Ashino Park (Aomori Prefecture)

Ashino Park is home to the most impressive cherry blossoms in the Tsugaru Peninsula, and some of the best in the entire country, with approximately 1,500 cherry trees blooming across an area of about 800,000m².
Running through a “tunnel” of cherry blossoms, the local Tsugaru Railway line is a particular highlight and makes for some truly iconic images. The retro charm of the old-fashioned station building is also definitely worth seeing.
Osamu Dazai, one of Japan’s most renowned writers, often played in Ashino Park as a child, and his memory is honored with a monument and a statue.

Best time to see

Late April to early May

Ashino Park (Aomori Prefecture)

Ashino Park is home to the most impressive cherry blossoms in the Tsugaru Peninsula, and some of the best in the entire country, with approximately 1,500 cherry trees blooming across an area of about 800,000m².
Running through a “tunnel” of cherry blossoms, the local Tsugaru Railway line is a particular highlight and makes for some truly iconic images. The retro charm of the old-fashioned station building is also definitely worth seeing.
Osamu Dazai, one of Japan’s most renowned writers, often played in Ashino Park as a child, and his memory is honored with a monument and a statue.

Photographer's comment

The main attraction is the train driving through the cherry blossom “tunnel.” The railway running through the park, the small old-fashioned station building and emotion-inducing scenery are also attractive. The trains go slowly inside the grounds, which is ideal for photographers.

Best time to see

Late April to early May

Hirosaki Park (Aomori Prefecture)

Hirosaki Park features on many “bucket lists” of spectacular scenery, and it is clear to see why. Hirosaki Castle’s tower and its red bridge come together with some 2,600 cherry trees of 52 varieties in a magnificent symphony that just has to be seen first-hand. As the flowers float down, the moat fills with petals to form a spectacular carpet of pink known as “flower rafts.” For another unique photo, why not seek out the “sakura heart”? Formed by a union of two cherry trees above you, it makes for impressive shots during the day and when lit up at night.

Photographer's comment

A cherry blossom heart stands out clearly in the night sky. It seemed to smile down kindly on the two of us taking photos below it.

Best time to see

Mid April to early May

Hirosaki Park (Aomori Prefecture)

Hirosaki Park features on many “bucket lists” of spectacular scenery, and it is clear to see why. Hirosaki Castle’s tower and its red bridge come together with some 2,600 cherry trees of 52 varieties in a magnificent symphony that just has to be seen first-hand. As the flowers float down, the moat fills with petals to form a spectacular carpet of pink known as “flower rafts.” For another unique photo, why not seek out the “sakura heart”? Formed by a union of two cherry trees above you, it makes for impressive shots during the day and when lit up at night.

Photographer's comment

The Hirosaki Park Cherry Blossom Festival is said to boast the best cherry blossoms in Japan and you can also admire the sight of Hirosaki Castle while you're there. In recent years, the nighttime view at the west moat has become especially popular, and many people come to see the pond shown in this photo and the red bridge.

Best time to see

Mid April to early May

Kakunodate Samurai Residences (Akita Prefecture)

Walking among Kakunodate’s samurai residences that stand to this day feels almost like taking a step 400 years back in time. In spring, the blackboard walls create a beautiful symphony with the pale pink weeping cherry blossoms, and the area takes on a fantastical atmosphere at night. Kakunodate retains the vestiges of its history as a castle town established in the early Edo Period (1603 - 1868). The cherry trees that bloom on the streets lined with samurai residences are said to have originated from three saplings brought as wedding gifts by the wife of Yoshiharu, the second head of the Satake clan.

Best time to see

Mid to late April

Hinokinai River Embankment (Akita Prefecture)

The Hinokinai River’s history with sakura has its roots in the planting of Yoshino cherry trees in 1934 to commemorate Emperor Heisei’s birth. With foliage forming a 2km-long pink “tunnel” along the meandering waterway, this nationally-designated Place of Scenic Beauty hosts the renowned Kakunodate Cherry Blossom Festival during full bloom. The cherry trees were once at risk from planning rules regarding trees near rivers. Local people moved to protect them by having the embankment recognized as a road. Their efforts successfully saved the trees, which are beloved and nurtured by residents to this day, and preserved the area’s heritage as a spectacular sakura spot.

Best time to see

Mid to late April

Hinokinai River Embankment (Akita Prefecture)

The Hinokinai River’s history with sakura has its roots in the planting of Yoshino cherry trees in 1934 to commemorate Emperor Heisei’s birth. With foliage forming a 2km-long pink “tunnel” along the meandering waterway, this nationally-designated Place of Scenic Beauty hosts the renowned Kakunodate Cherry Blossom Festival during full bloom. The cherry trees were once at risk from planning rules regarding trees near rivers. Local people moved to protect them by having the embankment recognized as a road. Their efforts successfully saved the trees, which are beloved and nurtured by residents to this day, and preserved the area’s heritage as a spectacular sakura spot.

Photographer's comment

The 400 Somei Yoshino cherry trees in full bloom along a 2km stretch create a spectacular “tunnel” of cherry blossoms. At night, the scene is lit up, and the cherry blossoms reflected in the Hinokinai River conjure a magical atmosphere ripe for impressive photography.

Best time to see

Mid to late April

Koiwai Farm (Iwate Prefecture)

Koiwai Farm is one of Japan’s largest private farms and is especially famous for the single cherry tree standing alone in its fields. Planted over 100 years ago, it originally provided shade to protect the cows from the summer sun. The striking sight of this single cherry tree standing tall against the backdrop of the snow-covered Mt. Iwate is like a work of art. The rows of cherry trees along the farm trail, with Mt. Iwate peeking above the tree-lined road, are also not to be missed. Renowned for its beautiful scenery, Koiwai Farm has also featured as a filming location for movies and TV dramas.

Best time to see

Late April to early May

Koiwai Farm (Iwate Prefecture)

Koiwai Farm is one of Japan’s largest private farms and is especially famous for the single cherry tree standing alone in its fields. Planted over 100 years ago, it originally provided shade to protect the cows from the summer sun. The striking sight of this single cherry tree standing tall against the backdrop of the snow-covered Mt. Iwate is like a work of art. The rows of cherry trees along the farm trail, with Mt. Iwate peeking above the tree-lined road, are also not to be missed. Renowned for its beautiful scenery, Koiwai Farm has also featured as a filming location for movies and TV dramas.

Photographer's comment

This is a popular spot for photographers during the morning hours. Try to capture the dramatic moment when the sun rises on your right to shine on Mt. Iwate and the single cherry tree.

Best time to see

Late April to early May

Kitakami Tenshochi Park (Iwate Prefecture)

Kitakami Tenshochi Park on the banks of the Kitakami River is one of Tohoku’s most famous cherry blossom viewing spots. The nostalgia-inducing horse-drawn carriage running along the rows of trees offers a unique way to enjoy the sakura in full bloom. Some 10,000 cherry blossoms of approximately 150 types create a kaleidoscope of color that transforms as the season goes on, with Somei Yoshino trees blooming in April to Kasumizakura trees flowering in early May. Kitakami Tenshochi Park started development in 1920 at the direction of Koji Sawafuji, and has been beloved by local residents throughout its 100-year history.

Best time to see

Mid to late April

Tsuruoka Park (Yamagata Prefecture)

Seeking true Japanese hanami (cherry blossom viewing) in Yamagata? Tsuruoka Park is the place. Built on the site of the former Tsurugaoka Castle, it boasts about 700 cherry trees of various varieties. When they burst into bloom, it marks the start of festivities including numerous food stalls and enchanting bonbori lanterns. As about 100 paper lanterns light up the night, the cherry blossoms reflected on the water’s surface have a one-of-a-kind beauty. Tsurugaoka Castle once flourished as a residence for lords of the Sakai family, leaders of the Shonai clan, and the historic Shonai Shrine hosts an exhibition of treasured items related to the feudal lords.

Photographer's comment

This photo captures the gentle light before dusk reflecting the blue sky, clouds, and cherry blossoms on the water’s surface at the Tsurugaoka Castle moat, with the Western-style Chido Museum near the center as an accent.

Best time to see

Early to mid April

Kajo Park (Yamagata Prefecture)

Said to include 600-year-old trees planted by the Mogami clan who once ruled the area, Kajo Park’s 1,500 cherry trees make it one of Yamagata’s best sakura spots. Head to the Ninomaru Higashi Otemon gate to catch the unique sight of cherry blossom branches stretching down to practically touch the moat below. You can even enjoy sakura from the comfort of a train. When the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, some Ōu, Aterazawa, and Senzan Line services travelling along the Ninomaru Higashibori slow down between Yamagata and Kita-Yamagata stations to let passengers savor the sight of the cherry blossoms as they ride along.

Photographer's comment

To highlight the symmetrical beauty of the quasi-Western architectural style, a fusion of Western and Japanese elements, I adjusted the overlap of the cherry blossoms on the left and right, and used the backlight to emphasize the building’s silhouette.

Best time to see

Early to mid April

Tsuruoka Park (Yamagata Prefecture)

Seeking true Japanese hanami (cherry blossom viewing) in Yamagata? Tsuruoka Park is the place. Built on the site of the former Tsurugaoka Castle, it boasts about 700 cherry trees of various varieties. When they burst into bloom, it marks the start of festivities including numerous food stalls and enchanting bonbori lanterns. As about 100 paper lanterns light up the night, the cherry blossoms reflected on the water’s surface have a one-of-a-kind beauty. Tsurugaoka Castle once flourished as a residence for lords of the Sakai family, leaders of the Shonai clan, and the historic Shonai Shrine hosts an exhibition of treasured items related to the feudal lords.

Photographer's comment

The park’s moat, stone walls, and castle ruins gives you a real sense of history. The history museum at the end of the outer moat is perfect for seeing cherry blossoms at night. Using a slow shutter speed as the flowers float along can produce some great results.

Best time to see

Early to mid April

Kajo Park (Yamagata Prefecture)

Said to include 600-year-old trees planted by the Mogami clan who once ruled the area, Kajo Park’s 1,500 cherry trees make it one of Yamagata’s best sakura spots. Head to the Ninomaru Higashi Otemon gate to catch the unique sight of cherry blossom branches stretching down to practically touch the moat below. You can even enjoy sakura from the comfort of a train. When the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, some Ōu, Aterazawa, and Senzan Line services travelling along the Ninomaru Higashibori slow down between Yamagata and Kita-Yamagata stations to let passengers savor the sight of the cherry blossoms as they ride along.

Photographer's comment

The background filled with cherry blossom pink displays the full majesty of the beautiful form of the horseman Yoshimitsu Mogami, a feudal lord of the Sengoku period and the lord of Yamagata Castle, with the light blue sky as an accent.

Best time to see

Early to mid April

Shiroishi Castle (Miyagi Prefecture)

Shiroishi Castle is a blend of a storied history and magnificent scenery. Once home to a senior retainer of the Date clan, today the grounds boast an abundance of blossoming cherry trees. The colors of the sakura against the castle tower make for an impressive sight, and the view from atop the tower itself is also a must-see. During the annual cherry blossom festival, the castle tower is lit up and bonbori lanterns adorn the area, giving the castle a new, fantastical character. Shiroishi Castle’s three-story tower was restored in 1995, about 120 years after its 1874 demolition. At the time of its restoration, it was Japan’s tallest and widest restored wooden castle tower in the postwar period. The restoration has received acclaim in academic terms for its historical accuracy and use of ancient Japanese architectural styles.

Best time to see

Early April

Saigyo Modoshi no Matsu Park (Miyagi Prefecture)

Saigyo Hoshi was a samurai, monk, and poet. On his travels across Japan over 800 years ago, he met a child under a pine tree on a hill, and the two engaged in Zen riddles. When Saigyo found himself unable to answer, he gave up on travelling to Matsushima. This story gives the tree its name, meaning “the pine tree that sent Saigyo back.” Today, it is among Miyagi’s premier sakura spots and offers amazing panoramic views of Matsushima, one of the revered Three Views of Japan. The dramatic landscape and cherry blossoms are particularly spectacular when bathed in the morning glow at sunrise—definitely worth the early start.

Best time to see

Early to mid April

Tsurugajo Park (Fukushima Prefecture)

Tsurugajo Castle is a once impregnable fortress ruled by powerful warlords up to the end of the Edo Period (1868). After being demolished in 1874, the castle tower was rebuilt in 1965 and makes for an impressive sight surrounded by the park’s approximately 1,000 cherry trees. The evening cherry blossom illuminations are among Japan’s best and a definite must-see.

Photographer's comment

When you climb up to the earthen walls, the contrast of the cherry blossoms below you against the castle is truly beautiful. Viewing from the Tsukimi Yagura ruins is highly recommended.

Best time to see

Mid to late April

Miharu Takizakura (Fukushima Prefecture)

Many sakura spots are renowned for their vast numbers of cherry trees. Miharu may be known for just one, but this millennium-old marvel is one of the most famous trees in all of Japan. Takizakura literally means “waterfall cherry blossom,” and every year the Miharu Takizakura bursts into a magnificent cascade over 13.5 meters tall and about 25 meters wide. This spectacular sight takes on a whole new character when lit up at night, so seeing both is recommended if you can.

Photographer's comment

From the early morning sun to the nighttime illuminations, the Miharu Takizakura takes on a distinct beauty in different types of light. For daytime photography, going in the morning is recommended because the shadows grow more prominent as day goes on.

Best time to see

Early April

Tsurugajo Park (Fukushima Prefecture)

Tsurugajo Castle is a once impregnable fortress ruled by powerful warlords up to the end of the Edo Period (1868). After being demolished in 1874, the castle tower was rebuilt in 1965 and makes for an impressive sight surrounded by the park’s approximately 1,000 cherry trees. The evening cherry blossom illuminations are among Japan’s best and a definite must-see.

Photographer's comment

The weeping cherry blossoms blooming at the Rinkaku tea room are made even more vivid against the white walls. It is a great place to enjoy some tea and think back to the era of the samurai.

Best time to see

Mid to late April