In spring, beautiful cherry blossoms bloom in full bloom, enveloping the entire city in a festive atmosphere. In Kanagawa, you can enjoy cherry blossoms in a variety of places, including historic castle ruins, Japanese gardens, and tree-lined riverside streets.

So this time, we will introduce 5 recommended cherry blossom viewing spots in Kanagawa Prefecture. In addition, we will also introduce surrounding tourist spots, so you can enjoy the unique gourmet food and shopping of Kanagawa along with the cherry blossoms.

Odawara Castle Ruins Park

Odawara Castle Park is a popular cherry blossom viewing spot with about 300 cherry trees in full bloom against the backdrop of the historic Odawara Castle. The beauty of the cherry blossoms surrounding the castle tower, which was reconstructed in 1960, and the moat has earned the park a place on the list of the "100 Best Cherry Blossom Spots." The view of the cherry blossoms and castle reflected in the moat is especially popular as a great photo spot.

During the cherry blossom season, the park is lit up at night, creating a fantastical atmosphere for cherry blossom viewing. There is also an amusement park within the park, making it a recommended tourist spot for families.

Best time to see cherry blossoms

Late March to early April

location

Within the castle grounds of Odawara City, Kanagawa Prefecture

Access methods

10 minutes walk from Odawara Station on the JR Tokaido Line

Children's Nature Park

Known as a famous cherry blossom viewing spot, Children's Nature Park has about 1,000 cherry trees blooming around the pond within the park in spring, allowing you to fully enjoy cherry blossom viewing.

The park is home to many attractions that are very popular with children, such as "Toride no Mori" with its large athletic playground equipment and "Makigahara Children's Zoo" where you can interact with small animals. You can also enjoy a meal while admiring the cherry blossoms at the barbecue area. The spacious lawn area is a spot where you can spend a relaxing time surrounded by nature.

Best time to see cherry blossoms

Late March to early April

location

Kanagawa Prefecture, Yokohama City, Asahi Ward, Oike-cho 65-1

Access methods

Approximately 7 minutes on foot from Minami-Makigahara Station on the Sotetsu Line Approximately 15 minutes on foot from the south exit of Futamatagawa Station on the Sotetsu Line

Genjiyama Park

Genjiyama Park is a famous cherry blossom spot in the center of Izunagaoka Onsen town. In spring, about 250 cherry trees, mainly Somei-Yoshino, bloom in full bloom, and the entire park is dyed in spring colors. You can walk to the top of the mountain in about 15 minutes, and from the observation deck you can enjoy a panoramic view of the beautiful cherry blossoms and the hot spring town.

In addition, there are also walking courses that allow you to experience history and culture, such as the "Bijin Sakura" (beautiful woman cherry blossoms) associated with Minamoto no Yorimasa, and a tour of the Seven Lucky Gods. This is a recommended spot where you can spend a relaxing time overlooking the hot spring town while admiring the cherry blossoms.

Best time to see cherry blossoms

Late March to early April

location

Ogigaya 4-chome, Kamakura City, Kanagawa Prefecture

Access methods

Approximately 20 minutes walk from Kita-Kamakura Station on the JR Yokosuka Line
Approximately 25 minutes on foot from Kamakura Station on the JR Yokosuka Line or Enoshima Electric Railway

Ooka River Promenade

Known as a famous cherry blossom viewing spot in Yokohama, the Ooka River Promenade is a popular cherry blossom viewing spot with a beautiful row of cherry trees stretching for about 3.5 km. In spring, about 500 Somei-Yoshino cherry trees bloom along the river, creating a fantastical view that makes it seem as if you are walking through a tunnel of cherry blossoms.

During the cherry blossom season, food stalls line the streets, creating a lively atmosphere. Another great attraction is being able to enjoy the cherry blossoms in full bloom while sampling local cuisine. At night, lanterns are lit up, bathing the cherry blossoms in a soft light, creating a romantic atmosphere that is different from the daytime.

Best time to see cherry blossoms

Late March to early April

location

Hiromyoujicho, Minami-ku, Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture, and other areas

Access methods

About 5 minutes walk from Komyoji Station on the Keikyu Main Line

Sankeien Garden

Sankeien is a Japanese garden opened in 1906 by businessman Hara Sankei, and is a famous spot for beautiful cherry blossoms where historical buildings and nature coexist in harmony. Within the garden, there are valuable cultural properties that were relocated from Kyoto and Kamakura, and in spring, about 300 cherry trees bloom in full glory.

In particular, the 500m cherry blossom tunnel that continues from the main gate is a spectacular sight, and the contrast with the three-story pagoda seen across the pond is a must-see. At night, the cherry blossoms and historical buildings are lit up, and the "Sankeien Cherry Blossom Tour" is held, where you can enjoy the fantastic night cherry blossoms. In addition, at the teahouse in the garden, you can enjoy special cherry blossom ice cream made with cherry leaves, and fully enjoy the spring atmosphere.

Best time to see cherry blossoms

Late March to early April

location

Kanagawa Prefecture Yokohama City Naka Ward Honmoku Sannotani 58-1

Access methods

Approximately 10 minutes by Yokohama Municipal Bus from JR Keihin Tohoku/Negishi Line "Negishi Station", then approximately 7 minutes on foot from "Honmoku" bus stop

Other tourist destinations in Kanagawa Prefecture

Yokohama Chinatown

Yokohama Chinatown is one of the world's largest and most popular tourist spots in Japan. There are about 600 Chinese restaurants, variety stores, and fortune-telling shops, so you can enjoy gourmet food, shopping, and cultural experiences to your heart's content. You can taste authentic Chinese cuisine from Cantonese, Beijing, Shanghai, and Sichuan, and easy-to-enjoy street food such as steamed buns, xiaolongbao, and Peking duck is also popular.

There are many things to see, including the symbol of Chinatown, the Zenrinmon Gate, the Guandi Temple, which enshrines Guan Yu, the god of prosperity in business, and the Mazu Temple, which prays for safe voyages. At night, the area is lit up, allowing you to enjoy an exotic atmosphere.

Yokohama Zoo "Zoorasia"

Yokohama Zoological Gardens "Zoorasia" is one of the largest zoos in Japan, and is a popular spot where you can encounter rare animals from all over the world. Rare animals such as okapis and Japanese tree kangaroos live here, and you can observe a variety of animals up close, including Indian elephants, polar bears, and Bornean orangutans.

Within the park, you can feed the ponies and enjoy horseback riding at "Pakapaka Square," and you can enjoy a picnic lunch at "Korokoro Square" and "Koroko Lodge." The park is surrounded by abundant nature and is perfect for relaxing with family and friends.

Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse

The Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse is a complex of historic brick warehouses built during the Meiji and Taisho periods that have been reused, and is one of Yokohama's most famous tourist spots. Building No. 1 is a cultural facility where plays and concerts are held, while Building No. 2 is lined with stylish shops and restaurants, allowing you to enjoy shopping and gourmet food.

In the square within the premises, seasonal events such as the Strawberry Festival and Flower Garden are held, attracting many tourists. At night, the entire warehouse is lit up in orange, creating a fantastic atmosphere together with the view of the harbor.

summary

Kanagawa has many attractive spots where you can enjoy beautiful cherry blossoms. You can enjoy cherry blossoms in a variety of landscapes, such as historic castle ruins, Japanese gardens, and tree-lined riverside streets. We recommend taking a leisurely stroll under the cherry blossoms during the day, and enjoying the fantastical illuminated scenery at night.

In addition, the surrounding tourist destinations offer a wide range of gourmet food and shopping that is unique to Kanagawa. Why not enjoy the charms of Kanagawa to the fullest this spring along with the cherry blossoms?