Hanamomo no Sato

In Achi Village, Nagano Prefecture, the area around Tsukigawa Onsen is especially known as “Hanamomo no Sato.” From mid to late April, when the flowers reach their peak, a vast scenic landscape spreads out in red, white, and pink blooms.

Hanamomo is said to have begun in the Taisho era (1912–1926), when Momosuke Fukuzawa, the son-in-law of Yukichi Fukuzawa and then president of a power company, planted the trees in the garden of a hydroelectric plant in Kiso. The story goes that while in Munich, Germany, Momosuke was captivated by the beauty of these elegant blossoms, which bloom in red, white, and pink, and brought back three saplings.

Stretching for Approx. 4 km, this grand landscape of Approx. 5,000 hanamomo trees is so beautiful that it is called “Japan’s finest peach blossom paradise.” As far as the eye can see, red, white, and pink flowers bloom in profusion, adding delicate color to the peaceful satoyama countryside. The contrast with the vivid yellow rapeseed blossoms that bloom at the same time is also spectacular. During the blooming season, the Hanamomo Festival is held and attracts many visitors. Local farm products and processed goods are also sold.