This article introduces recommended spots for viewing cherry blossoms at night [Western Japan]. Cherry blossoms are a spring tradition in Japan, and when they are lit up at night, they look even more magical and beautiful.
How about viewing the cherry blossoms at night as part of your nighttime leisure in Japan? Please read this article and come visit us to make spring memories in Japan.
■Recommended spots to view cherry blossoms at night in western Japan
We will introduce eight recommended spots for viewing cherry blossoms at night in western Japan. Cherry blossoms are Japan’s national flower, and when the cherry blossoms are lit up, the scenery is sure to be even more beautiful. When visiting Japan in spring, be sure to include viewing the cherry blossoms at night as part of your itinerary.
Osaka Castle Park (Osaka Prefecture)
In spring, approximately 3,000 cherry blossom trees, including Yoshino cherry, Yamazakura, and Yaezakura, bloom in Osaka Castle Park. In particular, the Nishinomaru Garden on the west side of Osaka Castle’s castle tower is famous as a cherry blossom viewing spot.
In 2023, for the first time in four years, a period of “Night Cherry Blossom Viewing” will be held, and the cherry blossoms will be illuminated at night. When visiting Osaka Castle Park, we recommend enjoying the cherry blossoms at night with the illuminated Osaka Castle in the background.
Uchikami River Flood Control Green Area (Osaka Prefecture)
“Dance of Cherry Blossoms and Lights 2024” will be held on the promenade on the north side of the Uchiage River Flood Control Green Area, and at night, about 200 cherry blossom trees stretching for about 400 meters will be illuminated.
The event will be held from 6:30pm to 8:30pm on March 29th, from 12:30pm to 8:30pm on March 30th and 31st, and will be illuminated from 6:30pm to 8:30pm. The Uchikami River Flood Control Green Area is an artificially constructed facility to prevent flooding from the upper reaches of the Neyagawa River, and is now used as a place of relaxation, with beautiful rows of cherry blossom trees.
Kiyomizu Temple (Kyoto Prefecture)
Kiyomizu-dera, which has a history of over 1,200 years and is famous for its Kiyomizu Stage and three-storied pagoda, is one of the best cherry blossom viewing spots. A special nighttime viewing will be held from March 23rd to March 31st, during which the approximately 1,000 cherry blossom trees blooming within the precincts, the Kiyomizu stage, and the three-storied pagoda will be illuminated.
The collaboration of historical buildings and night cherry blossoms will give you a sense of the Japanese beauty. From the stage in Shimizu, you can look down on the illuminated cherry blossoms at night, so you can enjoy a spectacular view that can’t be seen anywhere else. Find your favorite viewing spot at Kyoto’s historic Kiyomizu-dera Temple.
Okayama City Handayama Botanical Garden (Okayama Prefecture)
The Handayama Botanical Garden in Okayama City holds a cherry blossom festival every year from late March to early April. During the Cherry Blossom Festival, the cherry blossoms are illuminated at night from sunset until 9:00 pm, creating a spectacular view of the entire park being dyed in cherry blossom pink.
The long-lived Somei Yoshino cherry tree, which is over 100 years old, is also one of the highlights. There are approximately 1,000 cherry trees planted in the park, and Higanzakura starts blooming in mid-March, followed by Somei Yoshino and Satozakura, and you can enjoy cherry blossom viewing until the end of the illumination period in early May.
Onomichi City Senkoji Park (Hiroshima Prefecture)
Onomichi City Senkoji Park, which has been selected as one of the top 100 cherry blossom viewing spots, stretches from the summit of Mt. Senkoji to the middle of the mountain. In spring, approximately 1,500 cherry trees, including Yoshino cherry, weeping cherry, and Yaezakura, bloom all over the park, making cherry blossom viewing during the day a spectacular sight.
During the illumination period, lanterns will be lit from 6pm to 6am the next morning. The cherry blossoms illuminated by the faint light of lanterns are magical, and you will see a different landscape than during the day. The illumination period is relatively longer than other spots, so it is also recommended to enjoy the cherry blossoms at night while watching the changing night sky.
Toryo Park (Kagawa Prefecture)
Cherry blossoms are also the town flower and town tree of Tadotsu Town, Nakatado District, Kagawa Prefecture, where Toryo Park is located, and in spring, about 1,500 cherry blossoms, mainly Someiyoshino cherry trees, are in full bloom at Toryo Park. During the Cherry Blossom Festival, the cherry blossoms will be illuminated at night from sunset until 9pm, giving you a beautiful view that cannot be seen during the day.
The observation deck at Toryo Park overlooks the Seto Inland Sea, so you can enjoy the contrast between the blue of the Seto Inland Sea and the pink of the cherry blossoms. One way to enjoy it is to compare the scenery that can only be seen during the day and when it is illuminated.
Maizuru Park (Fukuoka Prefecture)
At Maizuru Park in Fukuoka Prefecture, approximately 1,000 cherry trees, including Yoshino cherry, weeping cherry, and wild cherry, bloom in spring. Maizuru Park is the target area of the Fukuoka Castle Cherry Blossom Festival, which is held from late March to early April.
During the Fukuoka Castle Cherry Blossom Festival, you can enjoy the night cherry blossoms at three special light-up areas for a fee: the cherry blossom garden/castle tower, Tamon Yagura, and Otaka mansion ruins.
Tachibana Park (Nagasaki Prefecture)
At Tachibana Park, one of Nagasaki Prefecture’s most famous cherry blossom viewing spots, approximately 800 Yoshino cherry trees planted in a tunnel are in full bloom in spring. During the Cherry Blossom Festival, the cherry blossoms are lit up at night, creating a magical scenery with the tunnel-shaped night cherry blossoms illuminated by the gentle light of lanterns.
You can enjoy the cherry blossoms at night from a variety of viewing spots, including the nearby Chijiishi Riverbank and Gunjin Bridge. Please visit and find your favorite viewing spot.
■Let’s enjoy the cherry blossoms at night to make memories of spring in Japan!
We have introduced 8 recommended spots for viewing cherry blossoms at night in western Japan. Viewing the cherry blossoms at night is especially recommended as a springtime night activity in Japan. In addition to the recommended spots we introduced this time, there are many other spots where you can enjoy cherry blossoms at night, so be sure to visit them at least once.
【Q&A】
Q.What should I be careful about when viewing cherry blossoms at night?
A. It can get cold at night in spring, so take measures to protect yourself from the cold, such as bringing a jacket.
Q.What should I be careful about when participating in the Cherry Blossom Festival?
A. Don’t litter, throw away your trash in the designated area so that everyone can participate comfortably.
