A Spring Journey Through Tohoku’s Cherry Blossoms: 18 Popular Hanami Spots

If you want to know the expected blooming, full bloom, and best viewing periods for 2026, check the table below.
This information was announced on January 8, so the timing may shift depending on future temperature changes. Please use it only as a rough guide.
Also, the timing can differ at each cherry blossom spot, so refer to the best viewing periods listed for each place introduced later.

Hirosaki Park spreads across the grounds of Hirosaki Castle, which is designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan.
The park is home to two Somei Yoshino cherry trees said to be the best in Japan.
The first is the “largest trunk circumference” Somei Yoshino, with an impressive girth of 537 cm.
The second is the “oldest in Japan” Somei Yoshino, which is 130 years old.
There are many varieties here. Around 2,600 cherry trees of 50 types come into full bloom.
During peak blossom season, the Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival is held and is often said to be the best in Japan.

Kakunodate, also known as “Little Kyoto of Tohoku,” still preserves streetscapes from the Edo period.
The weeping cherry trees at the samurai residences and the 2 km cherry blossom tunnel along the Hinokinai River are breathtakingly beautiful.
The nostalgic townscape, where cherry blossoms brighten scenery that has continued since the Edo period, is a must-see.

Tenshochi is not only one of the “Three Great Cherry Blossom Spots of Tohoku,” but is also selected as one of the “100 Best Cherry Blossom Spots in Japan.”
This park lies along the Kitakami River. The Approx. 2 km row of cherry trees by the river forms a cherry blossom tunnel that warmly welcomes visitors.
You can also enjoy the view in style from a horse-drawn carriage or pleasure boat.
Approx. 10,000 cherry trees of around 150 varieties burst into bloom, each showing off its beauty. The spectacular view is not to be missed.

Gappo Park is a seaside park with a beautiful pine grove along the shore.
In cherry blossom season, Approx 600 Somei Yoshino, weeping cherry, and Satozakura trees come into full bloom.
The view created by the cherry blossom avenue, pine forest, and sea is sure to soothe visitors.

Ashino Park is also known as a place where the famous author Osamu Dazai played as a child.
It is one of the “100 Best Cherry Blossom Spots in Japan,” with over 1,500 cherry trees contrasting beautifully with the pines.
The view of trains running through tunnels of cherry blossoms that spread over the nearby railway tracks is another popular sight.

Hirosaki Park is also known as one of the “Three Great Sakura Spots of Tohoku.”
It’s one of Japan’s top places for cherry blossoms, with two of Japan’s best Somei Yoshino trees and approx 2,600 cherry trees in 50 varieties in full bloom.
This famous cherry blossom spot hosts the Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival, often called Japan’s number-one cherry blossom festival.
During the festival, the trees are lit up at night so you can enjoy a very different view from the daytime.
The magical sight of illuminated blossoms reflecting on the castle moat is a must-see.
You can also sample local food at stalls or enjoy flower-viewing on a cruise through the moat. There are many ways to enjoy the festival while it’s on.

This park sits on the former grounds of Morioka Castle, counted as one of the “Three Great Castles of Tohoku.”
The contrast between the remaining stone walls and the cherry blossoms creates a beautiful scene.
In cherry blossom season, it’s one of the area’s most popular spots and is lively with hanami both day and night.

Koiwai Farm is famous for a single cherry tree rooted in a wide green field.
You can admire the colors of the blossoms set against the lingering snow on Mt. Iwate and the lush pastures.
Besides flower-viewing, you can fully enjoy farm-style activities such as horseback riding and feeding rabbits, which is another big draw.

A top cherry blossom spot in Iwate, chosen as one of the “Michinoku Three Great Cherry Blossom Spots.”
One highlight is the magical view of the illuminated cherry tree avenue reflected on the river at night.
The scenery at full bloom is stunning, but the view when the petals start to fall is just as unforgettable.
The cherry blossom storm created by 10,000 trees is simply breathtaking.
You can also enjoy the charming sight of petals floating on the water, so visiting during the falling-petal season is highly recommended.

Mato Park, selected as one of the “100 Best Cherry Blossom Spots in Japan,” is one of Akita’s leading cherry blossom destinations.
The green of Mt. Mato covered in pine trees and the reflection of the full-bloom cherry blossoms on the pond create a distinctive view you won’t see at other spots.

Senshu Park is also famous for its Japanese garden, which shows a different charm in every season.
Approx 760 cherry trees bloom in the park, including Somei Yoshino trees that are 120 years old.
Stroll around the castle ruins and Japanese garden while enjoying the cherry blossoms.

Kakunodate is one of the “Top 3 Cherry Blossom Spots in Michinoku” and the most famous cherry blossom spot in Akita.
During peak season, a 2 km cherry blossom tunnel along the Hinokinai River and the samurai residences are lit up at night.
The bewitching scene of weeping cherry trees and samurai residences from the Edo period, all illuminated, can only be seen here.
The night-time cherry blossoms have a mysterious charm that’s totally different from the elegant daytime scenery.

Kajo Park was developed on the grounds of Yamagata Castle, originally built by the warlord Mogami Yoshiaki.
The graceful scenery of the white-based castle and pale pink cherry blossoms in harmony is something you won’t want to miss.
During peak cherry blossom season, elegant events are held where you can experience “sado” (tea ceremony), a traditional Japanese culture.
It’s a must-visit cherry blossom spot for history lovers.

Eboshiyama Park is home to approx 1,000 cherry trees of 25 varieties, known and loved as “Eboshiyama Senbonzakura” (a thousand cherry trees of Eboshiyama).
The view of the great torii gate of Eboshiyama Hachiman Shrine in the park, surrounded by weeping cherry trees and Somei Yoshino, is spectacular.
Thanks to its beauty, the park has been selected as one of the “100 Best Cherry Blossom Spots in Japan.”

Tsuruoka Park was created on the site of Tsuruoka Castle and still preserves the atmosphere of the old feudal days.
With 760 cherry trees blooming all at once, it is one of the top cherry blossom spots in the prefecture.
After sunset, the cherry blossoms lit by lanterns create a magical night view.

Hiyoriyama Park offers a sweeping view over Ishinomaki City and is also known as a cherry blossom spot.
It is rare to find a place where you can see the Pacific Ocean, cherry blossoms, and the cityscape all at once.
On clear days, you can even see Matsushima, one of the “Three Most Scenic Spots of Japan.”
If you visit Ishinomaki in spring, this is a hanami spot you should definitely stop by.

Tsutsujigaoka Park is one of the best-known cherry blossom spots in Sendai.
You can enjoy many varieties of cherry trees, including Somei Yoshino, double-flowered cherry, Higan cherry, and Ukon cherry.
There are many weeping cherry trees that bloom a little later, so you can enjoy hanami here longer than at other spots.
If you visit Miyagi a little after the usual peak season, don’t give up on cherry blossom viewing. Head to Tsutsujigaoka Park instead.

Funaoka Castle Ruins Park is the only spot in Miyagi Prefecture chosen as one of the “100 Best Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots in Japan.”
From the park’s hilltop, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the “Hitome Senbonzakura” cherry blossom tunnel of Approx 1,200 trees along the Shiroishi River, with the snow-capped Zao mountain range as a backdrop.
At night, the cherry trees are lit up and the entire area takes on a magical atmosphere.
It’s no exaggeration to say this is a cherry blossom spot you can fully enjoy both day and night.

This cherry tree is said to have been planted over 1,000 years ago, in the Heian period. Its name, “Tora-no-o Zakura,” comes from its resemblance to a tiger lying down.
It blooms in front of the Kannon Hall of Hoyoji Temple, which owns many Important Cultural Properties, and is one of the “Five Famous Cherry Trees of Aizu.”
Loved by feudal lords and princesses over the centuries, this historic tree is known for its delicately colored blossoms.

Kaiseizan Park is a lush green space centered around Lake Isuzu and is also famous as a cherry blossom spot.
In the park you’ll find some of the oldest Somei Yoshino cherry trees in Japan, along with Approx 1,300 cherry trees in full bloom.
Kaiseizan Daijingu Shrine next to the park is another well-known cherry blossom spot, and many visitors enjoy Kaiseizan Park and Kaiseizan Daijingu Shrine together.
After sunset, the illuminated cherry blossoms and rows of food stalls create a scene that thrills not only children but adults as well.

Miharu Takizakura was the first cherry tree to be designated a National Natural Monument in Japan.
This giant tree has a history of over 1,000 years. It stands 13.5 m tall, with an 11.3 m trunk circumference and branches stretching up to 14.5 m.
The way its branches spread in all directions and bloom with small flowers looks like a cascading waterfall, which is why it’s called “Takizakura” or “waterfall cherry.”
The illuminated Miharu Takizakura at night is truly breathtaking.
Don’t just see Miharu Takizakura during the day. Make sure to see it at night too.