. There are baths with different themes, and the open-air rock bath where you can bathe while looking out at the garden is particularly special, allowing you to spend a luxurious time feeling the nature of the four seasons. The food is proud of the original kaiseki（a traditional Japanese multiple course meal ）uses plenty of seasonal ingredients from Yamagata, which is a feast for the eyes and the tongue. The lobby allows you to relax while looking out at the Japanese garden. It is recommended for those who want to spend some quiet time independent guest cottages from the hustle and bustle, and will refresh both body and mind.

Kitakami Exhibition Site (Iwate)

Located in Kitakami City, Iwate Prefecture, this is one of the most famous cherry blossom viewing spots in the Tohoku region. It is also counted among the "Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots in Japan" and "Three Great Cherry Blossom Spots in Michinoku." The cherry blossom trees lined the Kitakami River for about 2km, creating a tunnel of blossoms with about 500 cherry trees, most of which are Yoshino cherry trees over 90 years old. The entire park is planted with about 10,000 cherry trees of 150 varieties and 100,000 azaleas. At night, the cherry blossom trees are lit up, creating a fantastical scene reflected on the water. Also, during the cherry blossom season, many carp streamers are displayed above the Kitakami River.

Website: https://kitakami-kanko.jp/sakura/

Recommended Hotel

Hotel City Plaza Kitakami

• 
• 

The hotel is located just a 7-minute walk from the east exit of JR Kitakami Station, making it an extremely convenient base for business or sightseeing. The hotel has a tranquil atmosphere, and in addition to comfortable rooms where you can relax while looking out at the majestic Kitakami River, it also has a large public bath where you can soothe your travel fatigue. The breakfast, which uses plenty of local ingredients, has a wide variety of Japanese and Western dishes, allowing you to fully recharge your energy for the day. We recommend the local cuisine and the hotel's proud "morning curry"!

Miharu Takizakura (Fukushima)

Located in Miharu Town, Tamura County, Fukushima Prefecture, this giant weeping cherry tree is one of Japan's most famous trees. Due to its overwhelming beauty, it is counted as one of the "Three Great Cherry Trees of Japan" and is also designated as a national natural monument. The tree is lit up at night, allowing you to enjoy a fantastic night view of the cherry blossoms. It is also the model for the paintings on the cedar doors of the Imperial Palace and the murals at Akasaka Sacas. Miharu Takizakura is a living work of art that captivates visitors with its overwhelming presence and beauty. We encourage you to come and see its magnificent form up close.

Homepage: https://miharukoma.com/experience/183#

Recommended Hotel

Daiwa Roynet Hotel Koriyama-Ekimae

• 
• 

The hotel is located in an excellent location, just a one-minute walk from the west exit of JR Koriyama Station, making it extremely convenient as a base for business or sightseeing. The guest rooms are functional and modern in design, and all rooms are equipped with Wi-Fi, air purifiers with humidifiers, individual air conditioning, and other features to ensure a comfortable stay. In particular, the fact that the bathroom and toilet are separate in standard rooms and above is highly popular with many guests. There is also a convenience store on the first floor, making it highly convenient for sudden shopping, which is another recommended point.

Shiraishi River Bank Hitome Senbonzakura (Miyagi)

This is a row of cherry trees that stretches along the banks of the Shiroishi River from Ogawara Town in Shibata County to Shiroishi City in Miyagi Prefecture. With the snow-capped Zao mountain range in the background, the view of about 1,200 Somei Yoshino cherry trees in full bloom over a distance of about 8 km is so spectacular that it is worthy of being called "a thousand cherry trees at a glance," and it has been selected as one of the "100 Best Cherry Blossom Spots in Japan." The contrast between the clear waters of the Shiroishi River, the pink cherry trees, and the white Zao mountain range towering in the background is breathtakingly beautiful. It is easily accessible, about a 3-minute walk from Ogawara Station on the JR Tohoku Main Line.

Photo courtesy of Miyagi Prefecture Tourism Strategy Division

Website: https://www-town-ogawara-miyagi-jp.translate.goog/tourism/?_x_tr_sl=ja&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en

Recommended Hotel

Venezian Hotel Shiroishi Zao

• 
• 

The hotel is located in a great location right in front of JR Tohoku Shinkansen "Shiroishi-Zao Station", making it extremely convenient as a base for business and sightseeing trips using the Shinkansen. All rooms are equipped with Simmons double beds or larger to ensure a comfortable sleep, and the hotel offers a quiet and relaxing space with special soundproofing. Breakfast is a Japanese and Western Buffet with plenty of local ingredients, and the dishes made with Miyagi Prefecture's brand pork "JAPAN X" and beef tongue grilled right in front of you are especially popular. The hotel also has a cafe where you can enjoy authentic cloth drip coffee, and a Japanese restaurant that specializes in local ingredients, so you can expect a satisfying stay in terms of food as well.

Kakunodate (Akita)

Located in Senboku City, Akita Prefecture, this beautiful castle town still retains the atmosphere of the Edo period. The contrast between the samurai residence street and the weeping cherry blossoms that bloom in spring is particularly beautiful, and the area is also known as the "Little Kyoto of Michinoku," a popular tourist destination that attracts many tourists. The impressive samurai residences lined with black board fences offer a glimpse into the lives of the samurai of that time. In spring, about 400 beautiful weeping cherry trees bloom in full glory around the samurai residence street. In particular, the contrast with the black board fences is as beautiful as a painting. Also, on the banks of the Hinokinai River that flows through Kakunodate, a row of Somei Yoshino cherry trees stretches for about 2 km. In spring, you can enjoy the contrast with the rape blossoms. This area has also been selected as one of the "100 Best Cherry Blossom Spots in Japan." The cherry blossoms on the banks of the Hinokinai River are also within walking distance of the samurai residence street. We recommend strolling along the bank or taking a break on the riverbed.

Website: https://www.city.semboku.akita.jp/en/sightseeing/spot/07.html

Recommended Hotel

Hotel Folkloro Kakunodate

• 
• 

This hotel blends seamlessly into the historic streets of Kakunodate, lined with samurai residences. The hotel uses an abundance of local natural materials, such as Akita cedar, creating a warm and relaxing atmosphere. The creative cuisine, made with seasonal local ingredients, is a feast for the eyes and the tongue, offering a dining experience unique to Kakunodate. The hot springs will soothe your body after a long walk, gently enveloping the fatigue of your journey and inviting you into a state of comfortable relaxation. This hotel is truly "Kakunodate-like," allowing you to enjoy a relaxing stay while experiencing the history and culture of Kakunodate.

Summary