The Shizunai Nijūkken Road Sakura Namiki (commonly known as Nijūkken Road Sakura Namiki) in Hokkaido is the largest cherry blossom avenue in Japan, with over 2,000 cherry trees blooming in a straight line stretching for 7 km.

It was constructed about 100 years ago as a road for members of the imperial family to walk along, and is now a popular cherry blossom viewing spot that attracts as many as 100,000 people.

Characteristics of the "Nijukken Road Cherry Blossom Tree Line"

The cherry blossom trees along Nijukken Road are of three varieties: Siberian cherry, Kasumi cherry, and Miyama cherry. They are planted along the road, which is twenty ken (approximately 36 meters) wide on both sides.

In particular, the Siberian cherries have a brighter pink color than the Somei-Yoshino cherry, Japan's most famous cherry tree, and stand out beautifully against Hokkaido's clear blue skies.

Also, because the area is surrounded by pastureland, the contrast between the green of the grass and the pink of the cherry blossoms is said to be captivating.

Highlight 1: The giant cherry blossom tunnel

When cherry blossoms begin to bloom on the branches of the trees planted along the straight road, the road becomes colorful, almost like a tunnel of cherry blossoms.

It is registered as one of the "100 Best Roads in Japan," "100 Best Cherry Blossom Spots," and "Hokkaido Heritage," and the sight of the cherry blossom tunnel continuing for 7km makes it a popular spot for taking photos.

If you want to take beautiful photos, we recommend visiting between 6am and 8am when there are fewer people around.

It gets very busy during the day and there is a high chance of traffic congestion on the surrounding roads between 11am and 3pm, so we recommend you visit early in the day.

Highlight 2: Shizunai Cherry Blossom Festival

The Shizunai Cherry Blossom Festival is held in conjunction with the cherry blossom season, with the event venue located near the entrance to the cherry blossom tunnel.

At the event venue, you can enjoy souvenir stalls, booths set up by local agricultural high schools, and opportunities to interact with ponies.

A particularly popular event is the experience of riding on a high-altitude work vehicle and viewing the cherry blossom trees and Hidaka Mountains from a high vantage point.

Tickets will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, so if you get the chance, be sure to enjoy the beautiful cherry blossom trees that line the road like a carpet of cherry blossoms and the picturesque scenery created by Hokkaido's majestic nature.

The event is scheduled to take place between late April and early May.

Highlight 3: The gorgeous Siberian wild cherry blossoms

As mentioned earlier, the cherry blossom trees along Nijukken Road are mainly of the Ezo Yamazakura variety.

Siberian cherry blossoms are a brighter pink than the Somei-Yoshino cherry trees that can be seen all over Honshu, and their leaves are also reddish in color. Each tree grows thick and large, making them a popular variety among cherry blossom enthusiasts as a "spectacular cherry tree."

This cherry blossom viewing spot is for connoisseurs who say, "I've already seen cherry blossoms in Honshu, so I want to enjoy cherry blossoms in a different atmosphere," or "I want to admire some unique cherry blossoms."

Best time to see the cherry blossom trees along Nijukken Road

Many people visit the cherry blossom lined road along Nijukken Road every year when the trees bloom around early May. The average day when the trees bloom is May 3rd, and the average day when they are in full bloom is May 6th.

The best time to see the cherry blossoms is during Japan's long consecutive holidays, so the surrounding roads will be very crowded with tourists. If you want to enjoy cherry blossom viewing on Nijukken Road during the best time to see the cherry blossoms, we recommend arriving early in the morning.

Location of "Nijukken Road Cherry Blossom Tree Line"

Shizunai Tahara to Shizunai Goson, Shinhidaka Town, Hidaka District, Hokkaido

Access to the "Nijukken Road Cherry Blossom Tree Line"

The cherry blossom-lined road along Nijukken Road is about 110 minutes away from New Chitose Airport by rental car.

You can also access Shizunai Station, the nearest station to Nijukken Road, by taking a 13-minute ride on the JR Chitose Line from New Chitose Airport and then a two-hour ride on the Dounan Bus from Numanohata Station.

A special shuttle bus runs from Shizunai Station to Nijukken Road only during the Sakura Festival.

The journey takes approximately 25 minutes.

Nearby tourist attractions

Tourist spot 1: Ryuunkaku

At the end of the cherry blossom-lined street is Ryuunkaku, which was used as a guest building for imperial family members and dignitaries visiting to inspect the pastures.

The building was constructed in accordance with the traditional "Goten-zukuri" architectural style, which is an extravagant symbol of power, and inside it are stored furniture, tableware, and horse equipment used by the imperial family, as well as calligraphy and painted folding screens by Japan's first Prime Minister, Ito Hirobumi.

The Ryuunkaku is only open to the public during the annual Shizunai Cherry Blossom Festival, so be sure to walk through the rows of cherry blossom trees and experience a piece of Japanese history.

Location of Ryuunkaku

Shizunai Goen, Shinhidaka-cho, Hidaka-gun, Hokkaido

Tourist spot ② Shizunai Shrine

Shizunai Shrine, located about a 15-minute drive from Nijukken Road, enshrines Emperor Jimmu, the first emperor of Japan, and Ebisu, a god who appears in Japanese mythology.

Although it is a historic and prestigious shrine, it is not overflowing with people like shrines in Tokyo, so it is a recommended tourist spot for those who want to worship in peace and quiet.

They can also assist with the "Goshuin" stamps that are essential when touring Japanese shrines, so if you collect Goshuin stamps, be sure to check them out.

Location of Shizunai Shrine

Hokkaido Hidaka-gun Shinhidaka-cho Shizunai Miyuki-cho 5-chome

Tourist spot 3: Niikappu Horoshiri Horse Riding Club

Niikappu Horoshiri Horse Riding Club is a popular tourist spot located about a 20-minute drive from Nijūkan Road.

The area around Niikappu Horoshiri Riding Club is known as a famous breeding ground for racehorses, and is an area with strong ties to horses.

At Niikappu Horoshiri Horse Riding Club, you can ride alone on cute, gentle horses, mainly thoroughbreds that were previously racehorses, and take leisurely strolls through the forest.

Please note that horse riding requires that you are able to ride a horse alone, so as a guideline, participants must be 10 years of age or older.

Location of Niikappu Horoshiri Riding Club

26 Nishidomari, Niikappu Town, Hokkaido

Tourist spot #4: Niikappu Onsen Record

Niikappu Onsen Record is a popular tourist spot where you can enjoy an open-air bath while watching the sun set over the Pacific Ocean.

Niikappu Onsen Records is located right in front of the Niikappu Horoshiri Riding Club, about a 20-minute drive from Niikappu Road.

At the attached restaurant and teahouse, you can enjoy fresh local ingredients such as fresh seafood and A5 rank brand wagyu beef, cooked according to the season, so it is recommended for those who want to enjoy Hokkaido gourmet food.

Location of Niikappu Onsen Record

16 Nishidomari, Niikappu-cho, Niikappu-gun, Hokkaido

summary

The cherry blossom-lined road along Nijukken Road in Hidaka County, Hokkaido, is one of the most popular cherry blossom viewing spots in the entire prefecture.

The sight of the colorful, rustic Siberian cherry blossoms blooming in all their glory despite the harsh winter cold is sure to impress.

Be sure to visit the cherry blossom lined road along Nijukken Road between the end of April and early May.