Famous cherry blossom viewing spots in the Koshinetsu and Hokuriku areas

Takada Castle, known as one of the "Three Great Night Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots in Japan" (Source: Joetsu Tourism and Convention Association), is said to have been built by Tokugawa Ieyasu's sixth son, Matsudaira Tadateru. During the "One Million Cherry Blossom Viewing Party" held every year during cherry blossom season, about 3,000 paper lanterns are set up within the castle ruins, and about 4,000 cherry trees are illuminated along with the lighting up of Takada Castle's three-story turret.

From the promenade, you can view the 2.5 km long line of about 470 Somei-Yoshino cherry trees on both sides of the Matsukawa River that runs through the center of Toyama City. You can also enjoy the cherry blossoms from the water on a sightseeing boat.

This is the ruins of Takaoka Castle, which was built by Maeda Toshinaga, the second head of the Kaga Maeda clan. It is a famous spot where about 1,800 cherry trees of 18 varieties, mainly Somei Yoshino, bloom in profusion, and the beautiful sight of their cherry blossoms reflected on the water's surface.

The cherry blossom trees lining the Funagawa River in Asahi Town, a town famous for its tulip production, create an exquisite contrast between the pale cherry blossoms, colorful tulips, rape blossoms, and Mount Asahi with its remaining snow, creating a scene that is like a "spring quartet" that symbolizes spring in Toyama.

When you think of cherry blossoms in Kenrokuen Garden, you think of the "Kenrokuen Garden Kikuzakura." Kikuzakura has around 300 petals and changes color three times between blooming and falling.
In addition to Kenrokuen Garden Kikuzakura, the garden is decorated with approximately 420 cherry trees of a wide variety, including large Yamazakura trees, Asahizakura (Asahi cherry Kenrokuen Garden Kumagai), Satozakura, Higanzakura, and Somei Yoshino.

Kanazawa Castle Park is adjacent to Kenrokuen Garden a special place of scenic beauty and one of the 100 best cherry blossom viewing spots in Japan (source: Japan Cherry Blossom Association, a public interest incorporated foundation).
The 360 Somei-Yoshino cherry trees are in full bloom, and the row of cherry trees along Konyazaka slope from the bottom Kenrokuen Garden is also magnificent. The collaboration between the cherry blossoms and Ishikawamon Gate and the impressive stone walls is a must-see.

Also known as "Noto Sakura Station," in the cherry blossom season, dozens of cherry trees line the platform, creating a cherry blossom tunnel over the tracks. When a train pulls in, the cheers of joy and the beautiful scenery soothe the souls of those who see it.

Approximately 600 cherry blossom trees line the Asuwa River, which runs through the center of Fukui City, for about 2.2 km. It is a popular walking course filled with water and greenery, and is loved by locals. When in full bloom, the cherry blossoms create a beautiful pale pink tunnel, attracting many visitors. Along with Asuwayama Park, which is about a 15-minute walk away, it has also been selected as one of the 100 best cherry blossom viewing spots (source: Japan Cherry Blossom Association, a public interest incorporated foundation).

It boasts the oldest surviving architectural style in the castle tower and is one of Fukui Prefecture's leading cherry blossom viewing spots, with approximately 400 Somei-Yoshino cherry trees in full bloom.

Takato Castle, a famous cherry blossom spot known as "the best Kohigan cherry blossom in the world" (Source: Ina City Hall), has only a few remains of the castle's structure and stone walls remaining, and no part of the castle tower or other structures remain.
It all started when a young cherry tree called "Takatookohiganzakura" was transplanted near the ruins of an abandoned castle, and even today, many people from within and outside the prefecture visit the area every spring to admire the cherry blossoms.
Unlike Somei-Yoshino, it is slightly smaller, has a delicate reddish color, and is large in size, which is why it is called "the best Takatookohigan cherry tree in the world."
Most tours take you to see the cherry blossoms during the day, but there are also some that take you to see them lit up at night.
The cherry blossoms at night, lit up with lanterns, are especially beautiful.
It has now become the prefecture's leading cherry blossom viewing spot and has been designated a prefectural natural monument.

In Matsumoto Castle Park and the surrounding moat, about 320 Somei Yoshino cherry trees, Kohigan cherry trees, weeping cherry trees, and other varieties bloom in full glory with the snow-capped Northern Alps in the background.

Ueda Castle is now popular among castle fans. During the Warring States period, Ueda Castle was the castle of Sanada Masayuki and his son Yukimura, who are said to have defeated the Tokugawa army twice and made their name known throughout the country. Today, the castle is a famous cherry blossom viewing spot that attracts many tourists.

The entire grounds, covering approximately 67,000 square meters, have been designated a national place of scenic beauty and are the most sacred place of prayer and an ancient temple Southern Shinshu.
The temple's spring specialty are the approximately 70 weeping cherry trees within its grounds. They are lit up at night. The sight of the blossoms, which seem to stand out against the darkness, is fantastical and beautiful, and the temple is also known as the "Weeping Cherry Temple."

Garyu Park, built in 1931, is home to around 600 cherry trees, including Yoshino cherry trees, that bloom brilliantly. The cherry trees line the park, surrounded by Ryugaike Pond, with the snow-capped Northern Alps and the Hokushin Five Mountains in the background. The beautiful rows of cherry trees have been selected as one of the 100 best cherry blossom viewing spots (source: Japan Cherry Blossom Association, a public interest incorporated foundation). At night, the park is lit up, and the night cherry blossoms reflected on the pond in the park are a spectacular sight.

Approximately 500 cherry trees are in full bloom. The Komoro Yae Benishidare, which originated in Komoro, is a beautiful and rare cherry tree with a color that gradually changes from purple to a paler shade. In addition, you can enjoy several other types of cherry trees, mainly Somei Yoshino.

Located in the grounds of Jisso-ji Temple, this cherry tree is said to be one of the "Three Great Cherry Trees of Japan" (Source: Hokuto City Tourism Association). The Edo Higan cherry tree is estimated to be 1,800 to 2,000 years old, and has bloomed every year without rest, as if enduring the passage of time.
This famous cherry tree, beloved by cherry blossom lovers all over Japan, is 10.3 meters tall and has a circumference of 11.8 meters at the base and trunk, making it one of the oldest and largest giant trees in Japan (source: Hokuto City Tourism Association). During the Taisho era, it became the first tree to be designated a national natural monument.

Jionji is a Zen temple founded by Muso Kokushi during the Ryakuo era (1338-1342). The weeping cherry tree here is one of the most famous in the prefecture, known for the beauty of its shape. It is said to be about 320 years old, and is a prefecture-designated natural monument. When you stand under the tree in full bloom and look up, the branches hanging down in all directions look like a canopy of cherry blossoms. It was given the name "Itosakura" (thread-like cherry tree) because it looks like threads hanging down.

The area around Mount Minobu Kuonji Temple has many famous cherry blossom viewing spots and is one of the most famous cherry blossom viewing spots in the country.
There are two weeping cherry trees in the temple grounds that are over 400 years old, one of which blooms in full glory in front of the Soshido Hall, and the other in front of the visitor's hall, supporting its large branches and blooming in full blossom. The sight of the cherry blossoms hanging down to the ground on both large trees is truly impressive.

The Fuji Shibazakura Festival began in 2008. The carpet of moss phlox that can be seen while taking in the view of Mt. Fuji is a spectacular sight.
Approximately 800,000 moss phlox plants are planted within the venue, and when they are in full bloom you can enjoy the spectacular sight of a sea of moss phlox.
There are seven kinds of moss phlox to enjoy at the venue. The contrast of the colorful moss phlox, which comes in not only pink but also white, peach, and pale purple, beautifully colors the entire venue.

When the park's 650 or so Somei-Yoshino cherry trees bloom, the area becomes a popular spot for capturing a uniquely Japanese landscape of cherry blossoms, Mt. Fuji, and the five-story pagoda in one photo.