Hakone is a word that refers to the area around Mount Hakone, located west of Tokyo.

Mount Hakone is a mountain that straddles Kanagawa and Shizuoka prefectures. The Hakone area has long been popular among Japanese people as a hot spring town, and in recent years has become very popular with foreign tourists.

If you are planning to visit Hakone in the spring, why not go and see the Hayakawa Bank Cherry Blossoms in Miyagino?

This time, we will introduce the cherry blossoms of Hayakawa Bank, a popular cherry blossom viewing spot in Hakone.

Characteristics of "Hayakawa Bank Cherry Blossoms"

Along the Hayakawa River bank, approximately 120 Somei-Yoshino cherry trees grow over a distance of 600 meters, creating a beautiful landscape.

The cherry blossoms cover the promenade and stretch out their branches toward the river, so you can leisurely stroll through the cherry blossom tunnel while listening to the murmuring of the Hayakawa River.

Highlight 1: Yoshino cherry blossoms that can be enjoyed from late March to early April

Approximately 120 Somei-Yoshino cherry trees are planted along the banks of the Hayakawa River.

Because the same variety of cherry trees are planted along the bank, they bloom and reach full bloom at the same time, and the sight of them all blooming at once and the beautiful snowstorm of falling cherry blossoms is highly acclaimed.

Since ancient times, cherry trees have been planted along rivers in Japan to protect against flooding.

Even in today's world where environmental improvements have been made, many of Japan's famous cherry blossom viewing spots are located along rivers. This is probably because the sound of a babbling river that evokes nature and the beauty of the cherry blossoms reflected on the water's surface are part of the original landscape for the Japanese.

The cherry blossoms along the Hayakawa River banks are loved by people from Japan and abroad as a great cherry blossom viewing spot where you can enjoy the beauty of the cherry blossoms reflected on the water's surface while listening to the sound of the Hayakawa River.

Highlight 2: Collaboration with weeping cherry blossoms

Just behind the Hayakawa River bank, 100 weeping cherry trees line National Route 138.

Unlike the Somei-Yoshino cherry tree, which has gorgeous pale-colored blossoms, the vivid, deep pink weeping cherry blossoms are the epitome of the "wabi-sabi" beauty so beloved by the Japanese.

Not only can you enjoy the charms of both Somei-Yoshino and weeping cherry trees, but both are the largest rows of cherry trees in Hakone, so if you want to enjoy cherry blossoms in Hakone, we recommend Hayakawa Bank in Miyagino.

Highlight 3: Illuminated cherry blossoms at night

When the cherry blossoms along the Hayakawa River banks are in full bloom, they will be open to the public at night as part of the "Miyagino Sakura Illumination" event, which runs from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Both the Somei-Yoshino cherry trees along the Hayakawa River banks and the weeping cherry trees along the national highway are lit up, so the area is famous for attracting many people to come and view the cherry blossoms even at night.

Although there are no food stalls or other food vendors, there are convenience stores nearby, so you will have no trouble purchasing snacks and drinks.

The illumination period changes each year depending on the cherry blossom blooming situation, so please check the latest information before heading out.

Best time to see the Hayakawa River Cherry Blossoms

The best time to see the cherry blossoms along the Hayakawa River banks is usually from early to mid-April.

Hakone is at a slightly higher elevation than Tokyo, so the cherry blossoms tend to bloom about a week later than in the city.

In 2024, the cherry blossoms will be in full bloom around April 5th to 7th, and in 2023, they will be in full bloom around April 1st to 4th, so please use this as a reference.

Location of "Hayakawa Bank Cherry Blossoms"

626-11 Miyagino, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture

Access to "Hayakawa Bank Cherry Blossoms"

If you want to see the cherry blossoms along the Hayakawa River, take a highway bus from Haneda Airport for about 160 minutes and get off at the Hakone Sengoku Information Center.

The fee is 2,500 yen.

From Hakone Sengoku Information Center to the nearest bus stop to Hayakawa Bank, "Miyagino Information Center-mae," it takes about 10 minutes by Hakone Tozan Bus and costs 410 yen.

Nearby tourist attractions

Tourist spot 1: Hakone Glass Forest Museum

The Hakone Glass Forest Museum is Japan's first museum specializing in Venetian glass.

Approximately 100 artworks are on display, with a focus on masterpieces of Venetian glass, but the garden where you can enjoy seasonal flowers and glass objects is particularly popular with tourists.

On sunny days, the glass objects displayed in the garden sparkle and shine beautifully, making it a place where you can lose track of time.

The attached restaurant is also popular for its live piano and violin music and delicious meals.

There are also many hands-on workshops available, with glass sandblasting and glass accessory making being popular.

To get to the Hakone Glass Forest Museum, take the Hakone Tozan Bus from Miyagino Information Center, the bus stop closest to the cherry blossoms on the Hayakawa Banks, and walk for about 3 minutes from the Shinonoki Hakone Highland Hotel bus stop.

Location of Hakone Glass Forest Museum

Kanagawa Prefecture, Ashigarashimo District, Hakone-machi, Sengokuhara 940-48

Tourist spot 2: Owakudani

Owakudani is a crater area created when Mount Hakone last erupted 3,000 years ago.

It still erupts steam today, and has become a staple of Hakone tourism as a power spot where you can experience the strength and energy of the earth.

On a clear day, you can see the magnificent Mt. Fuji right in front of you, as well as hot springs bubbling up from the ground and Owakudani's specialty, black eggs, which are said to extend your life by seven years if you eat them. This is a place you should definitely enjoy after appreciating the cherry blossoms along the Hayakawa banks.

To get to Owakudani, we recommend taking a taxi from Hayakawa Bank to Gora Station, then transferring to the cable car and ropeway, from which you can enjoy beautiful views from the windows.

The journey takes about 5 minutes by taxi, and about 10 minutes by cable car and ropeway.

Location of Owakudani

1251-1 Sengokuhara, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture

Tourist spot 3: Hakone Shrine

Hakone Shrine enshrines Hakone Ookami, the "god of good fortune" who is said to bring good luck, ward off evil, fulfill wishes, and ensure safety on the roads.

Hakone Shrine has a history of over 1,200 years and is always bustling with visitors, as it has many attractions, such as rows of old cedar trees that are over several hundred years old, the "Peace Torii" that stands on Lake Ashi, and the Treasure Hall where you can learn about the shrine's history.

In particular, the "Ryujinsuisha" water source with nine dragon mouths lined up is where the sacred water "Ryujinsui" springs from within the temple grounds. It is said that when you drink it, it will purify you of impurities and bring you good fortune.

Takeaway plastic bottles are also available for purchase, so be sure to try the Ryujin water to regulate your energy after viewing the cherry blossoms along the Hayakawa River banks.

It takes about 30 minutes by taxi from Hayakawa Bank to Hakone Shrine.

Location of Hakone Shrine

80-1 Motohakone, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture

summary

We introduced Miyagino Hayakawa Bank, a place where you can enjoy beautiful cherry blossoms in the popular tourist spot, Hakone.

The cherry blossoms on the Hayakawa River banks are one of Hakone's most popular cherry blossom viewing spots, where you can enjoy cherry blossom viewing while listening to the murmuring of the river.

If you visit Hakone, be sure to visit Hayakawa Bank and experience the Japanese spring and the majestic nature.