Cherry blossoms are known familiarly as a symbol of spring in Japan, and it’s a typical seasonal feature to announce the arrival of the spring throughout Japan. Cherry blossoms gloriously bloom and fall in an instant. For this reason, Japanese people is eagerly waiting for the blooming of cherry blossoms and attracted by its momentary beauty. Japan’s Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots is chosen by Japan Cherry Blossom Association in 1990. This time we introduce 21 spots in Chubu Region out of those.
Okozu-bunsui(大河津分水) is diversion aqueducts spritting flow of Shinano river, the longest river in Japan. About 3000 cherry trees line up over 10km at an embankment of Okozu-bunsui, creating a spectacular tunnel of cherry blossoms in full bloom. Oiran Dochu Courtesan Processionl will be taken place in the flowering season, and lavishly dressed Oiran (courtesan) gorgeously parade under the cherry pink tunnel. Cherry blossoms will be illuminated in the evening, attracting many visitors every year.
Takada Park(高田公園) is a park that established at the site of Takada Castle Ruins, and it’s one of the most popular sights for cherry blossoms in Niigata. The park will be covered with 4000 cherry trees as far as the eye can see at their best. Cherry blossoms will be illuminated at night with 3000 of paper lanterns, creating gorgeously romantic atmosphere all around. Night viewing of cherry blossom in Takada Park is one of Japan’s three beautiful Yozakura sights, and both three-story turret and cherry blossoms reflecting the moat is extremely amazing!
Muramatsu Park(村松公園), situated in the south of Niigata, is a relaxing place for citizens with playgrounds and athletic facilities. About 3000 cherry trees, mainly Someiyoshino, are planted in the park and the entire park will be enveloped in cherry pink in full bloom. Cherry trees will be illuminated at night during the flowering season and visitors will be enchanted by the beauty of the scenery different from the daytime.
Takaoka-kojyo Park(高岡古城公園) is a beautiful park with moat and earthworks of Takaoka Castle Ruins in the vast site of 210,000 square meters. Roughly 1800 cherry trees such as Koshino-higan, Yama-zakura, and Someiyoshino are planted in the park, which will be brilliantly matched with the moat in full bloom. Cherry blossoms will be illuminated with many paper lanterns at night and attract many visitors every year.
Matsukawa Park(松川公園) is a park built at the riverbed of Matsu river flowing through the center of Toyama city, and about 520 Someiyoshino cherry trees are planted over 3.5km along the both banks of the river. A river cruise tour, passing through the arch created by cherry blossoms by a riverboat, is very popular during the flowering season.
Kenroku-en Garden(兼六園) is one of Japan’s three outstanding gardens and designated as a nation’s special place of scenic beauty. There are various kinds of 420 cherry trees planted in the garden and particularly Kenrokuen-kikuzakura with 300 petals and 300-year-old Kenrokuen-kumagai are famous trees out of those kinds.