Cherry blossom season in Japan is a magical time, drawing visitors from around the world to witness the ephemeral beauty of sakura (桜 cherry blossom). While Tokyo and Kyoto are famous for their cherry blossoms, attracting hordes of tourists every year, the Tohoku (東北) region in northern Japan offers a unique advantage: due to its northern location and cooler climate, cherry blossoms bloom later, allowing you to enjoy hanami (花見 flower viewing) all throughout April and even early May.
As we head into this year’s sakura season, in this article I’ll introduce a scenic 10-day sakura chasing itinerary through Tohoku’s six prefectures for an unforgettable cherry blossom experience.
What makes exploring Tohoku even more enticing now is the upcoming release of the new 10-day JR EAST PASS (Tohoku area). Previously, visitors could only traverse the region with a 5-day pass, limiting their ability to fully immerse themselves in Tohoku’s stunning landscapes and historical treasures. With this new extended pass, travellers will have the freedom to take their time, embrace the slow beauty of the seasons, and explore each area at a leisurely pace.
For those dreaming of an unforgettable cherry blossom adventure, this 10-day journey through Tohoku promises breathtaking scenery—all accessible by train. Let’s dive into what makes each stop on this rail journey an unmissable delight!
Day 1: Tokyo → Aizu-Wakamatsu → Kitakata → Aizu-Wakamatsu
Your cherry blossom adventure begins! Departing from Tokyo via the Tohoku Shinkansen, transfer at Koriyama Station to the JR Ban’etsu West Line, and get off at Aizu-Wakamatsu Station, the centre of a historic samurai town known for its rich culture and well-preserved traditions.
Tsuruga Castle
The highlight of the day is Tsuruga Castle (鶴ヶ城), where over 1,000 cherry trees frame the iconic white castle with its distinct red-tiled roof. This castle, originally built in the 14th century, played a significant role in the Boshin War of 1868. Although the current structure is a reconstruction, the historic ambiance remains, making it a fascinating place to explore.
Walk through the park’s pink tunnels, and immerse yourself in history while enjoying the sakura in full bloom. The combination of delicate blossoms against the impressive castle walls creates a picture-perfect scene.
Tsuruga Castle (鶴ヶ城)
Viewing period: mid to late April (varies each year)
Address: Address: 1-1 Otemachi, Aizuwakamatsu, Fukushima 965-0873
Access: From Aizu-Wakamatsu Station (会津若松駅), take the loop bus (Haikara-san bus or Akabe bus) to Tsurugajo Kitaguchi bus stop and walk 5 minutes to the castle.
Nicchu Line Weeping Cherry Blossoms
In the afternoon, squeeze in a short side trip to Kitakata, just a 15-minute ride on the Ban-etsu West Line from Aizu-Wakamatsu. From Kitakata Station, walk 20 minutes to see the weeping cherry blossoms trees (しだれ桜 shidare-zakura) of the Nicchu Line Weeping Cherry Blossoms (日中線しだれ桜並木).
Here, the Nicchu Railway Line’s old tracks have been repurposed into a 3km path for pedestrians and cyclists, and is lined with approximately 1,000 weeping cherry blossom trees. Along the path is a retired steam locomotive (SL) train on display, with a sleek black body that makes for stunning pictures when photographed with the pretty pink blossoms.
Nicchu Line Weeping Cherry Blossoms (日中線しだれ桜並木)
Viewing period: mid to late April (varies each year)
Address: 7244-2 Oshimizuhigashi, Kitakata-shi, Fukushima 966-0095
Access: 15-minute walk from JR Kitakata Station (喜多方駅)
Tsuruga Castle at night
After the side trip to Kitakata, head back to Aizu-Wakamatsu and check out Tsuruga Castle at night. The castle grounds host evening illuminations during peak bloom, offering a chance to experience a magical night-time hanami. The soft glow of the lights enhances the beauty of the sakura, making for an enchanting end to the first day of your sakura journey.
After a day of feasting your eyes on cherry blossoms, don’t forget to fill your belly with Aizu’s famous local specialties, such as sauce katsudon (ソースカツ丼 deep-fried pork cutlet with a rich sauce) and Aizu sake (酒 rice wine), which pairs wonderfully with the spring scenery. Spend the night in Aizu Wakamatsu.
Day 2: Aizu-Wakamatsu → Miharu Takizakura → Hanamiyama Park → Fukushima
The next morning, hop on the JR Ban-etsu West Line to Koriyama Station, transfer to the JR Ban-etsu East Line, and get off at Miharu Station. From there, a 25-minute bus ride will bring you to Miharu Takizakura (三春滝桜), one of Japan’s Three Great Cherry Trees.
Miharu Takizakura
At over 1,000 years old, this massive weeping cherry tree is a must-see. True to its name (“takizakura” means “waterfall sakura”), its cascading branches forming a stunning pink waterfall against the spring sky.
At 13.5m tall, with branch spans stretching 25m east-west and 20m north-south, the sheer size and age of Miharu Takizakura make it one of Japan’s most revered cherry blossom sites, attracting thousands of visitors each year who come to marvel at its grandeur. Seeing it in full bloom is a humbling experience, a reminder of the deep connection between nature and history in Japan.
Miharu Takizakura (三春滝桜)
Viewing period: early April (varies each year)
Address: 296 Sakurakubo, Taki, Miharu, Tamura, Fukushima 963-7714
Access: 25-minute bus ride from JR Miharu Station (三春駅)
Hanamiyama Park
After Miharu Takizakura, head back to Miharu Station and get back on the JR Ban-etsu East Line to Koriyama Station, and transfer to a bullet train headed to Fukushima Station, where you can take a 15-minute bus ride to Hanamiyama Park (花見山公園).
A hidden floral paradise, this park was once private farmland, but was generously opened to the public by its owners, so that more people could enjoy the beautiful views the park offers. Hanamiyama Park affords breathtaking panoramic views of not only cherry blossoms, but also plum (梅 ume), peach (花桃 hanamomo), and forsythia (レンギョウ) trees blooming together in a vibrant tapestry of colours.
A scenic walking path leads you through the hills, offering several vantage points to admire the blossoms with the stunning backdrop of the Azuma Mountains. The most famous view is from the upper trails, where the contrast of pink blossoms against the snowcapped peaks creates a breathtaking sight.
Hanamiyama Park (花見山公園)
Viewing period: late March to mid-April (varies each year)
Address: 17-Hara, Watari, Fukushima 960-8141
Access: 15-minute bus from Fukushima Station (福島駅)
Spend the night at Fukushima, and don’t forget to try a plate of the city’s famous enban gyoza (円盤餃子), a hearty platter of 20 to 30 pan-fried dumplings served in a disk shape!
Day 3: Fukushima → Hitome Senbonzakura → Matsushima → Sendai
Day 3 sees you travelling an hour up north to Miyagi Prefecture on the JR Tohoku Main Line to Funaoka Station. The must-visit sakura spot for the day is Hitome Senbonzakura (一目千本桜), where over a thousand cherry trees line an 8km stretch along the Shiroishi River.
Hitome Senbonzakura
The name “Hitome Senbonzakura” translates to “a thousand cherry trees in one glance,” and the view certainly lives up to its name. Walking along the riverbanks, you can capture stunning photos of the blossoms reflected in the water, with Mount Zao providing a dramatic backdrop. Traditional boats can be boarded for sightseeing, and you can to view the blossoms from the water for a unique perspective.
A must-see at Hitome Senbonzakura is the thrilling sight of a train running parallel to a seemingly endless row of sakura trees gently swaying in the breeze, with the snow-capped Mount Zao in the background. This view can be easily seen from atop the Shibata Senokyo Bridge (しばた千桜橋 Shibata Sen’о̄kyо̄), which was built in 2015.
Shibata Senokyo Bridge (しばた千桜橋)
Viewing period: early to mid-April (varies each year)
Access: 15-minute walk from JR Funaoka Station (船岡駅)
Funaoka Castle Park
Cross over to the other end of Shibata Senokyo Bridge, follow the path up, and it will lead you to Funaoka Castle Park (船岡城址公園). Located on a small hill in Shibata Town, this park used to be the site of a castle, which was demolished during the Meiji Era (1868–1912).
Funaoka Castle Park has around 1,300 cherry blossom trees on its grounds, and you can access the top via a retro slope car or a walking path, enjoying the views and blooming flowers along the way. Nowadays, the park is a popular cherry blossom viewing spot, and the view of Hitome Senbonzakura from the hilltop is simply superb.
Funaoka Castle Park (船岡城址公園)
Viewing period: early to mid-April (varies each year)
Address: Tateyama-95-1 Funaoka, Shibata, Shibata District, Miyagi 989-1606
Access: 15-minute walk from JR Funaoka Station (船岡駅)
Saigyo Modoshi no Matsu Park
From Funaoka Station, take a 30-minute ride on the JR Tohoku Main Line to Sendai, Miyagi’s vibrant capital. Transfer to the JR Senseki Line to go to Matsushima, one of Japan’s Three Most Scenic Views. You are there to visit Saigyo Modoshi no Matsu Park (西行戻しの松公園), which is a 25-minute uphill walk from JR Matsushimakaigan Station.
The park is located on a hill, with a mesmerising view of Matsushima Bay (松島湾) that is as beautiful as a picture. The sight of cherry blossoms overlooking Matsushima Bay creates a stunning contrast of sweet pink flowers and hypnotic blue waters. Sunrise in April is around 5am, so if you’re around the area and can visit this spot early, you might catch the unforgettable sight of a combination of soft sakura petals and gleaming orange skies!
Saigyo Modoshi no Matsu Park offers several observation points, each providing breathtaking views of the bay’s iconic pine-covered islets framed by cherry blossoms.
Saigyo Modoshi no Matsu Park (西行戻しの松公園)
Viewing period: early to mid-April (varies each year)
Address: 2 Inuta, Matsushima, Matsushima, Miyagi 981-0213
Access: 25-minute walk from JR Matsushimakaigan Station (松島海岸駅)
From Matsushimakaigan Station, it’s a 40-minute train ride on the JR Senseki Line back to Sendai. Stay overnight at Sendai for the next 2 nights, and indulge in the region’s tasty zunda (ずんだ edamame paste) snacks and famous gyutan (牛タン grilled beef tongue).
Day 4: Sendai → Kajo Park → Tsukioka Park → Sendai
Your cherry blossom journey continues on Day 4, starting with a day trip to Yamagata, which is a 90-minute train ride from Sendai Station on the JR Senzan Line.
Kajo Park
A 10-minute walk from Yamagata Station will bring you to Kajo Park (霞城公園), which houses Yamagata Castle, Tohoku’s largest castle by area. The park offers a tranquil setting, with cherry blossoms surrounding the castle ruins.
With plenty of open space for a relaxing picnic beneath the trees, the park makes for an atmospheric hanami experience. For lunch, grab a box of Yamagata’s famous Beef Domannaka (牛肉どまん中) ekiben, and enjoy it under the sakura trees in Kajo Park.
Tip for train enthusiasts: the railway tracks are built right beside the park, so you can enjoy the view of the castle’s stone walls, moat, cherry blossoms, and the passing train. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a passing shinkansen!
Kajo Park (霞城公園)
Viewing period: mid to late April (varies each year)
Address: Address: 1-7 Kajōmachi, Yamagata 990-0826
Access: 10-minute walk from JR Yamagata Station (山形駅)
Tsukioka Park
Head back to Yamagata Station, and take a 10-minute ride on the Yamagata Shinkansen to Kaminoyamaonsen Station. From there, walk 10 minutes to Tsukioka Park (月岡公園), a hidden gem for cherry blossom viewing.
Offering visitors a serene and picturesque hanami experience, the park is the perfect spot to appreciate the fleeting beauty of sakura season. One of the most captivating sights at Tsukioka Park is the reflection of the sakura trees in the water, creating a mirror-like effect that enhances the park’s dreamlike atmosphere.
Tsukioka Park (月岡公園)
Address: 3 Motojonai, Kaminoyama, Yamagata 999-3154
Access: 15-minute walk from JR Kaminoyamaonsen Station (かみのやま温泉駅)
Kaminoyama Castle
Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the well-maintained walking paths, relax under the canopy of blossoms, or bring a picnic to savour the season’s charm. A short walk from the park is Kaminoyama Castle (上山城), where there is a free foot bath (足湯). Don’t miss out on basking in the unique experience of soaking your feet while enjoying the view of the cherry blossoms!
Kaminoyama Castle (上山城)
Address: 3-7 Motojnai, Kaminoyama, Yamagata 999-3154
Access: 10-minute walk from JR Kaminoyamaonsen Station (かみのやま温泉駅)
Walk back to Kaminoyamaonsen Station, and head back to Sendai via train. You can either take the Yamagata Shinkansen to Yamagata Station and transfer to the JR Senzan Line to Sendai, or take the Yamagata Shinkansen to Fukushima Station and transfer to the Tohoku Shinkansen to Sendai.
Day 5: Sendai → Kitakami Tenshochi → Morioka
Day 5 begins by bidding adieu to Sendai and taking a 1-hour ride on the Tohoku Shinkansen to Kitakami Station, where you will visit Kitakami Tenshochi (北上展勝地) in Iwate Prefecture, one of Tohoku’s most renowned cherry blossom destinations.
Kitakami Tenshochi
Boasting a breathtaking 2km tunnel of sakura trees along the scenic Kitakami River, this beloved park spans an impressive 293 hectares and is home to over 10,000 cherry blossom trees from 150 different varieties. With so many different sakura varieties, you can enjoy hanami over a long period, with the Someiyoshino variety in mid-April, and the Kasumizakura variety in late April.
A highlight of Kitakami Tenshochi Park is its enchanting 2km-long walking path, lined on both sides with cherry trees, forming a dreamy sakura tunnel perfect for a leisurely stroll. For a truly unique experience, you can take a horse-drawn wagon ride beneath the blossoms. With the rhythmic clatter of hooves echoing along the path and delicate pink petals drifting through the air, the ride offers a magical way to enjoy the flowers.
Adding to the festive atmosphere, colourful carp streamers flutter in the breeze, creating a lively and picturesque scene. You can also take a boat ride along the Kitakami River, which offers a different perspective of the cherry blossom viewing experience.
Kitakami Tenshochi Park (北上展勝地公園)
Viewing period: mid to late April (varies each year)
Address: 10 Chiwari Tachibana, Kitakami, Iwate 024-0043
Access: Walk from JR Kitakami Station (北上駅)
From Kitakami, take a 20-minute ride on Tohoku Shinkansen to Morioka Station, and spend the next 2 nights there.
Day 6: Morioka
On Day 6, slow down the pace and spend the day exploring the charming city of Morioka, the capital of Iwate Prefecture. Known for its historic sites and local cuisine, this city was featured as the #2 on the New York Times list of “52 Places to Go in 2023”.
Morioka Castle Site Park
For the first stop of the day, visit Morioka Castle Site Park (盛岡城跡公園), where cherry blossoms bloom against the stone walls of the former castle. The park’s serene ambiance makes it a perfect spot for a leisurely hanami picnic.
Morioka Castle Site Park (盛岡城跡公園)
Viewing period: mid to late April (varies each year)
Address: 1-37 Uchimaru, Morioka, Iwate 020-0023
Access: 15-minute walk from JR Morioka Station (盛岡駅)
Ishiwarizakura
In the afternoon, visit Ishiwarizakura (石割桜Rock-Splitting Cherry Tree), an over-400-year-old cherry blossom tree of the Edohigan variety growing out of a large granite boulder, symbolising resilience and natural wonder.
Ishiwarizakura (石割桜)
Viewing period: mid to late April (varies each year)
Address: 9-1 Uchimaru, Morioka, Iwate 020-8520
Access: 20-minute walk from JR Morioka Station (盛岡駅)
While in the city, don’t forget to try Morioka’s Three Great Noodles: reimen (冷麺 cold noodles), jajamen (じゃじゃ麺 black bean noodles), and wanko soba (わんこそば all-you-can-eat soba noodle challenge). For an unforgettable and extra fulfilling dining experience to cement your Morioka trip, wanko soba is definitely a must-try!
Day 7: Morioka → Koiwai Farm → Senshu Park
Koiwai Farm
Starting Day 7 early, a 35-minute bus ride from Morioka Station will bring you to Koiwai Farm (小岩井農場), home to the iconic lone cherry blossom tree (一本桜 ipponzakura) standing in a vast field, with Mount Iwate as its backdrop. During spring, the isolated beauty of the single sakura tree against the snow-capped mountain creates a striking and unforgettable sight.
Koiwai Farm (小岩井農場)
Viewing period: late April (varies each year)
Address: 36-1 Maruyachi, Shizukuishi, Iwate District, Iwate 020-0507
Access: 35-minute bus ride from JR Morioka Station (盛岡駅)
Senshu Park
In the afternoon, bid farewell to Morioka and take a 1.5-hour ride on the Akita Shinkansen to Akita Station. From the station, a 10-minute walk will bring you to Senshu Park (千秋公園), where the ruins of Kubota Castle are surrounded by hundreds of cherry trees, creating a picturesque scene. The park’s cherry trees create a charming atmosphere, and the views from the castle ruins provide a great perspective of the city.
Senshu Park (千秋公園)
Viewing period: mid to late April (varies each year)
Address: 1 Senshukoen, Akita, Akita 010-0876
Access: 10-minute walk from JR Akita Station (秋田駅)
Spend the next two nights in Akita City. Enjoy a hearty pot of kiritanpo nabe (きりたんぽ鍋) for dinner.
Day 8: Akita → Kakunodate Samurai Residence Street → Hinokinai Riverside → Akita
On Day 8, take a day trip to Kakunodate, known as the “Little Kyoto” (小京都) of Tohoku, which is famous for its well-preserved samurai residences. From Akita, it’s just a 45-minute ride on the Akita Shinkansen to Kakunodate Station.
Kakunodate Samurai Residence Street
Once there, take a leisurely 20-minute stroll to Kakunodate Samurai Residence Street (角館武家屋敷通り). Looking stunning against a backdrop of old samurai residences, the sakura here are mostly dramatic pink weeping cherry blossoms, with branches that fall downward.
The elegant contrast between the dark wooden samurai mansions and the delicate pink blossoms makes for a truly stunning sight. Did you know? It is said that Kakunodate’s beautiful weeping cherry blossom trees originated from three trees that were brought over from Kyoto over 350 years ago!
Kakunodate Samurai Residence Street (角館武家屋敷通り)
Viewing period: mid to late April (varies each year)
Address: Higashi-katsuraku, Omotemachi, Kakunodate, Semboku, Akita 014-0331
Access: 20-minute walk from JR Kakunodate Station (角館駅)
Hinokinai Riverside
After strolling through Kakunodate’s historic streets, take a 10-minute walk to the Hinokinai River (桧内川), where the riverbanks are lined with around 400 cherry blossom trees of the Someiyoshino variety, their arched branches forming a mesmerising corridor of cherry blossoms. Enjoy a leisurely stroll under the sakura tunnel, and walk back to Kakunodate Station.
Hinokinai River (桧内川)
Viewing period: mid to late April (varies each year)
Access: 20-minute walk from JR Kakunodate Station (角館駅)
After spending the day at Kakunodate, take the Akita Shinkansen back to Akita.
Day 9: Akita → Hirosaki Park
On Day 9, take a 2-hour ride on the Limited Express Tsugaru from Akita Station to Hirosaki Station in Aomori Prefecture.
Hirosaki Park
Not just famous in Tohoku, Hirosaki Park (弘前公園) in Aomori Prefecture is one of Japan’s top cherry blossom destinations, and it’s not hard to see why. Hirosaki is renowned for its apples, and techniques taken from apple cultivation have been adapted to grow denser and more beautiful sakura trees.
With over 2,600 cherry trees, the park boasts breathtaking views during the day and even more enchanting views under the night-time illuminations. The night-time cherry blossoms (夜桜 yozakura) at Hirosaki Park, especially around the Western Moat (西濠 nishibori), are nothing short of magical. Both sides of the moat are lined with sakura trees, forming tunnels which you can leisurely stroll under. The lower-hanging branches are meticulously trimmed so that the flowers bloom at around eye level.
Another captivating sight to experience at Hirosaki Park is that of fallen petals forming cherry blossom carpet (花筏 hana ikada) in the castle’s outer moat. A bit after the full bloom period, petals fall off and accumulate on the still waters of the outer moat, forming a pretty pink carpet.
Hirosaki Park (弘前公園)
Viewing period: late April to early May (varies each year)
Address: 1 Shimoshiroganecho, Hirosaki-shi, Aomori 036-8356
Access: Take the Dotemachi Loop bus from JR Hirosaki Station (弘前駅) to Shiyakushomae Bus Stop and walk 5 minutes to Hirosaki Park. Alternatively, walk 25-minutes from the station.
While in Hirosaki, don’t forget to try delicious apple treats, especially an apple pie. They’re not difficult to find, the city even published an apple pie guide map!
Day 10: Hirosaki → Ashinokoen Park → Tokyo
Ashino Park
On the final day, visit Ashino Park (芦野公園), a hidden gem for cherry blossom viewing nestled in Western Aomori’s Tsugaru region.
From Hirosaki, take the JR Ou Main Line / Gono Line to Goshogawara Station, transfer to the Tsugaru Railway Line (not covered by the JR EAST PASS (Tohoku area), and make your way to Ashinokōen Station (芦野公園駅). The moment you step off the train at Ashinokōen Station, you’ll be welcomed by the breathtaking sight of cherry blossoms lining both sides of the tracks.
Ashino Park is home to approximately 1,500 cherry trees, primarily of the delicate pale pink Someiyoshino variety. One of the park’s most captivating scenes is the vibrant orange Tsugaru Railway train passing through a tunnel of sakura, a picture-perfect moment that enchants thousands of visitors each year.
Ashino Park (芦野公園)
Viewing period: late April to early May (varies each year)
Address: 84-170 Ashino, Kanagi-machi, Goshogawara-shi, Aomori 037-0202
Access: Right outside Ashinokōen Station (芦野公園駅)
After your final hanami experience at Ashino Park, board the train back to Goshogawara Station, transfer to the JR Gono Line / Ou Main Line to Shin-Aomori Station, and transfer to the Tohoku Shinkansen, bound for Tokyo. As you make your way back to Tokyo, reflect on the beauty of Tohoku’s cherry blossoms.
Experience Tohoku’s springtime splendour with the JR EAST PASS (Tohoku area)
The Tohoku region’s extended cherry blossom season, combined with the scenic beauty of its parks, historic sites, and natural landscapes, makes it an incredible destination for sakura lovers. With the introduction of the new 10-day JR EAST PASS (Tohoku area), you now have the freedom to explore Tohoku at a more relaxed pace, ensuring that no cherry blossom experience is rushed or missed.
Although the 10-day pass will only be available for use from 15 May 2025, making it just out of Tohoku’s cherry blossom season this year, it’s never too early to start planning next year’s sakura trip! The new pass will also be perfect for festival hopping in summer, chasing autumn foliage in fall, and exploring snowy landscapes in winter.
Header image credit: 福島県観光物産交流協会/宮城県観光戦略課
