In this article, we will introduce recommended night cherry blossom spots [Eastern Japan edition]. Viewing the cherry blossoms at night is also recommended as a springtime night activity in Japan.
However, I think many people don’t know where to go. So this time, we have carefully selected the recommended night cherry blossom spots in eastern Japan. The cherry blossoms, which are Japan’s national flower, are illuminated, so you can enjoy a fantastic and beautiful view. Please come and visit us to make memories in Japan.
■8 Recommended Night Cherry Blossom Spots in Eastern Japan
We will introduce eight recommended spots for viewing cherry blossoms at night in eastern Japan. Night cherry blossom viewing is a nighttime leisure activity that can only be enjoyed on spring nights in Japan. If you are interested in any of the night cherry blossom spots introduced this time, be sure to visit them.
[You can see star-shaped cherry blossoms in full bloom] Goryokaku Park (Hokkaido)
The Goryokaku ruins are designated as Hokkaido’s only special historic site, and in spring more than 1,500 cherry trees, mainly Someiyoshino cherry trees, bloom in full bloom. Although there is a viewing fee, Goryokaku Tower offers a spectacular view of the star-shaped Goryokaku ruins covered in pink cherry blossoms, so it is recommended.
Goryokaku Park is one of the best spots for viewing cherry blossoms at night in southern Hokkaido, so be sure to consider it when visiting Hokkaido in spring.
[Hirosaki Seven Cherry Blossoms can be seen] Hirosaki Park (Aomori Prefecture)
Hirosaki Park in Aomori Prefecture is home to approximately 2,600 cherry blossom trees, including Yoshino cherry trees and weeping cherry trees. The Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival, held at Hirosaki Park, is scheduled to be held for 17 days from April 19th to May 5th in 2024.
During the event, the cherry blossoms will be illuminated at night from sunset until 10pm, and you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the cherry blossoms floating on the water surface of the moat surrounding Hirosaki Castle. The Hirosaki Seven Cherry Blossoms, carefully selected from among the double cherry blossoms that bloom in Hirosaki Park, are all very beautiful, so be sure to take a look. An admission fee is required to view the main enclosure, Hirosaki Castle Botanical Garden, and Fujita Memorial Garden.
[Light-up on the riverbed shines] Asuwa River cherry blossom trees (Fukui Prefecture)
A cherry blossom festival is held every April along the banks of the Asuwa River in Fukui Prefecture. The 38th Fukui Cherry Blossom Festival in 2023 was held from March 25th to April 9th. The illumination is usually held from 6pm to 9pm. Approximately 600 cherry blossom trees are spread out over a total length of 2.2km along the Asuwa River Cherry Blossom Row, and when it is illuminated at night, you can see an even more beautiful sight of the cherry blossom trees.
Cherry blossom festivals are held throughout Fukui Prefecture, including Mt. Asuwa, Fukui City Central Park, Fukui Castle Ruins, and Ichijodani Asakura Family Site, so when visiting Asuwa River Cherry Blossom Row, you may want to visit other cherry blossom spots. Probably.
[Selected as one of the top 100 cherry blossom viewing spots] Sumida Park Cherry Blossom Festival (Tokyo)
Sumida Park has been selected as one of the top 100 cherry blossom viewing spots and is a popular cherry blossom viewing spot in Tokyo. Approximately 300 cherry trees are planted on the Sumida Ward side, and about 600 cherry trees are planted on the opposite bank, on the Taito Ward side.
As the lyrics of the song “Hana” composed by Rentaro Taki suggest, the sight of cherry blossom petals falling and flowing down the Sumida River gives you a sense of Japan’s atmosphere and atmosphere. At night, the cherry blossoms are lit up, and you can enjoy the beautiful scenery not only from both banks of the Sumida River but also from the houseboat.
[Walk along a 4km long line of cherry blossom trees] Meguro River Cherry Blossom Festival (Tokyo)
At the Meguro River Cherry Blossom Festival, a row of cherry blossom trees stretches for approximately 4km. The cherry blossoms on both banks of the Meguro River form a tunnel, and the reflection on the water’s surface is a beautiful sight, making it perfect for a cherry blossom date at night.
During the Cherry Blossom Festival, the approximately 1km section from Nanbu Bridge in the direction of Nakameguro Station to Saikachi Bridge will be illuminated. The illumination time is usually from 5pm to 8pm. In addition to the Meguro River Cherry Blossom Festival, other cherry blossom festivals are held around the Meguro River. You will be able to feel the difference between each cherry blossom festival.
[Enjoy the illumination of 1000 cherry blossoms] Satte Gongendo Sakura Tsutsumi (Saitama Prefecture)
Sate Gongendo Sakura Tsutsumi is one of the best cherry blossom viewing spots in the Kanto region, located in Saitama Prefecture. As many as 1,000 cherry blossoms (Somei Yoshino) are planted in a tunnel shape spanning approximately 1 km, creating a magical space when lit up.
The 91st Satte Cherry Blossom Festival is scheduled to be held from March 20th to April 7th, 2024. Every year during the Cherry Blossom Festival, the cherry blossoms near the tea house on the pass in the center of the embankment are lit up at night. The contrast between the yellow rapeseed flowers and the pink cherry blossoms seen at the Satte Gongendo Sakura Bank is a spectacular sight. It is one of the best places to take photos along with the illuminated tunnel-shaped cherry blossoms at night.
[Enjoy yellow and pink hues] Minami Cherry Blossom and Nanohana Festival (Shizuoka Prefecture)
Kawazu cherry blossoms, famous for their early blooming cherry blossoms, can be seen at Shizuoka Prefecture’s Minami Cherry Blossom and Nanohana Festival, and in 2024, the cherry blossoms will be illuminated at night from 6pm to 9pm from February 1st to March 10th. . Kawazu cherry blossoms are planted on the Aono River near Shimogamo Onsen in Minamiizu Town, near Maehara Bridge and Kujo Bridge.
You can enjoy the contrast between the approximately 800 Kawazu cherry trees that bloom along the 2km stretch of the Aono River and the pink and yellow of the rape blossoms that bloom on the banks of the Aono River. Additionally, you can enjoy viewing the cherry blossoms earlier than usual, so please consider this if you are visiting Japan from mid-February to early March.
[Enjoy the sparkling cherry blossoms with the castle in the background] Nagoya Castle Cherry Blossom Festival (Aichi Prefecture)
The Nagoya Castle Cherry Blossom Festival is scheduled to be held from late March to early April 2024, and the cherry blossoms will be illuminated after sunset. Approximately 1,000 cherry trees, including Yoshino cherry trees and weeping cherry trees, are planted here. You can see the cherry blossoms illuminated at night with Nagoya Castle in the background, giving you a uniquely impressive experience.
In addition, in the Omote Shoin Ichinoma within the castle, there is a wall painting called “Cherry Blossom Pheasant Pictures,” which depicts a parent and child pheasant under cherry blossoms in full bloom.You can enjoy not only the cherry blossoms but also the wall painting.
■Let’s go to the night cherry blossom spots in eastern Japan to make memories!
We have introduced 8 recommended spots for viewing cherry blossoms at night in eastern Japan. Viewing the cherry blossoms at night is a recommended nighttime leisure activity where you can enjoy the Japanese atmosphere on a spring night.
There are many night cherry blossom spots other than the places introduced this time. If you visit Japan during the spring season, be sure to take in the cherry blossoms at night to make memories.
【Q&A】
Q.What should I be careful about when viewing cherry blossoms at night?
A. Spring nights can be chilly, so take measures to protect yourself from the cold, such as bringing a layer of clothing.
Q.What should I be careful about when participating in the Cherry Blossom Festival?
A. Please dispose of your trash in designated areas and avoid littering.
