In spring, the beautiful cherry blossoms bloom in full glory, enveloping the entire city in a festive atmosphere. Hiroshima Prefecture has many places where you can enjoy cherry blossoms, including historic castles and gardens, and scenic spots overlooking the Seto Inland Sea.

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

Haji Dam

In spring, the shores of Haji Dam are decorated with around 3,000 cherry trees, making it one of the best cherry blossom viewing spots in western Japan. The view is particularly spectacular when in full bloom, with the rows of cherry trees reflected on the lake's surface creating a fantastic atmosphere. At the adjacent Nodogoe Park, food stalls are lined up and the area is bustling with people enjoying picnics.

We also recommend renting a bicycle and cycling around the cherry blossom-lined lakeside area. At night, about 400 lanterns are lit up, creating a fantastic night view of the cherry blossoms. This is a spot filled with the charms of spring, typical of Japan, where you can enjoy both nature and activities.

Best time to see cherry blossoms

Late March to mid-April

location

1194-1 Hashi, Yachiyo-cho, Aki-Takata City

Access methods

Approximately 10 minutes by car from the Chiyoda Interchange on the Chugoku Expressway

Miyajima

Miyajima, known for the World Heritage Site Itsukushima Shrine, is also an attractive spot for cherry blossoms. Approximately 1,900 cherry trees bloom on the island, and the area around the Tahoto Pagoda is particularly popular as a scenic spot overlooking the large torii gate through the cherry blossoms. The contrast between the vermilion-painted five-story pagoda and the pale cherry blossoms is a beauty that can only be seen in spring.

You can also enjoy the cherry blossoms on the walking route from Omoto Park and Fujinotana Park to Daishoin Temple, where you can enjoy a tasteful cherry blossom viewing experience that harmonizes with the serene scenery of the Seto Inland Sea. The combination of historical buildings and cherry blossoms in full bloom, a spectacular sight unique to Miyajima, is a must-see.

Best time to see cherry blossoms

Late March to early April

location

Miyajimacho, Hatsukaichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture

Access methods

5 minutes walk or 10 minutes by ferry from Miyajimaguchi Station on the JR Sanyo Main Line

Fudekageyama

Mount Fudekage, 311 meters above sea level, is a scenic spot designated as part of the Setonaikai National Park. It is said that Rai Sanyo, a Confucian scholar and poet from the late Edo period, named the mountain after the shape of the mountain reflected in the sea, which looks like a brush.

In spring, about 2,000 Yoshino cherry trees bloom, and the view of the Seto Inland Sea's numerous islands beyond the cherry blossoms is overwhelming. The view from the observation deck at the summit is particularly rated as the most beautiful in the Seto Inland Sea, and is well worth a visit. The cherry blossom lined Mount Ryuo in the southwest is also magnificent, and on clear days you can see the Shikoku Mountains and the seven bridges of the Shimanami Kaido.

Best time to see cherry blossoms

Late March to early April

location

Sunamicho, Mihara City, Hiroshima Prefecture

Access methods

Approximately 30 minutes by taxi from JR Sanyo Shinkansen "Mihara Station"
Approximately 1 hour on foot from JR Kure Line "Sunami Station"

Fukuyama Castle Park

Fukuyama Castle is a historic castle that has been selected as one of Japan's 100 most famous castles. Built in 1619, the castle tower will be renovated to mark its 400th anniversary in 2022. In spring, Somei-yoshino, Satozakura, and Yamazakura cherry trees bloom in the park, and the scenery of the blossoms in full bloom and the majestic castle tower is a truly Japanese beauty.

The park is also lit up at night, so you can enjoy the fantastic night cherry blossoms. The park also houses an art museum and a history museum, so you can enjoy cherry blossom viewing while experiencing culture. It is a famous spot full of spring charm that is also recommended for families.

Best time to see cherry blossoms

Late March to early April

location

Marunouchi 1, Fukuyama City, Hiroshima Prefecture

Access methods

Approximately 5 minutes walk from JR Sanyo Main Line "Fukuyama Station"

Senkoji Park

Senkoji Park, which spreads across Mount Senkoji at an altitude of 144.2m, is a popular spot that has been certified as one of the "Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots" and a "Lovers' Sanctuary." Approximately 1,500 cherry trees bloom in the park, and the view from the top of the mountain is truly spectacular.

In 2022, Senkoji Temple Summit Observatory PEAK will reopen, attracting attention as a new viewing spot. In addition, from the observation point "MiTeMi" that uses the former site of Onomichi Castle, you can enjoy beautiful views of the cherry blossoms and the Seto Inland Sea. At night, lanterns are lit up, allowing you to enjoy the fantastic night cherry blossoms. If you walk along the "Literature Path" that continues from the summit, you can also stop by the historic Senkoji Temple.

Best time to see cherry blossoms

Late March to mid-April

location

19-1 Nishidocho, Onomichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture

Access methods

3 minutes by bus from Onomichi Station on the JR Sanyo Main Line, then 3 minutes by ropeway after getting off at Nagaeguchi

Other popular tourist destinations in Hiroshima

We will introduce three popular tourist spots unique to Hiroshima that you can enjoy along with the cherry blossoms.

Tomonoura

Tomonoura, located in Fukuyama City, Hiroshima Prefecture, is a historic port town that has flourished since ancient times as a "tide-waiting port." It is said that travelers and merchants would stop by here to wait for the tides as two tidal currents meet. Nightlights, town houses, and port facilities from the Edo period still remain, and the whole town is enveloped in an atmosphere that makes you feel as if you have traveled back in time.

It also boasts beautiful scenery that is written about in the Manyoshu, and is one of the most scenic spots in the Seto Inland Sea, designated as Japan's first national park. The islands of Seto Inland Sea that can be seen from Taichoro are praised as "the most beautiful place in the east of Japan," and the port town that retains strong traces of its history has been recognized as a Japan Heritage site. In recent years, it has also attracted attention as a location for movies and dramas, making it a soothing spot.

Shukkeien Garden

Shukkeien is a feudal garden built in the early Edo period as a villa for Asano Nagaakira, the first lord of Hiroshima. Modeled after the famous Chinese scenic spot "West Lake," the garden has a stroll-style design with ponds, valleys, bridges, and teahouses cleverly arranged.

The scenery changes with the seasons, with cherry blossoms decorating the garden in spring and water lilies blooming in cool summer. In autumn, the entire garden is vibrantly colored with autumn leaves, allowing you to enjoy a different atmosphere every time you visit. Although it was severely damaged in the atomic bombing of 1945, the teahouses "Seifukan" and "Meigetsu-tei" have now been restored, making it a tranquil space where history and culture live on. This is a spot where you can experience the traditional beauty of Japan while taking a leisurely stroll through the garden.

Sengoku Garden

Sengoku Garden, located in Higashihiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture, is a vast Japanese garden spanning approximately 2 hectares, known for its unique rock garden with skillfully arranged inscribed stones, megaliths, and unusual stones collected from all over Japan. It was created by doctor and landscape gardener Seizo Yamana over a period of approximately 25 years, and in 2020 was certified as Japan's first registered garden stone museum.

The garden features two stroll-style pond gardens, the "Upper Garden" and the "Lower Garden." Highlights include the "Senjin Falls," which cascades down a 15-meter drop, and "Sengoku Lake." The scenery, which blends seasonal plants and rocks, offers a different look every time you visit. You can also enjoy a meal while gazing at the beautiful gardens at the "Sekitei" restaurant and barbecue area.

summary

Hiroshima has many attractive spots where you can enjoy beautiful cherry blossoms. You can enjoy cherry blossoms in a variety of landscapes, including historic castles and gardens, and scenic spots overlooking the Seto Inland Sea. We recommend taking a leisurely stroll under the cherry blossoms during the day, and enjoying the fantastical illuminated scenery at night.

You can also enjoy Hiroshima's history and culture at the surrounding tourist sites. Why not come and experience the charm of Hiroshima to the fullest this spring while admiring the cherry blossoms?