Miharu Takizakura; one of the three giant cherry trees of Japan and other gorgeous cherry blossom trees to see in Fukushima!

When we talk about spring in Japan, the first thing that pops out in our mind is cherry blossoms, isn’t it? February almost ends and spring is almost here, so how about visiting Fukushima prefecture to see its beautiful cherry blossom trees? Fukushima has a lot of great cherry blossom viewing spots and you can spot Miharu Takizakura; one of the three giant cherry trees in Japan. Today we introduce 10 best cherry blossom viewing spots in Fukushima, so let’s gear up and gather all the information necessary for your trip to Japan!

1. Hanamiyama (Fukushima city)

Hanamiyama is a park in Fukushima known for its varieties of flowers, and Hanamiyama is the only park where cherry blossom trees like tokaizakura and higanzakura (early-flowering cherry), plum trees, peach trees, forsythia, magnolia, and Japanese quince bloom all together. The view of these flowers is extremely gorgeous; even late Shotaro Akiyama, one of the best photographers of Japan, described it as a utopia in Fukushima. You’ll see a panoramic view of Fukushima city and Azuma Mountains surrounded by cherry blossom trees if you go to the top of the hill. The best timing to visit this spot is in April and tourists from all over Japan will be visiting the park for the whole month. Expect to see a huge crowd during this season and plan your trip wisely to enjoy your visit to this park!
Cherry blossom season: early to late April

Weeping cherry trees along Nicchu Railway Line Memorial Cycling Pedestrian’s Path (Kitakata city)

Known for its mouthwatering Kitakata noodles, Kitakata city is actually famous for its gorgeous cherry blossom viewing spot: Nicchu Railway Line Memorial Cycling Pedestrian’s Path. Built using the remaining of Nicchu line; a former Japanese National Railway discontinued in 1984, this 3 km long road is lined with more than a thousand weeping cherry trees. A vintage steam locomotive is also displayed on the side of this path too. The contrast between the dainty pale cherry petals and the black steam locomotive is so astounding, and apparently this spot is very popular among tourists, especially those who love railways. A festival called “Kitakata Sakura Matsuri (Kitakata Cherry Blossom Festival)” will be held from April 10 to April 30 in this area. During this period, this path will be lined with stalls introducing local food and hands-on experiences, allowing you to enjoy both astounding view of cherry blossom and Japanese local festivals altogether.
Cherry blossom season: mid to late April

3. Tsuruga Castle (Aizuwakamatsu city)

Tsuruga Castle is known as the most famous castle in Fukushima and one of the best castles in Japan. It is the only existing castle with red tiled roofs in Japan, which also looks very beautiful during its light up at night. The area of the castle is packed with various kinds of cherry trees and there are around 1000 Someiyoshino cherry trees there. Ranked as one of the 100 great cherry blossoms viewing spots in Japan, the contrast between this historical castle and cherry blossoms is exceptionally beautiful and fantastic, especially during its light up at night.
Cherry blossom season: mid to late April

4. Miharu Takizakura (Miharu-machi)

Miharu Takizakura; the huge weeping cherry tree, is one of the three giant cherry trees in Japan. With a 13 meters tall and 11 meters root circumference, the age of this tree is said to be more than 1000 years old. Each branch of this tree holds countless beautiful cherry blossoms. It is called “Takizakura (waterfall cherry blossoms)” because the blossoms look like a cascading waterfall. This tree looks even more beautiful at night during its light up. Since it’s very popular among local and foreign tourists, expect to see a huge crowd during its full bloom. The admission fee to see this tree is 300 yen.
Cherry blossom season: mid April

5. Benishidare Jizozakura (Koriyama)

Benishidare Jizozakura; a 400-year-old weeping cherry tree, is said to be the daughter of Miharu Takizakura. The tree is named after a small Jizo-temple next to it, which was built to pray and protect infants from dying at early age. The view of the bold pink cherry blossoms is mesmerizing, and it would be interesting if you compare this tree to its mother, Miharu Takizakura.
Cherry blossom season: mid to late April

6. Kassenba Weeping Cherry Trees (Nihonmatsu city)

Kassenba weeping cherry trees are said to be the grandchild of Miharu Takizakura, one of the three giant cherry trees in Japan. The trees are name as Kassenba (battlefield) because of its location, where samurai lord Yoshiie Minamoto battled against Sadato Abe and Muneto Abe. Though they look like a one giant tree, they are actually two big weeping cherry trees growing strongly side by side, so many people see them as a symbol of a loving couple. There is a field of rape flowers under these trees. Extremely beautiful during its light up at night, special lights are used to enhance the charm of Kassenba weeping cherry trees!
Cherry blossom season: mid to late April

7. Cherry Blossoms Tunnel at Yonomori (Tomioka-cho)

Tomioka-cho is a city in Fukushima prefecture known for its famous cherry blossom viewing spot called “Cherry Blossoms Tunnel” at Yonomori. The tunnel stretches for about 2.5 kilometers and some parts of the tunnel were off-limits since the great earthquake in 2011, but the city government organized bus tours allowing tourists to see cherry blossoms in the mentioned restricted area last year. At this moment, the city government hasn’t announced whether they will run bus tours again this year, but if they will, you should never miss the tour as you can enjoy both the beautiful cherry blossoms and the restoration of Fukushima after the great disaster altogether.
Cherry blossom season: early April

8. Cherry blossoms path at Kannonji River (Inawashiro-cho)

There are around 200 Someiyoshino cherry trees lining up on the both sides of Kannonji River for about 1 kilometer. The river flows down gently, creating a relaxing atmosphere with its calming and soothing sound. A festival will be held during the peak of cherry blossoms, and you’ll find many events and foods stalls here; a great moment to enjoy with your friends, family, or significant others. The cherry trees look even more beautiful at night during its light up, and the reflection of the cherry blossom trees in the water is extremely mesmerizing.
Cherry blossom season: late April to early May

9. Natsui Senbonzakura (Ono-cho)

There are around 1000 Someiyoshino cherry trees lining up on both sides of Natsui River for about 5 kilometers. The area is a great for walking, as you can enjoy both the reflection of beautiful cherry blossoms in the water while enjoying the soothing sound of the gently flowing river. Carp streamers will be hung in the air during the peak of cherry blossoms to celebrate the season. The cherry trees look extremely mesmerizing during its light up at night, so how about having a night walk under these colorful and beautiful cherry trees with your friends?
Cherry blossom season: mid to late April

10. Sakura Toge Park (Urabandai)

Sakura Toge Park was built in 2001 by planting 2001 Sargent’s cherry trees to celebrate the birth of Aiko, Princess of Japan. At this moment, there are around 3000 Sargent’s cherry trees, which bloom altogether in spring. The park looks like a pink carpet when viewed from a higher ground. Offering an impressive magnificent view, make sure to capture tons of beautiful pictures for the gram when visiting this spot!
Cherry blossom season: late April to early May

Fukushima has tons of beautiful cherry blossom viewing spots, and we only introduce some of them in this feature. You can enjoy many breathtaking views of cherry blossoms for the whole month by visiting different parts of Fukushima prefecture. Make sure to include Fukushima prefecture in your agenda if you plan to visit Japan to enjoy the cherry blossoms!
Cherry blossoms viewing spots mentioned in this feature https://goo.gl/maps/PGLsuwSZgK1h4iPz8
*The cherry blossom season of each spot might change depending on the weather. Make sure to check the latest forecast by yourself beforehand.