Cherry blossoms (桜 sakura) are synonymous with Japan for the spring season, so much so that the country can be regarded as the “country of cherry blossoms” itself. Cherry blossoms bloom almost everywhere throughout the country in spring, but there are selected areas for people to view them. In these areas, people can witness cherry blossoms with a snowy mountain in the background, an exceptionally contrasting view that can be enjoyed only in a few places. It might interest you to know that most of the snowy mountains introduced here are listed in the “100 Famous Japanese Mountains” (日本百名山), a book composed by mountaineer Fukada Kyuya (深田久弥) in 1964.
For this article, I will share some special spots where visitors can marvel at this exquisite contrasting view of two concurrent seasons, which is possible only in countries with the four seasons such as Japan. Cherry blossom viewing (花見 hanami) is one of Japan’s favourite pastimes for the spring season, but it’s particularly exquisite to see cherry blossoms with a mountain backdrop. It’s an understated scenery that can only be seen at the right place and at the right time, so let’s see where you can see them!
(Note: this is part one of the four-part Sakura Series, specially focusing on the upcoming spring season in Japan. Take note that the cherry blossom periods below are subjected to weather conditions.)
① Hirosaki Park (弘前公園)
Cherry blossom period: Late April–Early May
First up, we explore Aomori Prefecture (青森県), the northernmost prefecture in the Tohoku Region (東北地方), where we can find one of the most picturesque cherry blossom sites in the region: Hirosaki Park. Located in the city of Hirosaki (弘前市), this park is home to the imposing Hirosaki Castle (弘前城) and the main venue for cherry blossoms viewing in the city. Local and foreign visitors flock here for spring every year to take part in the annual Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival (弘前さくらまつり), where pinkish-white cherry blossom petals carpet the entire park.
Hirosaki Park (弘前公園)
Address: 1 Oaza Shimoshirogane-cho, Hirosaki-shi, Aomori 036-8356
Access: 30-minute walk or 15-minute bus ride from JR Hirosaki Station (JR弘前駅)
Backdrop: Mount Iwaki (岩木山)
On a clear day, visitors at Hirosaki Park can see Mount Iwaki in the far distance. It is a stratovolcano located on the western side of the prefecture, and is also the highest mountain in Aomori with an altitude of 1,625m. Interestingly, because it resembles the all-famous Mount Fuji (富士山) for its similarly symmetrical cone shape, it is also called Tsugaru Fuji (津軽富士), with Tsugaru being the historical name of the western region of Aomori.
② Seishi Park (勢至公園)
Cherry blossom period: Mid April–Late April
In the city of Nikaho (にかほ市) in Akita Prefecture (秋田県) is Seishi Park, a sprawling 28-hectare park where visitors can witness up to 1,000 cherry blossom trees. It’s a popular spot for flower viewing in spring, and many people come here to have a relaxing time while gazing at the cherry blossom petals blanketing the area. But unlike other cherry viewing spots, this one offers a majestic view of a particular mountain in the distance over the Kannon Lagoon (観音潟).
Seishi Park (勢至公園)
Address: Kamibayashi-4-1 Konoura, Nikaho, Akita 018-0311
Access: 10-minute walk from JR Konoura Station (JR金浦駅)
Backdrop: Mount Chokai (鳥海山)
Mount Chokai is yet another stratovolcano that is recognised as one of Japan’s 100 famous mountains. At a height of 2,236m and facing the Sea of Japan to the west, it is also the highest mountain in Tohoku Region. It also has the honour to be known as Dewa Fuji (出羽富士), which translates as “Fuji of Dewa” (Dewa is the historical name of a province located between Akita and Yamagata), and like Mount Iwaki, its shape also resembles Mount Fuji.
What’s interesting about Mount Chokai is that it has other names, depending on where visitors look at it from. Because it resembles Mount Fuji, and also its straddling geographical location, it is called Akita Fuji (秋田富士) for those looking at it from Akita, or Shōnai Fuji (庄内富士) from Yamagata’s point of view. Plus, it is one of the few mountains that is designated as a National Historic Site of Japan (記念物 Kinenbutsu), a subcategory of the country’s Cultural Properties (文化財 bunka-zai). Either way, visitors wouldn’t want to miss this grand view when in Akita, especially during spring.
③ Koiwai Farm (小岩井農場)
Cherry blossom period: Mid April–Late April
Koiwai Farm is a privately owned farm that many visitors visit every year. With over 3,000 hectares of land, this sprawling farm is where visitors can take part in fun activities such as milking cows and riding horses. But interestingly, many come to this farm for one particular reason: to witness an artistic view of a solitary cherry blossom tree with the grand Mount Iwate as the backdrop.
Koiwai Farm (小岩井農場)
Address: 36-1 Maruyachi, Shizukuishi, Iwate-gun, Iwate 020-0507
Access: 30-minute bus ride from JR Morioka Station (JR盛岡駅)
Backdrop: Mount Iwate (岩手山)
Koiwai Farm offers an unobstructed view of Mount Iwate, the highest mountain in Iwate Prefecture (岩手県) with a height of 2,038m. This majestic mountain is a stratovolcano that is classified as one of the “100 Famous Japanese Mountains”.
There are two fascinating trivia about Mount Iwate: firstly, it is also called Nanbu-Katafuji (南部片富士), which translates as “half-sided Mount Fuji of the Nanbu area” because the gentle slope side of the mountain vaguely resembles Mount Fuji. Secondly, it is also known as Ganjusan (巌鷲山), which translates as “Rock Eagle Mountain” because when the snow on the mountain starts to melt in early spring, and the mountain rocks become exposed, a silhouette is formed that resembles an eagle.
④ Sagae Park (寒河江公園)
Cherry blossom period: Mid April–Late April
Sagae Park is an idyllic place located in Sagae City (寒河江市) in the mountainous prefecture of Yamagata (山形県). Here, people can take it slow and enjoy the natural surroundings where around 1,000 cherry blossom trees fill up the park. Here is where visitors can see something truly special: a row of cherry blossom trees with a backdrop of a particularly sacred mountain.
Sagae Park (寒河江公園)
Address: Hei-2708-2 Sagae, Yamagata 991-0041
Access: 15-minute walk from JR Nishi-Sagae Station (JR西寒河江駅)
Backdrop: Mount Gassan (月山)
Mount Gassan is one of the three mountains that make up Dewa Sanzan (出羽三山 Three Mountains of Dewa), which play an important role for followers of Shugendō (修験道) The mountains are regarded to be particularly sacred, and followers of the religion embark on pilgrimages to express gratitude or seek enlightenment, and Mount Gassan is the highest among them at a height of 1,984m.
The majestic mountain makes for a magnificent backdrop during spring, where visitors at Sagae Park can witness the mountain in the far distance amidst the row of cherry blossoms along the riverbank. The cherry blossom trees stretch for as long as 2.8km along the riverbank, and the view of the trees and a snow-capped mountain looks just like a mesmerising painting, making for an unforgettable experience for anyone coming to Yamagata for the cherry blossom season.
⑤ Hitome Senbonzakura (一目千本桜)
Cherry blossom period: Mid April–Late April
When discussing the best cherry blossom viewing sites in Tohoku, the name Hitome Senbonzakura would pop up from time to time. Translated as “View of a Thousand Cherry Blossoms in a Glance”, it is located along the Shiroishi River in the town of Ogawara (大河原町) in Miyagi Prefecture, and nearly 1,200 cherry blossom trees of different kinds are lined along the riverbank. As visitors take in the blooming cherry blossoms around them while enjoying snacks and drinks from the stalls during the local spring festival, they can see a majestic mountain in the far distance if the weather is clear.
Hitome Senbonzakura (一目千本桜)
Address: 12 Funaoka, Shibata, Shibata-gun, Miyagi 989-1603
Access: 15-minute walk from JR Ogawara Station (JR大河原駅)
Backdrop: Zao Mountains (蔵王連峰)
If there’s one mountain that particularly stands out in the Tohoku Region for most people, it would probably be Mount Zao. But to be clear, Mount Zao isn’t a single mountain/volcano, but a collection of them officially known as Zao Mountains that stretch across prefectures Miyagi and Yamagata. Mount Zao is known for many things: home to amazing hot springs, the venue to the famous snow monsters (樹氷 juhyō), and a recommended destination for skiing and hiking. But another thing it is known for is its amazing natural scenery, especially during the transition between winter and spring.
To witness Mount Zao covered in snow amidst the many cherry blossom trees along the Shiroishi River is a magical experience that visitors must experience in their lifetime. What’s more, they can drop by Funaoka Joshi Park (船岡城址公園) where they can take a retro slope car up and get a bird’s-eye view of Hitome Senbonzakura.
⑥ Hanamiyama Park (花見山公園)
Cherry blossom period: Mid April–Late April
When it comes to one of the best cherry blossom viewing spots in Fukushima Prefecture (福島県), Hanamiyama Park is bound to be a popular choice. Here, visitors can witness not just different kinds of cherry blossom flowers, but also those of plum blossoms (梅 ume), weeping forsythia (連翹), lily magnolias (木蓮) and more. It’s known to be a paradise for flower lovers, and the name itself is a clear indicator of what visitors would come here for (“Hanamiyama” literally means “flower-viewing mountain”).
Hanamiyama Park (花見山公園)
Address: 17-Hara, Watari, Fukushima 960-8141
Access: 15-minute *shuttle bus ride from JR Fukushima Station (JR福島駅)
(*Note: Available only during the cherry blossom season)
Backdrop: Azuma Mountains (吾妻連山)
The Azuma Mountains are a volcanic group that stretches along the border of prefectures Fukushima and Yamagata, and is one of the best mountain views in Tohoku. One of the mountains is Mount Azuma-Kofuji (吾妻小富士), a stratovolcano that bears an uncanny resemblance to Mount Fuji. Mount Azuma-Kofuji is another addition to the list of majestic snow-capped mountains in Tohoku, and its name is attributed to its uniquely symmetrical cone shape that resembles Mount Fuji (“Kofuji” means small Mount Fuji).
The mountains are a popular destination for tourists for its hiking trails and many hot spring resorts within the area—including Takayu Onsen (高湯温泉)—and one of the best ways to enjoy the sheer beauty of the area is via the Bandai-Azuma Skyline (磐梯吾妻スカイライン) which runs through the Azuma Mountains. Perhaps most interestingly, it is known for a peculiar trait: when the snow melts in spring, a white rabbit is said to appear on the side of the volcano. This rabbit is known as the “seeding rabbit” to the locals of Fukushima, signalling the arrival of farming season.
⑦ Takada Castle Site Park (高田城址公園)
Cherry blossom period: Mid April–Late April
Moving on to the Shinetsu Region (信越地方), we move next to the coastal prefecture of Niigata Prefecture (新潟県). As a prefecture directly facing the Sea of Japan (日本海), Niigata is perhaps one that most people may not associate with cherry blossom viewing. Unbeknownst to them, Niigata is home to Takada Castle Site Park, a scenic park in the city of Joetsu (上越市), where the former Takada Castle built during the Edo Period (1603–1868) once sat. The park has been one of Niigata Prefecture’s popular cherry blossom viewing sites, and on a clear day, visitors can witness Mount Myoko in the distance, approximately 50km south of the park.
Takeda Castle Site Park (高田城址公園)
Address: 44-1 Honjocho, Joetsu-shi, Niigata 669-5252
Access: 15-minute walk from JR Takada Station (JR高田駅)
Backdrop: Mount Myoko (妙高山)
In Niigata, the most famous mountain would be Mount Myoko, another stratovolcano that defines the prefecture. Mount Myoko is also listed as one of the “100 Famous Japanese Mountains”, and because it resembles Mount Fuji, it is also locally known as Echigo-Fuji (越後富士). Like many other mountains, it also features several hot spring resorts at the base and is a popular destination for winter sports.
⑧ Oide Park (大出公園)
Cherry blossom period: Mid April–Late April
Next, we move over to Nagano Prefecture (長野県), where we can find the awe-inspiring Northern Alps (北アルプス) that span from prefectures Nagano to Toyama (富山県). Nagano is famous for many things: the venue of the historic Winter Olympics in 1998, home to amazing fruits, and one of the most popular places to be in Japan for winter sports and activities. Another thing it’s famous for? The unparalleled natural beauty of the surrounding mountains.
Oide Park is an idyllic park located not far from Hakuba Station (白馬駅), and is along the Hime River. Amazingly, it offers a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains with cherry blossom trees lined up along the river, and visitors can enjoy the view in quiet surroundings, and simply take in the atmosphere to their hearts’ content. Among the mountains visible from the park is Mount Shirouma.
Oide Park (大出公園)
Address: Oide, Hakuba, Kitaazumi-gun, Nagano 399-9301
Access: 15-minute walk from JR Hakuba Station (JR白馬駅)
Backdrop: Hakuba Three Mountains (白馬三山)
The Hakuba Three Mountains are synonymous with Nagano Prefecture, and they are made up of Mount Shirouma, Mount Yari, and Mount Shakushi. The mountains are one of the most sought-after views in the prefecture, especially during winter, but perhaps unknown to many people, the view of the mountain with cherry blossom petals is equally impressive. An iconic sight of Hakuba and the whole of Nagano Prefecture, the contrasting view is something different for people who recognise the village only for its winter activities.
⑨ Arakurayama Sengen Park (新倉山浅間公園)
Cherry blossom period: Early April–Mid April
Our last spot is a fan favourite among cherry blossom enthusiasts, and is a place closer to Tokyo. Arakurayama Sengen Park is in Yamanashi Prefecture (山梨県), and this is perhaps one of the most popular cherry blossom viewing sites in Japan. Here, visitors can visit the recognisable Chureito Pagoda (忠霊塔), together with the most iconic mountain in Japan, which makes for a picture-perfect view known throughout the world.
Arakurayama Sengen Park (新倉山浅間公園)
Address: 2-4-1 Asama, Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi 403-0011
Access: 10-minute walk from Fujikyu Railway Shimoyoshida Station (富士急鉄道下吉田駅)
Backdrop: Mount Fuji (富士山)
And here it is, the much exalted and world-famous Mount Fuji. People from all over the world visit Japan just to experience the sheer magnificence of this majestic mountain / active stratovolcano, which is regarded as one of the country’s most definitive cultural icons. It is also classified by the Agency of Cultural Affairs as one of Japan’s Special Places of Scenic Beauty (特別名勝) and also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
When it comes to finding the perfect spot for viewing the mountain with cherry blossoms, Arakurayama Sengen Park is often considered a prime candidate. What makes this park particularly special is how it offers the best spot to fit three of Japan’s cultural icons into one shot: the view of the pagoda, blooming cherry blossom flowers, and Mount Fuji right in the centre. People have most likely come across photos of Mount Fuji taken at this specific angle, and this is where visitors can come and see it for themselves.
Closing
Most visitors go to Japan only during the peak season itself, whether it is in February for winter or April for spring. As they look forward to gazing at snowy mountains or blooming cherry blossoms, it might not occur to them that seeing both at the same time is perfectly possible, if only they know where and when. Make sure to catch this surreal transitional view only in selected areas the next you make your way to Japan for the seasons!
JR EAST PASS (Tohoku area)
The JR EAST PASS (Tohoku area) is an affordable pass that offers unlimited train rides on JR East lines, including bullet trains, within the valid area for 5 consecutive days. It’s only ¥30,000, making it a considerable option for those planning to visit the Tohoku Region from Tokyo. Pass holders can also reserve seats online for up to a month in advance for free, on the JR-EAST Train Reservation.
JR EAST PASS (Nagano, Niigata area)
The JR EAST PASS (Nagano, Niigata area) is an affordable pass that offers unlimited train rides on JR East lines, including bullet trains, within the valid area for 5 consecutive days. It’s only ¥27,000, making it a considerable option for those planning to visit Nagano and Niigata from Tokyo. Pass holders can also reserve seats online for up to a month in advance for free, on the JR-EAST Train Reservation.
JR TOKYO Wide Pass
The JR TOKYO Wide Pass is an affordable pass offering unlimited rail travel on JR East lines (including bullet trains) in the valid area for 3 consecutive days. At ¥15,000, you can use it to travel from Tokyo to Shimoyoshida and many other places within the designated areas, such as Nikko, Karuizawa, GALA Yuzawa and more. Pass holders can also reserve seats online for up to a month in advance for free, on the JR-EAST Train Reservation.
Header image credit: U-Media
