Spring Tohoku Trip for Cherry Blossoms: 18 Popular Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots in Tohoku

If you want to know the 2026 opening, full bloom, and best viewing periods, use the table below as a guide.
Since this information was announced on February 12, the timing may shift depending on future temperature changes. Please treat it as a guideline.
Also, since opening, full bloom, and best viewing periods vary by spot, please use the best viewing periods listed for each location introduced below as well.

Hirosaki Park spreads across the grounds of Hirosaki Castle, which is designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan.
Hirosaki Park is home to two of Japan’s most famous Somei Yoshino cherry trees.
The first is a Somei Yoshino known for having Japan’s largest trunk circumference, measuring an impressive 537 cm.
The second is Japan’s oldest Somei Yoshino, estimated to be 130 years old.
There’s also an incredible variety of blossoms, with 2,600 cherry trees across 50 varieties in full bloom.
During peak season, the renowned Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival—often said to be Japan’s best—takes place here as well.

Known as the “Little Kyoto of Michinoku,” Kakunodate still preserves its Edo-period townscape today.
The weeping cherry trees at the samurai residences and the 2 km-long cherry blossom tunnel along the Hinokinai River embankment are breathtakingly beautiful.
The atmospheric streets, where cherry blossoms add color to scenery preserved since the Edo period, are a must-see.

Tenshochi is not only one of the “Michinoku Top 3 Sakura Sites,” but it’s also selected as one of the “100 Best Cherry Blossom Spots in Japan.”
Tenshochi is a park along the Kitakami River, where a roughly 2 km-long row of cherry trees forms a sakura tunnel that gently welcomes visitors.
You can also enjoy a refined experience viewing the blossoms from a horse-drawn carriage or a sightseeing boat.
With around 10,000 cherry trees across about 150 varieties in full bloom, the spectacular view—each one competing in beauty—is not to be missed.

Gappo Park is a seaside park facing the ocean, with a wide stretch of pine grove.
In cherry blossom season, around 600 trees—Somei Yoshino, weeping cherry trees, and satōzakura (double-flowered varieties)—bloom in full splendor.
The scenery woven by the cherry-lined paths, pine forest, and the sea soothes everyone who sees it.

Ashino Park is also known as a place where famed author Osamu Dazai played as a child.
Selected as one of the “100 Best Cherry Blossom Spots in Japan,” it features a beautiful contrast between over 1,500 cherry trees and pine trees.
The view of cherry blossoms spreading as if to cover the railway tracks near the park—paired with passing trains—is also a popular sight.

Hirosaki Park, which we also featured as one of the “Michinoku Top 3 Sakura Sites.”
With two of Japan’s most famous Somei Yoshino and 2,600 cherry trees across 50 varieties in full bloom, it’s one of the country’s standout cherry blossom destinations.
At this famous spot, the Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival—often called Japan’s best—takes place.
During the festival, the cherry trees are lit up, offering a very different view from the daytime.
The dreamlike scene of illuminated blossoms floating on the surface of the castle moat is a must-see.
Beyond that, you can enjoy local specialties at food stalls, take a cruise through the moat for cherry blossom viewing, and more—there are many ways to enjoy the season during the event.

The former site of Morioka Castle, counted as one of the “Three Great Castles of Tohoku.”
The beautiful stone walls still standing today create a striking contrast with the cherry blossoms.
In sakura season, it’s a highly popular cherry blossom spot bustling with visitors day and night.

Koiwai Farm is famous for its lone cherry tree rooted in a vast green landscape.
Here, you can enjoy the lingering snow on Mt. Iwate, lush pastures, and the beautiful colors of the cherry blossoms.
It’s also appealing that you can enjoy farm-only activities beyond cherry blossom viewing, such as horseback riding and feeding rabbits.

Chosen as one of the “Michinoku Top 3 Sakura Sites,” this is one of Iwate’s most popular cherry blossom viewing spots.
Another highlight is the dreamlike view of illuminated cherry trees reflected on the river’s surface.
The scenery at full bloom is wonderful, but the view when petals begin to fall is beyond words as well.
The blizzard of blossoms created by 10,000 cherry trees is truly breathtaking.
Since you can also enjoy the atmospheric sight of petals floating on the water, visiting during the falling-blossom season is also recommended.

Matomari Park, recognized as one of the “100 Best Cherry Blossom Spots in Japan,” is one of Akita’s top sakura destinations.
The pine-green Mt. Matomari and the reflection of cherry blossoms in full bloom on the pond create a distinctive view you won’t find at other famous spots.

Senshu Park is also well known for its Japanese garden that shines in every season.
Around 760 cherry trees bloom here, including Somei Yoshino said to be 120 years old.
Enjoy a walk around the castle ruins and Japanese garden while admiring the blossoms.

Kakunodate, selected as one of the “Michinoku Top 3 Sakura Sites,” is Akita’s most famous cherry blossom destination.
During peak bloom, the 2 km-long cherry blossom tunnel along the Hinokinai River embankment and the samurai residences are illuminated.
The bewitching sight of Edo-era samurai residences and weeping cherry trees lit up at night is something you can only see here.
It’s a must-see, offering a very different feel from the charming daytime scenery.

Kajo Park is a restored and maintained area of Yamagata Castle, originally built by the Sengoku-era daimyo Mogami Yoshiaki.
The elegant scene where the white-toned castle and soft pink blossoms come together is not to be missed.
During peak bloom, refined events are also held where you can experience “sadō” (the tea ceremony), a traditional Japanese cultural art.
It’s a cherry blossom viewing spot that history lovers should definitely visit.

Eboshiyama Park is home to around 1,000 cherry trees across 25 varieties, affectionately known as “Eboshiyama Senbonzakura.”
The spectacular view of weeping cherry trees and Somei Yoshino surrounding the massive torii gate at Eboshiyama Hachimangu Shrine inside the park is breathtaking.
Its beauty has also earned it a spot among the “100 Best Cherry Blossom Spots in Japan.”

Built on the former site of Tsuru-ga-oka Castle, Tsuruoka Park still preserves the atmosphere of the feudal domain era.
With 760 cherry trees blooming all at once, it’s one of the prefecture’s most famous cherry blossom spots.
The magical night sakura lit by lanterns after sunset is also beautiful.

Hiyoriyama Park, with sweeping views over Ishinomaki City, is also well known as a cherry blossom spot.
It’s rare to find a sakura destination where you can take in the Pacific Ocean, cherry blossoms, and the cityscape all at once.
On a clear day, you can even see Matsushima, one of Japan’s Three Scenic Views.
If you’re sightseeing in Ishinomaki in spring, this is a cherry blossom viewing spot you should definitely visit.

Tsutsujigaoka Park is widely known as one of Sendai’s top cherry blossom destinations.
In addition to Somei Yoshino, you can also enjoy many other types, such as double-flowered cherry trees, Higan cherry trees, and Ukon cherry trees.
With many weeping cherry trees that bloom a bit later, it’s also known for offering a longer viewing season than other spots.
If you’re visiting Miyagi slightly after peak bloom elsewhere, don’t give up on cherry blossom viewing—head to Tsutsujigaoka Park.

Funaoka Castle Ruins Park is the only spot in Miyagi Prefecture selected as one of the “100 Best Cherry Blossom Spots in Japan.”
From the top of the castle ruins park, you’ll see a truly stunning view: the snow-capped Zao Mountain Range in the background, and the Shiroishi River embankment lined with around 1,200 cherry trees known as “Hitome Senbonzakura” spreading out below.
At night, the cherry-lined paths are illuminated, creating a magical scene.
It’s no exaggeration to say this is a cherry blossom spot you can enjoy both day and night.

This cherry tree is said to have been planted over 1,000 years ago in the Heian period, and it was named “Tora-no-o Zakura” because its shape resembles a tiger lying down.
It blooms magnificently in front of the Kannon Hall of Hoyoji Temple, which houses many Important Cultural Properties, and it is one of the “Aizu Five Cherry Trees.”
With a long history loved by successive feudal lords and princesses, its delicate, pale color is simply beautiful.

Kaiseizan Park, where greenery spreads around Lake Isuzu, is also famous as a cherry blossom destination.
Inside the park, some of Japan’s oldest Somei Yoshino and around 1,300 cherry trees bloom in full splendor.
The Kaiseizan Daijingu Shrine next to the park is also a cherry blossom spot, and many people enjoy visiting both as a set.
The sight after sunset—illuminated blossoms and rows of food stalls—brings excitement not only to kids, but adults too.

Miharu Takizakura was the first cherry tree to be designated a Natural Monument of Japan.
It’s a giant tree with a long history: over 1,000 years old, 13.5 m tall, with a trunk circumference of 11.3 m and branches spreading up to 14.5 m.
Because the small blossoms blooming from branches that stretch in all directions look like a waterfall, it’s also called “Takizakura” (Waterfall Cherry Tree).
The illuminated Miharu Takizakura is truly breathtaking.
Be sure to see not only Miharu Takizakura in the daytime, but also Miharu Takizakura at night.