Shobara Ueno Park

The park is developed around Ueno Pond, which spans an area of 2km in circumference. It's recognized as one of the "Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots" in Japan, with about 600 Somei Yoshino cherry trees planted around the pond that begin blooming in late March and reach their peak in early April. Especially on the north side of the pond, cherry blossoms bloom on both sides of the street, creating a tunnel-like beauty. The view around Bentenbashi bridge, with its red railings, is full of atmosphere. Coinciding with the cherry blossom season, Yukiyanagi (Spiraea thunbergii) and Rengyo (Forsythia) also bloom, enveloping the area around the pond in a vibrant atmosphere.

From late March to late April, the park conducts one of Western Japan's most famous cherry blossom illuminations. The sight of bonbori (traditional Japanese paper lanterns) lights reflected on the water surface is truly enchanting. Food stalls line up, and the park buzzes with many cherry blossom viewers. Located in the northern part of Hiroshima Prefecture, Shobara City sees cherry blossoms bloom later than other areas in the prefecture, allowing visitors to enjoy the flowers without the crowds of other locations.

On the northern hillside within the park, you'll find historical sites like the "Hyozan Kofun," an early Kofun period tumulus designated as a prefectural historic site, and a monument dedicated to Kurata Hyakuzo, a modern literary figure from the local area. The summer fireworks festival by the lakeside is also a popular event.