content: Experience Cherry Blossom Tunnels, an expression used to describe paths where Cherry Blossom trees are planted on both sides forming a pink flower tunnel. There are many cherry blossom tunnels nationwide. Find your favorite one!
Summary
Experience Cherry Blossom Tunnels, an expression used to describe paths where Cherry Blossom trees are planted on both sides forming a pink flower tunnel. There are many cherry blossom tunnels nationwide. Find your favorite one! All are unique in their own way!
Top 12 Cherry Blossom Tunnels in Japan
Have you ever experienced walking/driving through a cherry blossom or sakura tunnel? If you haven’t, then consider giving it a shot this year. Cherry blossoms bloom from mid January until mid May, depending on the region and weather. Tokyo’s cherry blossoms typically bloom from the end of March until early April. When these cherry trees are planted facing each other along a road, it forms a magical pink ceiling in the sky. Here we introduce 12 cherry blossom tunnel spots, along with information on when they typically bloom in the region.
1. Mount Yaedake’s Cherry Blossom Tunnel (Okinawa)
Cherry Blossom Season: Mid January- Early February
Okinawa Island, which is located at the southern edge of Japan, is where the cherry blossoms bloom the earliest in Japan during the month of January. Mount Yaedake, located west of Naha city in Okinawa, is one of the best cherry blossom tunnel spots in Okinawa. Drive up to the peak of Mount Yaedake while passing by festive pink Kanhi Zakura cherry blossoms, which are a brighter pink compared to your typical cherry blossoms found on the main islands. Mount Yaedake area has a fascinating number of 7,000 cherry blossom trees planted along a 2.5 mile (4 km) road, leading towards the top of the mountain peak. Every year during the month of January, a cherry blossom festival is held within the mountain’s park where they set up food stands and hold various events. Mount Yaedake Information
Access: 2-hour drive from Naha airport (only accessable by car)
Address: Okayo, Motobu, Kunigami District, Okinawa Prefecture
Tel: +81-980-47-6688
Open Hours: Open 24 hours
Admission: Free
2. Minamata Cherry Line (Kumamoto)
Cherry Blossom Season: Mid March-Beginning of April
Minamata Cherry Line can be found near the Yunoko hot spring of Minamata city, which is located within the Southern Kumamoto prefecture. As the name implicates, it’s a famous spot where 500 cherry blossom trees line up forming a 3.1 mi. (5 km) cherry blossom tunnel. Selected as one of “Japan’s Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots”, the site is sublime with beautiful natural contrasts of the pink tunnel, turquoise sea coast, and greenery of the mountains. You can drive, walk, or cycle through the tunnel or go on a 30-min cruise to view the cherry blossoms from the sea.Minamata Cherry Line Information
Access: 15 min drive from JR Shin-Minamata Station
Address: Hama, Minamata, Kumamoto Prefecture
Tel: +81- 966-63-2079
Open hours: Open 24 hours
Admission: Free
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Boat ride fee: 700 yen /adult 300 yen/student 100 yen/preschoolers
. Sugi no Baba Dori Street (Fukuoka)
Cherry Blossom Season: End of March- mid April
Akizuki deserves its nickname, "The Little Kyoto of the Chikuzen District," partly because it is one of the best places in Fukuoka Prefecture to view cherry blossoms. About 200 cherry trees line the street called Sugi no Baba Dori, adding to the beauty of this historical castle town. Embrace the scenic view under the tunnel of 200 cherry blossom trees. You will no doubt feel like you have travelled back in time to ancient Japan when walking down this historical 640 ft (500 m) long street.<iframe src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d26623.217114655417!2d130.69074704592435!3d33.47789851901221!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x35417749ab34ddef%3A0xe741408125b079f6!2z44CSODM4LTAwMTEg56aP5bKh55yM5pyd5YCJ5biC56eL5pyI6YeO6b
Ol!5e0!3m2!1sja!2sjp!4v1551405878542"frameborder="0" allowfullscreen>Sugi no Baba Dori Street Information
Access: Right by Hakubutsukan-mae bus stop (Ride the bus bound for Azizuki from Amagi railway’s Amagi station for 20 min)
Address: Akizukinotori, Asakura, Fukuoka Prefecture
Tel: +81-946-24-6758
Open hours: Open 24 hours
Admission: Free
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Night light up time: around 5 PM to 10 PM
4. Hikawateibou Cherry Blossom Street (Shimane)
Cherry Blossom Season: End of March- mid April
Located by the Sea of Japan is Shimane prefecture’s Hikawateibou Cherry Blossom Street, one of “Japan’s Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots” and the most popular cherry blossom site in the Chugoku region of Japan. With 800 cherry blossom trees along a 1.24 mi. (2 km) street, many groups sit down in the cherry blossom tunnel for a flower-viewing party. At this site, professional cherry tree gardeners take special care of cherry blossom trees, especially those that are more than 80 years old. Hikawateibou Cherry Blossom Street Information
Access: 1-min walk from JR Kisuki station
Address: Kisukicho Kisuki, Unnan, Shimane Prefecture
Tel: +81-946-24-6758
Open hours: Open 24 hours
Admission: Free
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Night light up time: around 6 PM to 11 PM
Unnan city Cherry blossom festival: April 6th and 7th, 2019 with various events during the day (details not set)
5. Ibaratsuzumi’s Cherry Blossom Tunnel (Okayama)
Cherry Blossom Season: Mid March- Beginning of April
Rows of cherry blossom trees blossom along the Odagawa river of Ibara city, Okayama prefecture. The 1.2 mi. (2 km) cherry blossom tunnel is a place where many locals like to take a stroll to relax. During cherry blossom season, families and friends gather along the river for a cherry blossom viewing party. At night, the 800 cherry blossom trees by the river are lit up with traditional Japanese lanterns,turning the river into an even more mystical and amazing site.Ibaratsuzumi Information
Access: 5-min walk from Toshokan bus stop (ride the city bus from Ibara station of Ibara Railway for 5 min)
Address: Around 3616 Ibarachō, Ibara city, Okayama
Tel: +81-866-62-8850
Open hours: Open 24 hours
Admission: Free
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Night light up dates: March 22nd 2019 to April 9th 2019
Night light up time: around 6:30 PM to 10 PM
6. Yodogawa Riverside Park Cherry Blossom Tunnel (Kyoto)
Cherry Blossom Season: End of March- Beginning of April
Yodogawa Riverside Park, Sewaritei District in Yawata City, Kyoto is one of the top cherry blossoms viewing sites in Kansai Region. The park is situated at the point where three rivers join: Katsura River, Uji River and Kizu River, then the three rivers merge into one river, Yodogawa River. The park is located near the border with Osaka Prefecture. Yodogawa Riverside Park, Sewaritei District is not only famous in Kansai Region as it was voted as the third most popular cherry blossom viewing spots in whole Japan last year. The astonishing view of 0.8 mi. (1.4) km pink tunnel formed by the row of 250 cherry trees can be captured. Visitors enjoy strolling though the cherry blossom tunnel and relaxing at the lawn by the river. The overlooking view of the cherry blossom tunnel can be enjoyed at Sakura Deaikan Building which has an observatory deck at 82 ft (25 m) above the sea level. The cherry blossom festival, Sawaritei Sakura Matsuri is also held during the season (usually from late March to early April), and there will be several stalls with local food and drinks. Many Groups of people can be seen relaxing and having a picnic.Yodogawa Riverside Park Information
Access: 10-min walk from Yawata station
Address: 3-7-6 Sotojimacho, Asahi-ku, Moriguchi, Ōsaka city, Osaka
Open Hours: 9AM to 5 PM
Admission: Free
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Sewaritei Cherry Blossom Festival Dates:March 30th to April 7th 2019
Sakura Deaikan Observation Deck Details
Open hours: 9 AM to 4:30 PM
*300 yen/adult, 100 yen/children above elementary school (only during Sewaritei Festival. Free admission on other dates.)
Cherry Blossom Boat Ride Details
Boat ride open dates: March 23rd to April 21st 2019
(may start or end earlier than planned depending on the cherry blossoms)
Open Hours: 10 AM to 4 PM
Boat Ride Duration: 20 min
Fee: 1,500 yen/adult 500 yen/child (above elementary school)
photo credit: Shizuoka Prefectural Tourism Association
- Ieyama Cherry Blossom Tunnel (Shizuoka)
Cherry Blossom Season: End of March- Beginning of April
Situated in Shizuoka prefecture, the Ieyama Cherry Blossom Tunnel is a road with 280 cherry blossoms planted on both sides of the road.The Oigawa Railway’s steam train passes by the cherry blossom trees,making the site unique and picturesque. Many other cherry blossom sites are located in close proximity to this tunnel, and a well maintained 300-year old cherry blossom tree sits inside a tea farm just 10 minutes away by car, which is also worth a visit.Ieyama Cherry Blossom Tunnel Information
Access: 15-min walk from Ieyama station of Oigawa Railway
Address: Kawane-cho, Ieyama, Shimada, Shizuoka
Tel: +81-547-53-2220
Open hours: Open 24 hours
Admission: Free
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Kawane cherry blossom festival dates: March 23rd 2019 to April 7th 2019
Night light up time: around 6 PM to 9 PM
8. Meguro River Cherry Blossoms (Tokyo)
Cherry Blossom Season: End of March- Beginning of April
Perhaps the most popular cherry blossom spot in Japan is the Meguro River in Tokyo. 800 cherry blossom trees line up on both sides of the 2.9 mi. (4 km) Meguro River. Watch the pink petals floating in the air and water—it’s especially magical when the river is lit up at night. Rain or shine, day or night, viewers can enjoy the cherry blossoms from inside one of the many stylish cafes and restaurants by the river.Walking and eating food from one of the temporary food booths set up along the river is also a popular option. Every year they have several festivals at different locations, dates are annually announced around middle of March.Meguro River Information
Access: 2 minutes from Tokyu Toyoko line Nakameguro station (middle of Meguro river).
Address: Around 3 -9 Higashi-shinagawa, Shinagawa, Tōkyō
Tel: +81-5722-6850
Open hours: Open 24 hours
Admission: Free
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Night light up dates: End of March to beginning of April
Night light up time: around 5 PM to 9 PM<
9. Nikko Highway Cherry Blossom Trees
Cherry Blossom Season: Mid April to End of April
The Nikko Highway Cherry Blossom Trees in Tochigi prefecture is known to have the best cherry blossom tree tunnels in the country. With 1,500 cherry blossom trees planted along a 10 mi. (16 km) road, it’s a pink and dreamy driving route. Flower petals may float and stick onto your car window. Walking under the tunnel is also an option but driving is highly recommended. It’s listed as one of “Japan's Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots.” It is highly suggested to visit during the day due to no overlooking lights at night time.Nikko Highway Cherry Blossom Trees Information
Access: 30 min drive from JR Utsunomiya station. If using public transport, ride the bus bound for Nikko Toshogun from JR Utsunomiya station and get off at Kamitomatsuri iriguchi bus stop (30 min)
Address: 1 Chome-2 Nishihara, Utsunomiya city, Tochigi
Tel: +81-28-632-2445
Open Hours: Open 24 hours
Admission: Free
Situated in Niigata Prefecture, Takada Park is ranked as one of “Japan's Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots,” plus one of the best three places to view cherry blossoms at night. Lit up with pink, blue and purple lights at night, the road turns into a stunning site where a magical carpet of cherry blossoms cover the pitch-black sky. Many people enjoy walking through the park soaking in the breathtaking beauty of all the flowers. Another scenic highlight of the park are the 3,000 lanterns lighting up Takada Castle and 4,000 cherry blossom trees. Cherry blossom festivals take place for about two weeks with many food and game booths inside the park.Takada Park Information
Access: 15-min walk from Echigo Tokimeki Railway Takada Station.
Address: 6-44-1 Motoshirocho, Joetsu, Niigata
Tel: +81- 25-526-5111
Open Hours: Open 24 hours
Admission: Free
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Cherry Blossom Festival: April 1st to April 15th 2019
Night light up dates: April 1st to April 15th 2019
Night light up time:６ PM to 9 PM
11. Hirosaki Park’s Cherry Blossom Tunnel (Aomori)
Cherry Blossom Season: Mid April- End of April
Hirosaki park is located in Aomori, a prefecture known to produce the most delicious apples, plus one of the most famous cherry blossom viewing spots in the Tohoku region. Listed as one of “Japan's Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots,” the park’s size has been described as being able to fit 10 baseball stadiums within it. With 2,600 cherry blossom trees planted within the park, Hirosaki park turns into a pink paradise during cherry blossom season. Since the cherry trees are taken care of using a special method used to harvest apple trees, they say there are more flowers on each tree compared to a typical cherry tree. Inside the park there is a magnificent cherry blossom tunnel in the west moat area. It’s a popular date spot, and many visitors sit on the benches to soak in the beautiful view of the cherry blossoms and river. It should be noted that the Hirosaki Castle inside the park is also a scenic flower-viewing spot within the park.Hirosaki Park Information
Access: 40 minutes by car from Aomori airport (public transportation will take several hours) or 20-min walk from Chuo Hirosaki station
Address: 1 Shimoshiroganecho, Hirosaki-shi, Aomori
Tel: +81-172-37-5501
Open hours: 9 AM to 5 PM
Admission: Free but there are areas that require visitors to pay entrance fees. Check out their website for more details: http://www.hirosakipark.jp/en/
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Hirosaki Cherry blossom festival: April 20th to May 6th
Night light up time: around 5 PM to 11 PM
Food stalls: 9 AM to 9 PM
12. Shizunai Nijukken Road Cherry Blossoms (Hokkaido)
Cherry Blossom Season: Beg of May- Mid May
Located in Hidaka, The Shizunai Nijukken Road is one of the most popular cherry blossom spots to visit in Hokkaido. It is a stretch of road that’s been regarded as one of “The 100 best roads in Japan”, “Japan's Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots and one of Japans leading horse breeding centers. Seeing horses prancing in the background of a line of cherry blossom trees is a surreal experience. 3,000 cherry blossoms are planted along the 4.3 mi (7 km) road and a width of 118 feet (36m). The Shizunai Cherry blossom festival takes place at the beginning of May, where they have food and drink booths available for sightseers. Be aware of traffic as there are many national holidays in the first week of May. Visiting in the morning is highly recommended.
Shizunai Nijukken Road Cherry Blossoms Information
Access: 20-min drive from JR Shizunai station
Address: Shizunaitahara, Shinhidaka, Hidaka District, Hokkaido
Tel: +81-146-42-1000
Open Hours: Open 24 hours
Admission: Free
Hope you found a cherry blossom tunnel that you’d like to visit!
Reference List
https://www.city.unnan.shimane.jp/unnan/shiseijouhou/jouhoukoukai/kisyakaiken/30new/files/sakuramatsuri31_3.pdf
https://www.yodogawa-park.go.jp/sakurafes/
http://www.hirosakipark.jp/sakura/
https://www.en-aomori.com/culture-034.html
http://www.shinhidaka-hokkaido.jp/hotnews/detail/00000170.html
