In spring, the beautiful cherry blossoms bloom, enveloping the entire city in a festive atmosphere. In Nagoya, you can enjoy cherry blossoms in a variety of places, including castles, gardens, and riverside walks.

So, this time we will introduce 5 recommended cherry blossom viewing spots in Nagoya. In addition, we will also introduce surrounding tourist spots, so you can enjoy the sightseeing and cuisine unique to Nagoya along with the cherry blossoms.

Nagoya Castle

Nagoya Castle is one of the largest castles in Japan, built by order of Tokugawa Ieyasu in the early Edo period. The golden shachihoko (golden shachihoko) on the five-story castle tower is its symbol, and the castle is full of historical charm. In spring, the approximately 1,000 cherry trees planted within the castle bloom in full glory, creating a beautiful tunnel of cherry blossoms, especially around the outer and inner moats.

There are about 10 kinds of cherry blossoms, including Somei-yoshino and weeping cherry, and the rare green flowers of the Gyoikou cherry blossoms that bloom in mid-April are also a highlight. At the Nagoya Castle Cherry Blossom Festival, the cherry blossoms are lit up at night and events are held, creating a fantastic atmosphere.

Best time to see cherry blossoms

Late March to early April

location

1-1 Honmaru, Naka-ku, Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture

Access methods

Get off at Nagoya Sightseeing Route Bus "Nagoya Castle" or "Nagoya Castle East/City Hall"

About 5 minutes walk from Exit 7 of Nagoya Castle Station on the Meijo Subway Line

Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Garden

Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens is a Nagoya-based tourist spot that combines a zoo, botanical garden, and amusement park. In spring, about 1,000 cherry trees of 100 varieties bloom in full glory, and the "Cherry Blossom Corridor" in the botanical gardens is particularly not to be missed. A wide variety of varieties, such as the early-blooming Kawazuzakura, the drooping Itozakura, and the yellow-green-flowering Gyoiko, reach their peak one after another.

At the zoo, you can enjoy taking photos of animals with the cherry blossoms in the background, and during the Spring Festival, events such as "Animal Talks" and walking rallies are held. The fantastic scenery of the illuminated double cherry blossoms at night is also a must-see. You can enjoy a special moment interwoven with nature, animals, and cherry blossoms.

Best time to see cherry blossoms

Early March to late April

location

3-70 Higashiyamamotocho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture

Access methods

Nagoya City Bus: Get off at Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens, a short walk away

Approximately 3 minutes walk from Exit 3 of Higashiyama Koen Station on the Higashiyama Subway Line

Higashiyama Fruit Park

Higashitaniyama Fruit Park is an agricultural park located in Moriyama-ku, Nagoya City, and is rich in nature. In spring, about 1,000 weeping cherry trees brighten up the park. In particular, the rows of cherry trees lined with the deep pink flowers of the weeping cherry tree are a spectacular sight, as if they are raining down from the sky.

In addition, during this time of year, the flowers of various fruits planted in the orchards, such as plums, plums, peaches, almonds, pears, and apples, begin to bloom one after another, making it an appealing sight to enjoy along with the cherry blossoms. The garden also has a tropical fruit greenhouse and a fruit pavilion, where you can enjoy displays of fruits that are rare in Japan and experience picking them. There is also a restaurant where you can enjoy sweets made with fruit, making it a great spot to spend some relaxing time surrounded by nature with your family or friends.

Best time to see cherry blossoms

Late March to mid-April

location

2110 Higashitani, Kamishidanami, Moriyama-ku, Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture

Access methods

Get off at "Kozoji Station" on the JR Chuo Main Line, take the Nagoya City Bus for about 15 minutes and get off at "Toganeyama Fruit Park"

Get off at Fujigaoka Station on the Higashiyama Subway Line, then take a Nagoya City Bus for about 30 minutes and get off at Higashiyama Fruit Park.

Shirotori Garden

Shiratori Garden is one of the largest pond-centered Japanese gardens in the Tokai region, and is a tasteful spot that recreates the beautiful nature of Japan. Weeping cherry trees, wild cherry trees, and rare green-flowering cranesbills are planted in the garden, and in spring the garden is decorated with cherry blossoms. The garden is characterized by its grandiose layout, with the artificial hill representing Mt. Ontake, the flowing Kiso River, and the pond representing Ise Bay, allowing visitors to enjoy the scenery of the four seasons as they stroll through the garden.

You can also spend a relaxing time sipping matcha tea at the Seihatei Teahouse, located almost in the center of the garden. If you walk a little further, you can also enjoy the row of cherry trees along the Horikawa River, Shiratori Promenade, making this a spot where you can fully enjoy the Japanese scenery and cherry blossoms.

Best time to see cherry blossoms

Late March to early April

location

2-5 Atsuta Nishimachi, Atsuta Ward, Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture

Access methods

About 10 minutes walk from Exit 4 of Atsuta Jingu Nishi Station on the Subway Meijo Line

Yamazaki River Four Seasons Path

Yamazaki River Four Seasons Path is a famous cherry blossom viewing spot in Mizuho Ward, Nagoya City, and has been selected as one of the "100 Best Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots in Japan." Approximately 600 Yoshino cherry trees decorate the riverside, and the 2.5km stretch from Ishikawa Bridge to Ochiai Bridge is a particularly scenic spot where a tunnel of cherry blossoms continues. The contrast between the flowing water and the cherry blossoms is beautiful, and you can enjoy cherry blossom viewing at your leisure in a tranquil atmosphere.

At night, the area is lit up for a limited time, and the fantastic view of the cherry blossoms reflected on the river's surface is very appealing. Unlike other cherry blossom viewing spots crowded with tourists, the area is located in a residential area, so you can enjoy a stroll in a relaxed atmosphere. There are also art museums and restaurants in the surrounding area, so you won't be short of places to stop by after viewing the cherry blossoms. You can feel the atmosphere of spring in Japan as you walk along the quiet rows of cherry blossom trees.

Best time to see cherry blossoms

Late March to early April

location

Aichi Prefecture, Nagoya City, Mizuho Ward, Tanabedori 3, etc.

Access methods

Approximately 15 minutes walk from Mizuho Ward Office Station on the Sakuradori Subway Line

Other Nagoya tourist attractions

Atsuta Shrine

Atsuta Shrine is a historic shrine located in Nagoya City, where the Kusanagi Sword, one of the Three Sacred Treasures, is enshrined. It boasts a high level of prestige second only to Ise Shrine, and is a nationally known center of faith. Within the vast grounds of about 20,000 square meters, there are rows of large camphor trees over 1,000 years old, creating an atmosphere of tranquility and solemnity.

The Treasure Museum on the grounds displays over 6,000 votive items, allowing visitors to experience Japanese history and culture. Behind the main hall is the "Path of the Heart," where Ichinogozen Shrine is located, enshrining the rough spirit of Atsuta Okami. Every year on June 5th, the grand annual festival, the Atsuta Festival, is held, a special day where visitors can enjoy fireworks and traditional events. This is a must-see spot where you can experience Japanese history and nature.

Kinshachi Alley

Kinshachi Yokocho is a gourmet street located right next to Nagoya Castle, and is a popular spot where you can enjoy the flavors and culture of Nagoya. The area is divided into the "Yoshinao Zone," where you can find long-established Nagoya cuisine, and the "Muneharu Zone," where you can enjoy new gourmet food. Admission is free, so it's also appealing that you can drop in any time.

Here you can enjoy classic Nagoya dishes such as Hitsumabushi, miso katsu, and Nagoya Cochin oyakodon. There is also a wide selection of sweets and souvenirs made with local ingredients, so you can experience Nagoya's food culture while enjoying a snack-filled stroll. Be sure to stop by between sightseeing at Nagoya Castle and enjoy the Nagoya cuisine that can only be found here.

Port of Nagoya Public Aquarium

Nagoya Port Public Aquarium is an aquarium that boasts one of the largest outdoor pools in Japan, and is a popular spot where you can encounter about 500 kinds of sea creatures. The aquarium is divided into the South Wing, which has the theme of "Journey to the Antarctic," and the North Wing, which has the theme of "A Long Journey Across 3.5 Billion Years."

In particular, the dynamic performances of the killer whales and dolphins are a must-see, and the show held in a large pool that can accommodate about 3,000 people is a spectacular sight. Other attractions include the beautiful cries of beluga whales and an exhibit where you can observe killer whales from underwater. There is also a replica of a baleen whale's skeleton on display, which allows you to learn about the evolution of marine life, and there is plenty to enjoy for both children and adults. If you are visiting Nagoya, be sure to stop by.

summary

Kyoto has many attractive spots where you can enjoy beautiful cherry blossoms. You can enjoy cherry blossoms in a variety of landscapes, such as historic castles, gardens, and riverside walks. We recommend taking a leisurely stroll under the cherry blossoms during the day, and enjoying the fantastic scenery lit up at night.

You can also enjoy Nagoya's unique gourmet food and shopping at the surrounding tourist spots. Why not experience the charm of Nagoya to the fullest this spring along with the cherry blossoms?