Did you miss the peak sakura season in Tokyo(東京) or Kyoto(京都)? Or perhaps intentionally planning a late April escape to avoid the bustling crowds? While the pink petals may have fallen in the south, the Tohoku Region (東北地方) remains a less-explored sanctuary for those chasing the final breathtaking moments of the cherry blossom season. Whether you are a repeat visitor hunting for hidden gems or a first-time traveler looking for intimate and photogenic spots, catching the late-blooming blossoms in the north will definitely be an unforgettable experience.
Join us as we explore 6 sakura spots (one for each of the six prefectures in Tohoku) popular with the locals and discover why the best of the Japanese spring is often saved for last!
1. Nicchū Line Memorial Path (日中線記念自転車歩行者道) in Fukushima
Typical Peak Sakura Season: Mid to Late April
The Nicchū Line Memorial Path in Kitakata City (喜多方市) was transformed from a former railway line into a 3-kilometre-long floral cycling and walking path. The highlight of this spot is its sheer number of “weeping” cherry trees, also known as Shidarezakura (しだれ桜) , creating a cascading waterfall of pink that pours gracefully into the path. There are also multiple photo spots, including the preserved steam locomotive (SL) in the SL Plaza at the midpoint of the path. As the path is mainly flat, this is a perfect spot for travelers who want to take their time soaking in the floral scenery.
During the Kitakata Sakura Festival in the sakura season, the path is lit up beautifully, with its rows of soft pink contrasting against the dark night sky. There are also limited time menus offered by businesses within the charming city during the festival, so you can get your Kitakata ramen and sakura-flavoured ice cream fix throughout the day.
Nicchū Line Memorial Path (日中線記念自転車歩行者道)
Address: 2-22 Oshikirihigashi, Kitakata-shi, Fukushima-ken 〒966-0896
Access: 5 mins walk from Kitakata Station (喜多方駅)
2. Mikamine Park (三神峯公園) in Miyagi
Typical Peak Sakura Season: Early to Late April
While many tourists flock to the common sakura spots near the city center, Sendai City (仙台市) residents head to this hilltop park for its vast, rolling lawns and relaxed atmosphere. Known for having the highest number of sakura trees among all the parks of Sendai City, Mikamine Park hosts 48 different varieties of cherry trees—totaling over 750 individual trees.
These include natural and cultivated varieties, and range from the early-blooming Fuyuzakura (冬桜), the popular Somei-Yoshino (ソメイヨシノ), weeping Shidarezakura and late-blooming species such as the Kanzan (関山) and Fukurokuju (福禄寿). This diverse mix results in a longer sakura viewing season, which means that no matter which time of April you are visiting, you are likely to find a splash of pink waiting for you here!
Mikamine Park (三神峯公園)
Address: 1-16 Mikamine, Taihaku, Sendai, Miyagi 〒982-0826
Access: From Sendai Station, transfer to the Nanboku Subway Line to Nagamachi-Minami Station (長町南駅). From there, the park is a 20 mins walk or a quick 5-minute taxi ride.
3. Kajo Park (霞城公園) in Yamagata
Typical Peak Sakura Season: Mid to Late April
Take a glimpse into the past at Kajo Park (霞城公園), a stunning historical site located on the former grounds of Yamagata Castle. This park is one of the most iconic sakura destinations in Yamagata City (山形市 Yamagata-shi), featuring approximately 1,500 cherry trees that stand within the impressive restored stone walls and along the castle moats. Kajo Park also offers a unique thrill for railway enthusiasts who are looking for the perfect photo opportunity: the JR Yamagata Shinkansen and local train lines run directly alongside the park’s eastern moats, flanked by rows of cherry blossom trees.
As evening falls, the park takes on a magical atmosphere as the sakura trees within the castle ground and moats are illuminated during the blooming season. The beautifully reflected rows of pink in the still waters of the moat makes for a serene spot that perfectly captures the spirit of spring in Yamagata.
Kajo Park (霞城公園)
Address: 1-7 Kajomachi, Yamagata, Yamagata 〒990-0826
Access: 10 mins walk from Yamagata Station (山形駅)
4. Kitakami Tenshōchi Park (北上展勝地公園) in Iwate
Typical Peak Sakura Season: Mid to Late April
One of the Top Three Sakura Spots of Michinoku in the Tohoku region, this park features a breathtaking 2-kilometer-long tunnel of over 10,000 cherry trees of 150 varieties stretching along the Kitakami River. During the Kitakami Tenshōchi Sakura Festival in April, there are various exciting activities for visitors to enjoy the arrival of spring.
You can hop on a traditional horse-drawn carriage that clip-clops through the floral path, or get on a tethered hot air balloon that rises above the trees, offering a stunning aerial view of the pink corridor and the Kitakami River. As the sun sets, the sakura tunnel is beautifully lit up, creating a romantic atmosphere. Regardless of how you plan to enjoy it, the sheer scale of the blossoms here is guaranteed to leave you speechless.
Kitakami Tenshōchi Park (北上展勝地公園)
Address: 10 Chiwari Tachibana, Kitakami, Iwate 〒024-0043
Access: 15 mins walk from Kitakami Station (北上駅)
(Note 1: A free shuttle bus operates during the festival. The nearest bus stop is at the East Exit of Kitakami Station (北上駅東口).
Note 2: The boat ride experience is cancelled for the 2026 edition of the Festival.
For more information, please refer to the official website.)
5. Noshiro Park (能代公園) in Akita
Typical Peak Sakura Season: Mid April to Early May
For travelers looking to escape the crowds while still enjoying world-class views, Noshiro Park (能代公園) in Akita is a hidden gem that shouldn’t be missed. Perched on a gentle hill, this tranquil park features around 400 cherry trees, including the classic Somei Yoshino varieties. What sets this spot apart is its breathtaking panoramic scenery; on a clear day, the soft pink blossoms are framed by the majestic, snow-capped peaks of the Shirakami-Sanchi (白神山地)—a UNESCO World Heritage site—and the Sea of Japan in the distance.
Alongside the sakura from late April to early May, the park also features 3,400 azalea trees of 14 varieties which bloom in charming shades of red and white from early to late May. As the park is a local favourite rather than a major tourist spot, you can truly take your time to appreciate the beauty of spring in a quiet, authentic setting.
Noshiro Park (能代公園)
Address: 9 Seisukemachi, Noshiro, Akita 〒016-0806
Access: 20 mins walk from Noshiro Station (能代駅)
6. Hirosaki Park (弘前公園) in Aomori
Typical Peak Sakura Season: Late April to Early May
Widely considered one of Japan’s top three cherry blossom spots, Hirosaki Park is home to the majestic Hirosaki Castle (弘前城) and over 2,600 cherry trees. The highlight here is the “Hana-ikada” (花筏): when the petals fall, they cover the castle moat in a blanket of pink floral rafts and create a mesmerising river of floating flower petals. During the Hirosaki Sakura Festival (弘前さくらまつり), which is typically held from mid-April to early May, you can take a boat ride through the petal-covered moats for an even more romantic experience.
Another spectacle of the festival lies after sunset, when the cherry trees are illuminated, casting a soft, ethereal glow against the castle walls. Known as one of the Three Great Night Cherry Blossom Views, it is the perfect finale for any northern sakura chase.
The Tohoku region offers a stunning finale to Japan’s most beloved season. On top of that, these destinations are easily accessible with the new JR EAST PASS and make for great trips as you hop on the Shinkansen and chase the cherry blossoms northwards. Whether you are having a springtime picnic at these sakura spots, enjoying the quaint yet festive atmosphere of these hidden gems, or snapping shots of the beautifully-illuminated pink blossoms against the night sky, these spots prove that spring is not a race, but a journey to be savoured.
Hirosaki Park (弘前公園)
Address: 1 Shimoshiroganecho, Hirosaki, Aomori 〒036-8356
Access: 10-15 mins bus ride from Hirosaki Station (弘前駅)
Keep the sakura flowing with JAPAN RAIL CLUB!
Tohoku isn’t the only place where you can experience late sakura in April! For this month, check out our Sakura Picnic Omiyage Snack Box, featuring a spread of sakura-inspired goods, perfect for a day out under the cherry blossoms.
Happy travels, and enjoy your spring in Tohoku!
Header Image Credit: PhotoAc
