Cherry blossoms herald the arrival of spring. There are many famous cherry blossom viewing spots in Japan, but among them, Hirosaki Park (Aomori Prefecture), Yoshinoyama (Nara Prefecture), and Takato Castle Ruins Park (Nagano Prefecture) are known as the "Three Great Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots of Japan." All of them continue to attract many cherry blossom viewers with their deep history and the beauty of their cherry blossoms. In this article, we will introduce the charms and highlights of each spot, how to access them, and even spots that will look great on social media.

What are the three most famous cherry blossom spots in Japan?

"Japan's Three Greatest Cherry Blossom Spots" are, as the name suggests, three places that boast overwhelming popularity and beauty as "Japan's most famous cherry blossom spots." Each has its own unique history and characteristics, and is a spectacular spot that you should visit at least once in your lifetime.

Hirosaki Park (Aomori Prefecture)

This park surrounds Hirosaki Castle in Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture, and is home to approximately 2,600 cherry trees, including somei-yoshino, one of the oldest in Japan. Within the park you can see the castle tower and moat of Hirosaki Castle, and enjoy the magnificent view of history and nature in perfect harmony.

Mount Yoshino (Nara Prefecture)

This famous cherry blossom spot in Yoshino Town, Nara Prefecture, is also included as part of the World Heritage Site "Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range." The sight of the approximately 30,000 white mountain cherry trees painting the entire mountain is truly spectacular. Cherry blossoms have been the subject of worship since ancient times, and it can be said to be a sacred place where many people eagerly await the arrival of spring.

Takato Castle Ruins Park (Nagano Prefecture)

Located in Ina City, Nagano Prefecture, this park uses the ruins of Takato Castle from the Warring States period, where approximately 1,500 Takato Kohigan cherry trees bloom in profusion. Known as the "best cherry tree in the world" for their beauty, the deep pink petals make the heart flutter when you see them.

What makes the three major cherry blossom viewing spots so special?

Historical value and an overwhelming amount of cherry blossoms

All of these famous sites are characterized by their deep historical and cultural value. Hirosaki Castle in Hirosaki Park has been in existence since the Edo period, and Mount Yoshino has been loved by people since ancient times, even appearing in Shugendo and waka poetry. Takato Castle Ruins Park also utilizes a historic site from the Warring States period, and exudes a unique atmosphere that combines the weight of history with the transience of cherry blossoms. There are also many cherry trees and varieties, each with its own distinctive character, such as Somei Yoshino, Shiroyamazakura, and Takato Kohiganzakura, making it well worth seeing.

Plenty of spots that look great on social media

Speaking of cherry blossoms, many people upload beautiful photos to social media. The three major cherry blossom viewing spots are full of spots that will make you want to take pictures one after another. Each spot offers a unique view, such as the collaboration of Hirosaki Castle and cherry blossoms, the panorama overlooking the top of Mount Yoshino, and the deep pink "cherry blossom tunnel" at Takato Castle Ruins Park.

A thorough explanation of the attractions of the three major cherry blossom viewing spots

Hirosaki Park (Aomori Prefecture)

Attractions

Hirosaki Park, where about 2,600 cherry trees are in full bloom, is best seen for its contrast with the Hirosaki Castle tower. Many of the oldest Somei-Yoshino cherry trees in Japan remain in the park, and the presence of the cherry trees that are over 100 years old is overwhelming. In addition, the "upside-down cherry blossoms" reflected in the moat and the "cherry blossom tunnel" where the cherry blossoms bloom in a tunnel shape are sure to be photogenic.

Best time to see and events

The best time to see the cherry blossoms is usually from late April to early May. During this period, the cherry blossoms are lit up at night, creating a fantastical world that is a little different from the daytime. Many stalls are set up during the Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival, so you can enjoy local specialties and gourmet food all at once. Apple-based sweets are a speciality unique to Hirosaki.

access

It is easily accessible, about 15 minutes by bus from JR Hirosaki Station. If you are driving, it is about 30 minutes from the Owani Hirosaki IC on the Tohoku Expressway, but since the surrounding area is very crowded during cherry blossom season, we recommend using temporary parking lots or public transportation. You can enjoy the cherry blossoms at a relatively leisurely pace in the early morning or at night.

Mount Yoshino (Nara Prefecture)

Attractions

The cherry blossoms on Mount Yoshino are mainly Shiroyamazakura, and the sight of around 30,000 cherry trees covering the entire mountain is a spectacular sight that can't be seen anywhere else. The cherry blossoms bloom in stages - Shimo Senbon, Naka Senbon, Kami Senbon, and Oku Senbon - so you can enjoy cherry blossom viewing over a relatively long period of time, which is a nice point. The panoramic view from the summit is particularly breathtaking, and in the early morning when the sunlight gently illuminates the mountainside, you'll feel as if you have a special space all to yourself.

History and beliefs

Mount Yoshino is also part of the World Heritage Site "Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range," and has long been an object of worship as a sacred place for Shugendo sects. The culture of regarding cherry blossoms as sacred remains strong, and they often appear in waka poetry and literature. Another attraction of cherry blossoms is that they are not just for viewing, but also allow you to experience the history of cherry blossoms as a symbol of prayer.

Best time to see & access

The best time to see the cherry blossoms is from early to mid-April. The main ways to get to the park from Kintetsu Yoshino Station are by ropeway or on foot, but it is expected to be quite crowded during cherry blossom season. Parking is limited, so we recommend using public transportation whenever possible. If you go on a weekday or early in the morning, you can enjoy the cherry blossoms at a relatively leisurely pace.

Takato Castle Ruins Park (Nagano Prefecture)

Attractions

The cherry blossoms at Takato Castle Park are the Takato Kohiganzakura, with their beautiful, unique deep pink color. The sight of about 1,500 trees blooming at once is truly spectacular, worthy of the nickname "the best cherry blossom in the world." There is a cherry blossom tunnel in the park, and the feeling of being enveloped in a shower of densely blooming petals above your head is a must-see. In addition, combined with the romantic historical background of the ruins of a castle from the Warring States period, you can enjoy a tasteful cherry blossom view.

Best time to visit & events

The best time to see the cherry blossoms is usually from mid-April to late April. During the cherry blossom festival (8:00-17:00), admission is 500 yen for adults, but the park is well-maintained and well worth a visit. The illuminated cherry blossoms at night are also very popular, and the charm of Takato Castle Park is that it shows a completely different look between day and night.

access

It's about a 25-minute bus ride from JR Inashi Station, or a 30-minute car ride from the Ina IC on the Chuo Expressway, but it does get crowded during the flowering season. If you go right after the park opens or in the evening, you'll likely be able to enjoy cherry blossom viewing at a leisurely pace, so if you want to avoid the crowds, be sure to plan your schedule accordingly.

Recommended photo spots that will look great on social media!

Hirosaki Park

The combination of Hirosaki Castle tower and cherry blossoms: a must-see if you want to take photos with a quintessentially Japanese feel.

Upside-down cherry blossoms on the moat: The cherry blossoms reflected on the water's surface are as beautiful as a mirror, and are sure to look great on Instagram.

Cherry Blossom Tunnel: Just walking through this space with cherry blossoms falling on both sides will make your heart beat faster.

Mount Yoshino

Panoramic view from the summit: The sheer scale of the view, from Shimo Senbon to Oku Senbon, is appealing.

Early morning photography: The cherry blossoms floating in the morning mist are fantastical, and since there are few people around, you can concentrate on taking photos.

Takato Castle Ruins Park

"Cherry Blossom Tunnel": The path dyed in deep pink is breathtakingly beautiful.

View from the castle ruins: The contrast between the castle walls reminiscent of the Warring States period and the cherry blossoms is a highlight.

Nearby sightseeing and local gourmet information

Hirosaki Park Area

Hirosaki Castle: A historical structure located within the park. The combination of cherry blossoms and the castle is stunning.

Tsugaru Neputa Village: A spot where you can experience Aomori's traditional culture, Neputa.

Apple sweets: A wide variety of flavors unique to Hirosaki, including apple pie and candy apples.

Around Mount Yoshino

Kinpusenji Temple: A temple representing Mount Yoshino, a World Heritage Site.

Japanese sweets made with Yoshino kudzu: Kudzu kiri and kudzu mochi are appealing for their smooth texture.

Walking route: In addition to the cherry blossoms, it is also fun to visit the old shops and shrines and temples that line the approach to the shrine.

Around Takato Castle Park

Takato Soba: A flavorful delicacy made from locally grown buckwheat flour.

Hot spring facilities in Ina City: After cherry blossom viewing, relax in the hot springs. The starry sky is especially beautiful at night.

Takato Town's old townscape: We recommend searching for souvenirs while walking through the streets that retain their traditional atmosphere.

summary

Hirosaki Park, Mount Yoshino, and Takato Castle Park are the three most famous cherry blossom viewing spots in Japan, each with its own unique cherry blossom expression and deep history.

At Hirosaki Park, you can enjoy the atmosphere of the castle grounds and the oldest Yoshino cherry trees.
・At Mount Yoshino, you will be impressed by the magnificent panorama of 30,000 cherry trees blooming all at once.
At Takato Castle Ruins Park, you'll be transported to a fantastical world spun by the deep pink Takato Kohigan cherry blossoms.

This year, be sure to visit one of Japan's three most famous cherry blossom viewing spots, capture the breathtaking scenery in photos and on social media, and create the most unforgettable memories.