Enjoy Cherry Blossoms Amid Shikoku’s Rich Nature and History: 19 Top Hanami Spots

Below are the forecast flowering and full-bloom dates for 2026, announced on January 8, 2026 by a weather information company on its “Sakura Navi” service.

Bizan Park spreads across the 290 m-high summit of Mt. Bizan, right next to downtown Tokushima City.
From the observatory, you can take in sweeping views of the city, the Seto Inland Sea, Awaji Island, and even Wakayama.
It is also famous as a night view spot and is listed among the “Top 100 Night Views in Japan.”
In spring, this scenic lookout transforms into a cherry blossom hotspot, with Approx. 1,500 Somei Yoshino trees in bloom.
During peak season, the trees are illuminated at night, so you can fully enjoy the magical blossoms and sparkling cityscape.

Located halfway up Mt. Bizan, Seibu Park is another famous cherry blossom spot selected as one of the “100 Best Cherry Blossom Viewing Sites in Japan.”
When the blossoms are at their peak, around 500 Somei Yoshino cherry trees burst into bloom, drawing many visitors every year.
A cherry-lined path follows the walking trail, making it perfect for a leisurely stroll while enjoying the spring sunshine and full-bloom sakura.
In spring, Mt. Bizan is covered in cherry blossoms, so be sure to visit not only Bizan Park at the summit but also Seibu Park on the mountainside.

Myokenyama Park is located in the northeast of Tokushima, Approx. a 20-minute walk from JR Naruto Station.
The park is built around the remains of Muya Castle, a municipally designated historic site, and features a replica castle tower and Myoken Shrine, offering plenty of historic and cultural charm.
It is also one of the best cherry blossom spots in the area, with Approx. 500 trees in full bloom, including double-flowering cherry trees, Yoshino cherry trees, and Somei Yoshino.
The entire 62 m-high Myokenyama is a park, so in spring you can take your time strolling under the warm sunshine while enjoying the blossoms.
After dark, the park is lit up, and the cherry blossoms and replica castle tower illuminated by the soft glow of paper lanterns create a magical atmosphere.

Oyas Park is surrounded by the rich natural scenery of Mima District in Tokushima Prefecture.
With a 100 m-long roller slide, a variety of playground equipment, and an athletic area, it is a great park for families with children.
It is also one of Tokushima’s top cherry blossom viewing spots, where Approx. 1,000 trees of four varieties, including Somei Yoshino and Usuzumi cherry trees, bloom across the vast grounds.
The park also has an observation deck where you can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding area framed by cherry blossoms in full bloom.
After sunset, you can admire the night blossoms, softly lit by the warm glow of paper lanterns.
Bringing along lunch and drinks for a leisurely hanami picnic is highly recommended.

Ritsurin Garden was completed nearly 300 years ago as the villa garden of the Matsudaira clan, the lords of the Takamatsu Domain, who continued to remodel and refine it over generations.
The flat garden area alone covers a vast 16 hectares, and including Mt. Shiun in the background, the grounds extend to Approx. 75 hectares.
Among cultural heritage gardens designated as Special Places of Scenic Beauty by the Japanese government, it is the largest in Japan.
This stroll garden is composed of six ponds and 13 artificial hills, and, as the saying “a different view at every step” suggests, you can enjoy ever-changing scenery as you walk.
In spring, plum and cherry blossoms fill Ritsurin Garden, creating a breathtakingly traditional Japanese landscape.
Around the North and South Cherry Groves, Approx. 150 trees show off their lovely blossoms.
The best time for cherry blossoms is from late March to early April.
Approx. 300 trees, including Somei Yoshino and Edohigan cherry trees, bloom across the garden.

Mt. Shiude (Shiudeyama), rising 352 m above sea level, is located on the Shonai Peninsula in Kagawa Prefecture.
Around 1,000 cherry trees burst into bloom against the beautiful Seto Inland Sea, creating a summit view so spectacular that it has drawn international attention, and the area gets extremely crowded during cherry blossom season.
The moments when the sky turns into a soft gradient at sunrise and sunset are especially breathtaking and almost otherworldly.
From the 2nd and 3rd observation decks, you can also enjoy unforgettable views of cherry blossoms and the islands scattered across the Seto Inland Sea, so don’t miss them.
During cherry blossom season, access by vehicles such as tour buses and taxis requires advance reservations.
Hiking on foot does not require a reservation, but entry may be restricted during peak congestion, so be sure to check in advance.

This is the head shrine of Kotohira Shrine, standing on Mt. Zozu. Approx. 4 million worshippers visit every year.
The main deity, Okuninushi-no-Okami, has been revered since medieval times as a guardian of maritime traffic, and is believed to bring good harvests and prosperity to industry and culture.
From the temple town up to the Main Sanctuary, a long stone stairway continues for an impressive 785 steps.
Climb slowly, step by step, while making your wishes along the way.
Within the grounds, approx. 3,500 Somei Yoshino cherry trees bloom, and the stone steps are also lined with blossoms in full bloom.
As you climb, enjoy the changing scenery and the cherry blossoms that color it.
Beyond the Great Gate, both sides of the path known as Sakura Baba are lined with beautiful cherry trees, creating one of the shrine’s most elegant views.

A symbol of Marugame with a history of 400 years.
This hilltop castle was built over five years by the warlord Chikamasa Ikoma and his son Kazumasa.
The stone walls rising from the inner moat to the main keep reach a height of approx. 60 m, the tallest in Japan, and their distinctive curve is known as the “fan slope.”
The main keep is one of only 12 remaining original wooden castle keeps in Japan and is designated an Important Cultural Property.
In spring, about 700 cherry trees bloom around this historic castle, creating a charming landscape.
During peak season, the castle and cherry trees are lit up at night, with paper lanterns glowing and food stalls lining the paths, making it a perfect spot for hanami (cherry-blossom viewing).
Stroll through the grounds as petals dance in the air and savor the atmospheric night views of cherry blossoms illuminated by lantern light.

Takamatsu Castle once served as the residence of four generations of the Ikoma clan and eleven generations of the Matsudaira clan.
Nicknamed Tamamo Castle, it was built facing the Seto Inland Sea as a “sea castle” and is counted among Japan’s three great water castles. Today, the grounds are open to the public as Tamamo Park.
The main keep, once the largest in Shikoku, was dismantled in 1884 due to deterioration, but several structures remain, including the Tsukimi Yagura (Moon-Viewing Turret), Mizute-mon Gate, Watari Yagura, and Ushitora Yagura, all designated Important Cultural Properties and open to visitors.
In Sakura-no-Baba within the park, around 76 cherry trees bloom surrounding a grassy lawn, making it an ideal place to stroll and enjoy hanami.
At night, the cherry blossoms lit by paper lanterns create a pleasantly serene spring atmosphere.

Matsuyama Castle is the symbol of Matsuyama City and is famous as an impregnable mountain-top castle.
Including the keep, it has 21 Important Cultural Properties, with plenty to see such as the main keep, Ichinomon Gate, and Shichikumon Gate.
Inside the keep, valuable historical materials are on display.
It is also fascinating to see the many defensive features that made the castle so strong, including lifting lattice doors, arrow slits, and stone drop windows.
Approx. 200 cherry trees are planted within the grounds, mainly Somei Yoshino, along with Oshima-zakura, Tsubaki-kanzakura, Kawazu-zakura, and more.
In peak season, the harmony of historic architecture and cherry blossoms creates a stunning landscape.
The sight of cherry blossoms in full bloom with the castle keep in the background is especially beautiful and atmospheric.
After sunset, don’t miss the illuminated cherry blossoms and keep glowing softly in the night.

Hirakiyama Park sits at the 149 m summit of Mt. Hirakiyama on Hakata Island.
From the observation deck at the top, you get a sweeping view of the islands scattered across the Seto Inland Sea and the bridges that connect them.
In spring, Approx. 1,000 cherry trees turn the entire mountain a soft pink.
Around the wooden steps in the park, you can also enjoy the contrast of cherry blossoms and yellow rapeseed flowers.
Beautiful scenery unfolds throughout the park, but the highlight is the spectacular view of the Seto Inland Sea framed by cherry blossoms from the observation deck.
Play equipment and walking trails are well maintained, making it a perfect place for strolls and picnics under the blossoms.
Located just off the Hakata Island IC on the Shimanami Kaido, which links Japan’s main island with Shikoku, it’s also a great stop on a cycling trip.

Mt. Sekizen, rising Approx. 370 m at the center of Iwagi Island off northeastern Ehime, is one of the prefecture’s top cherry blossom spots.
Along the Approx. 4 km trail to the summit, 3,000 pale pink cherry trees line the way.
Because of this, it’s known as “Sekizen-san Sanzenbon-zakura” (3,000 cherry trees of Mt. Sekizen), and the mountain covered in soft pink blossoms is said to look like a celestial maiden’s robe.
The unforgettable view from the summit observation deck combines cherry blossoms with the beautiful Seto Inland Sea, and the scenery along the approach is just as impressive.

Dogo Park is a vast urban park of Approx. 8.6 hectares developed on the remains of Yuzuki Castle, a nationally designated historic site.
The entire park occupies the grounds of a castle that stood here from the early 14th to the late 16th century, and you can still see remains such as earthen ramparts and moats, collectively protected as the “Yuzuki Castle Ruins.”
Roughly hexagonal in shape with a diameter of about 350 m, the center of the park rises into a hill about 30 m high.
The observation deck offers a panoramic view over the Matsuyama Plain and is popular as a scenic lookout.
In spring, Approx. 300 cherry trees bloom throughout this beloved city park, usually from late March to early April.
At night, the blossoms are illuminated, attracting many visitors for evening hanami.

Takejo Park stretches along the Kamo River, which flows down from Mt. Hachido in Saijo City, Ehime.
The riverside cherry tree avenue is one of Ehime’s favorite hanami spots, where you can enjoy 1,500 trees from 100 different varieties.
With cherry trees blooming along the river and at the base of the mountain, the scenic beauty has earned it the nickname “Arashiyama of Shikoku.”
During peak bloom, gentle light from traditional lanterns illuminates the trees after sunset.
Food stalls line the cherry avenue as well, letting you sample a variety of local treats.
Pick up something from a stall and relax on the riverbank while taking in the beautiful natural scenery.

Kagamino Park is located in Kami City, Kochi Prefecture.
The green zone centered on Kagamino Pond, with its forest and walking paths, serves as a relaxing retreat for locals.
Selected as one of the “100 Best Cherry Blossom Spots in Japan,” it features Approx. 600 cherry trees that burst into magnificent bloom.
With cherry trees scattered throughout the rich natural setting, it’s a recommended park for couples as well as families to stroll and enjoy the blossoms.
The neighboring Kochi University of Technology campus also has cherry trees, including a popular 200 m-long cherry-lined avenue.
From late March to early April, the Cherry Blossom Festival is held, and food stalls set up throughout the park.
Enjoy local festival foods along with the blossoms.

Kochi Castle was founded by Yamanouchi Kazutoyo, the first lord of the Tosa Domain. Construction began in 1601 and took 10 years, but the original keep was lost to fire in 1727. The current structures date from 1753.
It is one of the 12 surviving original castle keeps from the Edo period, and Kochi Castle is the only one where both the main keep and the Honmaru Goten palace (Kaitokukan) still stand. In total, 15 buildings here are designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan.
In spring, 223 cherry trees from six different varieties bloom around this historic castle.
The main highlight is the collaboration of the keep with the soft pink blossoms.
You can fully soak up the historical atmosphere of Kochi Castle.
At night, the blossoms are lit by paper lanterns, creating an elegant, dreamlike scene.

Hyotan-zakura Park is located along the upper reaches of the Niyodo River in Agawa District, Kochi Prefecture, and offers expansive views of the surrounding mountains.
In spring, Approx. 250 cherry trees bloom throughout the park, bathing the open landscape in pale pink.
The park’s namesake, the “Hyotan-zakura,” is a cherry tree estimated to be Approx. 500 years old and designated a Natural Monument of Kochi Prefecture—this ancient tree is a must-see.
Standing about 21 m tall with a trunk circumference of about 6 m at the base, its power and beauty are overwhelming when viewed up close.
Walking paths are well maintained, and rapeseed flowers bloom along the paths and around the cherry trees, making it an ideal place for a springtime stroll. It’s a spot you shouldn’t miss when cherry blossom viewing in Kochi.

Iejigawa Park, located along the Shimanto River, sits beside a dam lake where you can enjoy magical views of cherry blossoms reflected on the water’s surface.
Around 300 cherry trees bloom throughout the park, creating a vibrant spring scene against a backdrop of lush nature.
During peak season, the Iejigawa Cherry Blossom Festival is held, featuring local performing arts, stalls selling regional specialties, and chances to mingle with locals.
At night, LED lights bathe the blossoms in color, letting you experience different views of the illuminated trees reflected on the lake and the cherry-lined Shimanto River.

Makino Park is located halfway up Kojosan in Sakawa Town, Kochi Prefecture.
Its history began in 1902, when Tomitaro Makino, a botanist from Sakawa, sent Somei Yoshino cherry trees from Tokyo to this area and local residents planted them.
Overcoming various hardships, and thanks to the continued efforts of the community, the park has grown into a popular hanami spot with Approx. 350 cherry trees in bloom.
In 1960, it was selected as one of the “100 Best Cherry Blossom Spots in Japan.”
Different varieties such as Kawazu-zakura and wild mountain cherry trees (Yamazakura) are planted here, so take a stroll and compare their unique blossoms.
You’ll also find wildflowers connected to Dr. Makino, as well as azaleas and other plants, so be sure to look beyond just the cherry blossoms.
Don’t miss the nighttime view, when paper lanterns softly illuminate the blossoms.