Famous cherry blossom viewing spots in the Chubu and Tokai areas

The Oigawa Railway is a private railway that runs north and south through the center of Shizuoka Prefecture. In spring, the cherry blossoms along the railway line bloom, and many photographers visit to capture the combination of steam locomotives and cherry blossoms in full bloom.
There is a laid-back atmosphere along the entire route, and many people visit Sumatakyo Gorge and Sumatakyo Gorge Springs, where they can enjoy trekking, in search of relaxation.

Mount Omuro is characterized by its soft curves resembling an upside-down bowl. It is known as a village where you can enjoy cherry blossoms even in winter, and you can enjoy a variety of cherry blossoms for about eight months from late Sep. to May. of the following year.
There are a wide variety of cherry trees planted, including Somei-yoshino, Satozakura, weeping cherry, Yamazakura, Oshimazakura, and Fuyuzakura, and various other varieties from around the country, allowing visitors to enjoy the cherry blossoms for a long period of time outside of summer.

Nihon-daira is, needless to say, the best spot for viewing Mt. Fuji!
The area is a hilly region (307m above sea level) designated as a prefectural natural park, where you can enjoy the changing nature of the seasons.
During cherry blossom season, cherry blossoms bloom not only on the mountaintop, but also on the road (Parkway) that connects the summit of Nihon-daira with downtown Shizuoka.
With over 2,000 cherry trees planted along the road, it's a popular driving course. Why not go out and enjoy the spectacular views that give you a real sense of Japan as they unfold before your eyes?

You can enjoy the cherry blossoms and the clear waters of the Urui River with the snow-capped Mt. Fuji in the background. A photo of all three in one is like a painting and is a hit with tourists.

A famous cherry blossom spot near Izu Kogen Station. The "Okan Sakura" starts to bloom early in Mar., and the Somei Yoshino cherry blossoms bloom from late Mar. to early Apr., completing a "cherry blossom tunnel" that stretches about 3 km. The "Izu Kogen Sakura Festival" is held every year, and the area is lit up at night.

Mishima Taisha Shrine is the Ichinomiya (first shrine) of Izu Province and is famous for its god of prosperous business. In spring, it is a popular cherry blossom viewing spot, with about 200 cherry trees of 15 varieties, including Oshima cherry, Somei Yoshino cherry, double cherry, and Mishima cherry, in full bloom.
The 200-meter cherry blossom tunnel leading to the main shrine and the beauty of the weeping cherry blossoms reflected in the sacred pond are truly spectacular.

The two large Azumahigan cherry trees that bloom beautifully on the shores of Lake Miboro are ancient trees that are said to be over 500 years old. These two cherry trees were located in the grounds of Korin-ji Temple and Shoren-ji Temple, which were in a village that is now submerged under the lakebed of the Miboro Dam.
When the dam was constructed, it was thought that it would be a shame to submerge such a famous cherry tree, so it was transplanted to its current location.
It is quite moving to see them standing tall as if remembering their hometown that is now submerged at the bottom of the lake, and one cannot help but sense the strong feelings the local residents have towards the cherry blossoms.

The tree is estimated to be over 1,500 years old and is said to have been planted by Emperor Keitai.

The flowers are pink when in bud, white when in full bloom, and a unique phenomenon in which they turn a pale ink color as they fall, hence the name "light ink cherry."
When you look up at it and see it with your own eyes, you can sense the vast history that spans over 1,500 years.

With the arrival of spring, many kinds of cherry blossoms, including mountain cherry, Yoshino, and weeping cherry, bloom all at once along the mountain streams.
When viewed from afar, the cherry blossoms look as if they are shrouded in mist, and so the area eventually came to be called "Kamagatani Valley."

Yagiguisan Kegonji Temple was founded by the monk Hozen in the 17th year of the Enryaku era (798). Known as the 33rd Mangan Pilgrimage Site in the Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage, it is the easternmost temple and is still crowded with pilgrims today. It is a magnificent temple with numerous buildings, including the main hall, Ganzandaishi Hall, and Mangan Hall, as well as ponds, rivers, and waterfalls. The approach to the temple is lined with cherry trees, making it a famous cherry blossom viewing spot.

Inuyama Castle, a famous castle in Aichi Prefecture, designated as a national treasure. This castle, towering on the south bank of the Kiso River, was built by Oda Nobuyasu, the uncle of Oda Nobunaga. Later, Toyotomi Hideyoshi led an army of 120,000 men from Osaka to this castle and fought against Tokugawa Ieyasu. From Japan's oldest castle tower (source: Inuyama Tourist Information), you can enjoy a panoramic view of Kiso Ontake, Mt. Ibuki, the Nobi Plain, and the Mino mountains. The scenery is particularly spectacular in spring. Yoshino surround the area, and the castle viewing path becomes a tunnel of cherry blossoms. Cherry blossoms bloom in abundance along the Kiso River from the base of the castle to Inuyama Bridge, adding spring color to the historic castle. You can also enjoy a stroll through the castle town.

Nagoya Castle, a famous cherry blossom viewing spot, has about 1,600 cherry trees, including Somei-yoshino, weeping, Sato, and Yamazakura. From late Mar., the trees reach their peak blooming one after another, filling the entire castle with them.
One of the rarest varieties is "Gyoikou." It blooms later than other cherry blossoms, and is at its best from mid-Apr. to early May..

The castle grounds are open to the public as a historical museum, and in spring, about 1,000 Somei-Yoshino cherry trees spread their branches. The cherry blossoms are also beautifully lit up at night, and the white castle tower is reflected in the lanterns, creating a truly fantastical sight.

The road is lined with over 500 old wild cherry trees, many of which exude a sense of history. It feels like passing through a tunnel of cherry blossoms, and has been designated a national scenic spot and certified as one of Japan's "100 Best Cherry Blossom Spots."

Yokowa Sakura has petals two to three times larger than Yoshino Cherry and other varieties. Its deep color and large number of petals per flower make it a sight to behold. It is a very rare variety, and can only be found in Yokowacho, Ise City.

The 1km stretch of the Miyagawa River bank is a scenic spot for cherry blossoms, with approximately 1,000 Somei-Yoshino cherry trees planted.
It was said that when pilgrims to Ise Shrine crossed the Miyagawa River they were entering the sacred grounds of Ise, and in this vicinity there were willow ferry crossings and cherry blossom ferry crossings.

At Nabana no Sato, a famous illumination spot, Kawazu cherry blossoms, which herald the arrival of spring early from early Mar., bloom pale in the day and mysteriously at night. Enjoy the collaboration of illuminated cherry blossoms and illuminations.

Kawazu cherry blossoms are early-blooming cherry trees that bloom in Kawazu Town, Kamo District, Shizuoka Prefecture every year from early Feb. and continue for about a month.
Characterized by its deep pink color and large flowers, this cherry tree is classified as an early-blooming variety even in Honshu.
It is thought to be a natural hybrid of Kanhizakura and Oshimazakura.
Here in Kawazu Town, it was designated as the Kawazu Town Tree in Apr. 1975.
The town has about 8,000 cherry trees, and the tunnel of cherry blossoms is not just a daytime sight.
You can enjoy both the fantastic night cherry blossoms and the view at night, and the area is bustling with many cherry blossom viewers every year.
Enjoy an early spring amid the harsh winter with the blossoming Kawazu cherry blossoms!