“Online Cherry Blossom Viewing” Across All 47 Prefectures (Part 1)
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Spring has arrived once again in all its glory.
Across Japan, the country is dressed in a romantic “spring outfit.”
From south to north, from east to west,
everything is painted in shades of pink.
Cherry blossoms bloom in gentle clusters—soft, graceful, and enchanting.
Their blossoms gather together to warmly celebrate the arrival of spring.
Although we were unable to visit in person due to the impact of the pandemic,
we were still able to enjoy the cherry blossoms online.
Yes—through “online cherry blossom viewing,”
you can still experience their beauty.
Please enjoy the romance unique to this spring,
right here in the cloud. 🌸
1
Okinawa / Mt. Yaedake
Mt. Yaedake rises to an elevation of 453 meters and is planted with over 7,000 cherry trees from its foothills to the summit.
Visitors can enjoy the cherry blossoms either on foot or by car, making it an accessible and delightful place to experience spring in Okinawa.
2
Kagoshima Prefecture / Umiyadake (Umiya-dake)
Umiyadake is one of Kagoshima Prefecture’s most representative cherry blossom viewing spots. The mountain rises to an elevation of 215 meters and is dotted with approximately 1,000 Somei Yoshino cherry trees. When the blossoms reach full bloom in spring, the surrounding hills are beautifully painted in shades of pink.
From the summit, visitors can enjoy sweeping views of Ibusuki City, Kinko Bay, Sakurajima, and the Osumi Peninsula.
3
Miyazaki Prefecture / Obi Castle Area
This historic castle survived more than 80 years of warfare between the Ito and Shimazu clans. Even today, it feels as if the echoes of clashing swords can still be heard from the former archery grounds.
When the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, they soften the entire castle area, creating a gentle and serene atmosphere.
4
Oita Prefecture / Heiwa Citizen Park
Heiwa Citizen Park is home to approximately 800 cherry trees. Although the park itself is not very large, its environment is calm and beautiful.
During cherry blossom season, pink blossoms line both sides of the river running through the center of the park, creating a vibrant spring landscape visible even from a distance.
5
Kumamoto Prefecture / Ishin Gyosho Dai-zakura
The Ishin Gyosho Dai-zakura is a giant cherry tree over 400 years old. Its trunk measures 7.35 meters in circumference, reaches a height of 14 meters, and its branches spread widely across the ground.
This magnificent tree is said to be a once-in-a-hundred-kilometers sight.
6
Nagasaki Prefecture / Saikai Bridge Park
Saikai Bridge Park was created to commemorate the completion of the Saikai Bridge. Beneath the bridge flows the Hario Strait, one of Japan’s three fastest currents, where powerful whirlpools sometimes form.
In spring, around 1,000 Somei Yoshino cherry trees bloom along both riverbanks, offering stunning views combined with the surrounding sea scenery.
7
Saga Prefecture / Karatsu Castle
Built over seven years by the lord of the Karatsu Domain, this historic castle stands majestically around Mt. Mitsushima.
From the castle tower’s observation deck, visitors can overlook a sea of pink and white cherry blossoms in full bloom, blending beautifully with the Genkai Sea, creating a breathtaking horizon where sky and land seem to merge.
8
Fukuoka Prefecture / Maizuru Park
Maizuru Park is a well-known cherry blossom spot with beautiful scenery. Located next to Ohori Park and the Fukuoka Art Museum, it also features sports facilities such as an athletics stadium.
With its strong cultural atmosphere and relaxed pace, this area is beloved by locals and visitors alike.
9
Ehime Prefecture / Matsuyama Castle
Unlike many historic Japanese castles, Matsuyama Castle stands atop Mt. Katsuyama in the heart of Matsuyama City.
From the summit, visitors can enjoy spectacular views of the Seto Inland Sea and the city below. Riding the open-air chairlift to the top is also part of the fun. The scenery becomes even more beautiful during cherry blossom season.
10
Kagawa Prefecture / Marugame Castle
Marugame Castle, also known as Kameyama Castle or Horai Castle, is one of the 12 remaining original castle keeps in Japan and the smallest among them.
Its stone walls rise to 60 meters, the tallest in Japan. During cherry blossom season, falling petals create a beautiful scene where history and nature intertwine.
11
Kochi Prefecture / Kamikino Park
The highlight of Kamikino Park is its 200-meter-long cherry blossom tunnel, an impressive and colorful sight.
Around peak bloom, the trees are illuminated with small lanterns, allowing visitors to enjoy the beauty of nighttime cherry blossoms as well.
12
Tokushima Prefecture / Tokushima Central Park
For cherry blossom viewing in Tokushima, Tokushima Central Park is the place to go.
Located next to the ruins of Tokushima Castle, the combination of castle moats and cherry blossom tunnels creates a timeless romantic atmosphere, making it one of the prefecture’s 대표 cherry blossom spots.
13
Yamaguchi Prefecture / Kintai Bridge
Kintai Bridge, one of Japan’s Three Great Bridges, spans the Nishiki River. Built using a unique wooden joint technique without a single nail, it is a masterpiece of engineering and beauty.
In spring, cherry blossoms surrounding the bridge further enhance the scenic landscape.
14
Hiroshima Prefecture / Fukuyama City
Fukuyama Castle was first built in 1622. Although smaller in scale compared to some World Heritage castles, it remains highly impressive.
In spring, approximately 300 cherry trees bloom around the castle.
15
Shimane Prefecture / Tamayu River
Along the Tamayu River in the Tamatsukuri Onsen area, around 400 Somei Yoshino cherry trees bloom each spring.
The most recommended time to visit is from sunset until the illuminations begin, when the scenery becomes especially magical.
16
Tottori Prefecture / Kano Castle Ruins Park
A historic castle town filled with atmosphere.
Nighttime cherry blossoms are especially recommended—the illuminated blossoms reflected on the water create a mirror-like scene that symbolizes this area.
17
Okayama Prefecture / Daigo-zakura
Daigo-zakura is a majestic cherry tree with a powerful trunk and expansive branches, standing proudly against the sky.
Estimated to be around 1,000 years old, it measures 7 meters in trunk diameter and reaches 18 meters in height.
18
Shiga Prefecture / Hikone Castle
Hikone Castle is one of the Kansai region’s top cherry blossom destinations.
About 1,200 cherry trees line both sides of the moat, and when illuminated at night, their reflections create an overwhelmingly beautiful scene that feels timeless.
19
Wakayama Prefecture / Wakayama Castle
Wakayama Castle is home to 600 Somei Yoshino cherry trees, concentrated along the path from Okaguchi Gate to the Ninomaru Garden.
Like many Japanese castles, the blossoms are illuminated at night, allowing visitors to enjoy beautiful night sakura.
20
Mie Prefecture / Mitsugi
A lesser-known but idyllic cherry blossom spot located deep in the mountains of Misugi Town, Tsu City.
Cherry blossoms blend with terraced rice fields, whose reflections appear in nearby ponds. The layered landscape creates a serene and striking beauty that leaves a lasting impression.
21
Hyogo Prefecture / Takeda Castle Ruins
Takeda Castle is a medieval mountain castle located in Asago City and is designated a National Historic Site.
Often shrouded in mist, it is known as the “Castle in the Sky.” Around 3,000 cherry trees bloom here, making sunrise and sunset views especially dreamlike.
22
Nara Prefecture / Mt. Yoshino
Even seasoned cherry blossom enthusiasts are moved by Mt. Yoshino, where the entire mountain is covered in blossoms.
Approximately 30,000 cherry trees bloom in harmony, displaying a range of colors—from pale pink to deep crimson.
23
Kyoto Prefecture / Arashiyama
For cherry blossom viewing in Arashiyama, the “Sakura Tunnel” train is highly recommended.
When cherry trees bloom along both sides of the tracks, the view from the train windows feels like traveling through a dreamlike tunnel.
24
Osaka Prefecture / Japan Mint
The Japan Mint in Osaka is famous not only for its museum but also for its magnificent outdoor cherry blossom avenue.
With 132 varieties and about 450 cherry trees, it has been selected as one of Japan’s Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots.
Today’s photo gallery shows only half of Japan’s cherry blossom scenery.
The remaining half will be introduced on another occasion.
Now that you’ve seen half of Japan’s cherry blossom landscapes—
which place do you think is the most beautiful?
Which spot left the strongest impression on you? 🌸
