Picture this: You’re standing under a sky of soft pink petals, with the sweet scent of cherry blossoms filling the air and the majestic beauty of Japan’s landscapes unfolding before your eyes.🌸 

Chubu cherry blossom experiences offer some of the most unforgettable views, with serene gardens, majestic castles, and breathtaking rivers.

Whether you’re a seasoned hanami lover or a first-time visitor, our Chubu Cherry Blossom guide will take you through the best sakura spots across the region, each more enchanting than the last.

Written by Sakura Mobile Blog Team

Hello readers! Sakura Mobile is a SIM Wi-Fi service provider for international residents and tourists in Japan.

Our global editorial team living in Japan will introduce the country’s charms based on what we have experienced and felt.

Chubu Cherry Blossom Guide

Where is the Chubu Region?

Chubu, which translates to “central part,” is the heart of Japan and is located in the middle of the country’s main island, Honshu. It is made up of nine prefectures: Aichi, Fukui, Gifu, Ishikawa, Nagano, Niigata, Shizuoka, Toyama, and Yamanashi.

The region is also divided into three smaller regions: the Hokuriku Region (Fukui, Ishikawa, Toyama) along the coast of the Seas of Japan, the Tokai Region (Shizuoka, Aichi, Gifu) in the south, and the Koshinetsu Region (Yamanashi, Nagano, Niigata) in the west.

Types of Sakura

Japan is home to more than 200 species of sakura, and Chubu cherry blossoms are known for their unique prefecture- and city-specific varieties. As with other regions, Chubu cherry blossoms are a sight to see!

Here are some of the most common (and rare) cherry blossom species in the region and where to find them:

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Tokai Region:

Aichi

📅Season: late March to early April

Aichi is the home of Toyota, samurai history, and unique local food, like hitsumabushi (a local eel dish). It is also renowned for its abundance of flowers and hosts many flower festivals throughout the year. However, Aichi is particularly famous for the display of its sakura put on during the spring.

Top Spots in Aichi:

Gojo River

Starting our list off strong with one of Japan’s Top 100 hanami spots:

Gojo River in Iwakura features over 1,400 Somei Yoshino Sakura trees.

The annual cherry blossom festival includes illuminated sakura and a traditional nobori arai ceremony, where workers wash freshly printed carp streamers in the river.

Okazaki Castle & Park

Another Top 100 hanami spot is Okazaki Castle and Park!

Okazaki Castle was the birthplace of Tokugawa Ieyasu. This historic castle, surrounded by over 800 sakura trees, offers a stunning contrast with the walls, which makes it a breathtaking sight during cherry blossom season.

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Shizuoka

📅Season: March to early April, except in Kawazu

Shizuoka, known for its scenic landscape and tea culture, hosts one of the earliest sakura festivals in Japan. While its mountainous landscapes and Mount Fuji are famous, the cherry blossoms captivate visitors.

With its reputation as the tea capital of Japan, it’s also the perfect place to grab a refreshing cup of tea for your hanami picnic! 🍵🌸

Top Spots in Shizuoka:

Kawazu-Zakura

Travel to the seaside for the annual Kawazu Sakura Festival, one of the earliest sakura celebrations in Shizuoka! Here, you can witness the vibrant bloom of the rare Kawazu-zakura.

Discovered in Kawazu around 1955, these cherry trees now line the stretch along the Kawazu River with around 850 trees in total.

The festival usually runs from early February into early March, offering visitors the chance to enjoy local food stalls and stunning sakura. Stalls offer sakura-themed treats like, sakura mochi, sakura taiyaki, and kozakura manju. They may also have regional delicacies such as Fujinomiya yakisoba and Shizuoka oden.

The Kawazu-zakura is distinguishable by its large petals and bright pink hue. They begin to bloom in early February and stay in bloom for about a month, making it a unique and early spring experience.

Hamamatsu Flower Park

Hamamatsu Flower Park earned its reputation as the “world’s most beautiful cherry and tulip garden.” Opened in 1970 on the edge of Lake Hamana, the park boasts 1,300 sakura trees and 500,000 tulips. The breathtaking scenery creates the feeling that you’re stepping into a fantasy.

Covering an area of 30,000 square meters, the park features 3,000 species of plants, including rare sakura varieties such as Kanzanji and Hina Sakura. 

Visitors also enjoy the sight of Somei Yoshino and Yaezakura blooming overhead. The rare Kanzanji and Hina Sakura, unique to this park, appear from mid-February to early March.

Hamamatsu Flower Park is a popular hanami spot for those in Hamamatsu City. Its atmosphere is even more enchanting at night under special illumination.

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Gifu

📅Season: Late March to early April; mountainous regions bloom from mid to late April

Gifu is rich in history, home to the site of the pivotal Sekigahara battle that helped unite Japan. It’s also known for its skilled swordsmiths in Seki and the traditional cormorant fishing along the scenic Nagar River.

The prefecture is also blessed with abundant scenic beauty and is home to many famous cherry blossom viewing spots. Its breathtaking springtime landscapes offer a picturesque setting for hanami viewers.🌸

Top Spots in Gifu:

Inaba Shrine

Both sides of the road that leads up to Inaba Shrine are lined with Shidare Sakura trees.

The shrine, situated at the base of Mount Kinka, has a history of over 1,900 years. A giant stone torii gate marks the shrine’s entrance, and during the spring, a pathway lined with Somei Yoshino Sakura guides you to the main hall.

Shinsakai Riverbank

Shinsakai Riverbank is located in Kakamigahara, a commuter town on the outskirts of Gifu City. It is also on Japan’s Top 100 Cherry Blossoms Spots.

Come spring, Shinsakai Canal boasts over 1,000 sakura trees along both banks over a 4 km stretch.

These sakura, called “Hyakujuro Sakura,” are Somei Yoshino Sakura.

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Hokuriku

Fukui

📅Season: late March to mid-April

Fukui is easily accessible from Osaka and Kyoto. The prefecture contains Maruoka Castle, one of the best dinosaur museums, and many photo-worthy cliffs and coastlines. It also serves as the birthplace of Echizen pottery and the headquarters of Zen Buddhism.

Additionally, Fukui boasts one of Japan’s top hanami spots.

Top Spots in Fukui:

Asuwayama Park & Asuwa Riverbanks

After Fukui City was devastated by air raids during World War II and the 1948 Fukui earthquake, local residents contributed to the restoration by planting sakura trees in 1953 as a symbol of the city’s recovery.

Asuwayama Park and Asuwa River are renowned for the show the sakura put, with a variety of trees, including Somei Yoshio, Yamazaura, and Shidarezakura. The area boasts an impressive 600 sakura trees along the Asuwa River and 3,500 trees in Asuwayama Park, including a 450-year-old Shidare Sakura tree.

Together, these trees are recognized among Japan’s top 100 cherry blossom viewing spots.

One of the most remarkable features is the 2.2 km tunnel of blossoms along the river, a breathtaking sight virtually unrivaled in the country.

Maruoka Castle Park

Maruoka Castle Park, home to 400 Somei Yoshino Sakura trees, is a stunning hanami spot.

The park surrounds Maruoka Castle, which was built in 1576 and is one of the oldest of Japan’s 12 surviving castles from the premodern era. Maruoka Castle is designated an important cultural property and one of Japan’s top 100 hanami spots.

People have aptly nicknamed the castle Kasumigajo (“Mist Castle”) because it seems to float in a “mist” of blossoms during the sakura season. According to legend, the original mist comes from a giant serpent that shielded the castle from an attack by creating a mist.

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Ishikawa

📅Season: Mid-March to mid-April

Ishikawa is known for its centuries-old crafts and cutting-edge contemporary art.

The prefecture is also home to the rare and fluffy Kenrokuen Kiki Zakura, a species known for having the most petals of any sakura flower in Japan. Some flowers boast over 300 petals.

Top Spots in Ishikawa:

Kenrokuen Garden

Kenrokuen Garden is one of Japan’s top three gardens. It spans 110,000 square meters and features over 420 trees and 40 varieties of sakura, including the Kenrokuen Kiki Zakura. This variety of sakura helps to prolong the bloom season, making it a must-visit for any sakura enthusiast.

The garden provides magical moments, like the reflection of sakura in the water at Hisago-ike Pond or crossing the Hanami-Bashi (Flower Viewing Bridge).

While the garden is a popular destination and can get crowded, it also boasts special night-time illuminations in certain areas during cherry blossom season. Be sure to check the dates of your visit, as the garden waives its admission fee during peak sakura season to allow everyone to enjoy the stunning scenery.

Kanazawa Castle

With a rich history dating back to the late 1500s, Kanazawa Castle has been rebuilt several times. The castle is home to over 400 cherry trees, with a beautiful walkway connecting the castle to Kenrokuen Garden. It is a perfect spot to enjoy the blossoms both day and night (thanks to spotlights).

The view from Ishikawa-mon is highly recommended, while along the Uchibori inner moat, the sakura is reflected in the mirror-like waters.

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Toyama

📅Season: Early to mid-April

Toyama is home to the World Heritage Gokayama villages and Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route.

It also has many scenic water parks and river hanami spots. Each one offers stunning views of cherry blossoms reflected on the mirror-like surfaces of the water.

Top Spots in Toyama:

Matsukawa Park

Matsukaway Park is recognized as one of Japan’s top 100 cherry blossom viewing spots and is home to around 500 Somei Sakura trees that line the banks of the Matsukawa River.

The area features a scenic pathway adorned with 28 sculptures, offering those walking through both natural beauty and art.

Once a natural outer moat protecting Toyama Castle, the river now serves as a peaceful setting for boat cruises.

The sakura trees were planted after World War II, replacing many of the original pine trees, after which the park was named.

Fugan Unga Kansui Park

Originally a boat mooring area of the Fugan Canal, this waterside park offers a peaceful escape, with a lush green lawn for visitors to spread out blankets to enjoy picnics or read in tranquility. The beautiful waterfront view over the picturesque canal enhances the calming atmosphere.

During cherry blossom season, the park is illuminated, adding a magical touch to the experience.

It also has many restaurants and cafes in the vicinity, making it an ideal hanami location.

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Koshinetsu

Nagano

📅Season: Early to mid-April

Nagano is a hub for outdoor sports, especially skiing and snowboarding. It also is home to the highest mountain ranges in Japan.

Because of Nagano’s colder climate, sakura bloom is delayed a bit, which makes it an excellent spot for later-season blossoms.

Top Spots in Nagano:

Takato Castle Ruins Park

Image courtesy of Go Nagano

Takato Castle Ruins Park, one of Japan’s top three cherry blossom viewing spots, is a must-visit during sakura season. The park is home to around 1,500 sakura trees, including the rare Kohigan variety, which were planted in 1875 when the park first opened. One of the oldest trees is said to be more than 140 years old.

Each year, the park hosts a cherry blossom festival during the blooming season, featuring illuminations from sunset until 10:00 PM, usually around early to mid-April.

In the center of the park, Ounkyo, a gently curved bridge, offers one of the most recommended spots for cherry blossom viewing.

Matsumoto Castle

One of Japan’s few castles that have survived the post-feudal ages intact, Matsumoto Castle is renowned for its well-preserved keep.

During the spring, many visitors can stroll around the spacious park, home to hundreds of Somei Yoshino Sakura trees along the outer moat. Visitors can also enjoy the Nighttime Cherry Blossom Viewing and Corridor of the Light events.

The iconic row of sakura trees along the outer moat offers a stunning view, validating its title as one of only five castles designated as National Treasures of Japan.

Don’t let connectivity issues stop you—explore Chubu’s cherry blossom spots with confidence.

Many people in Japan are kind and will try to help you if you need anything, but even accepting help is easier when you have a reliable service. Staying connected during your journey can be challenging, as free Wi-Fi isn’t always available in Japan.

Use Sakura Mobile’s travel SIM/eSIM or pocket Wi-Fi to stay connected and make the most of your trip!

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Yamanashi

📅Season: Late March to early April

Yamanashi is home to the Suntory Whiskey Museum and is known for its onsens, houten (a dish similar to udon), and fruit, particularly grapes and peaches.

Its cherry blossoms are famous for their backdrop views of Mount Fuji, making it an iconic destination for sakura enthusiasts and photographers.

Top Spots in Yamanashi:

Chureito Pagoda

Often referred to as Japan’s “Most Iconic Photo Spot,” this scenic spot features over 600 sakura trees, mainly of the Somei Yoshino variety. It’s one of the most photogenic sakura spots because of its breathtaking view of Mount Fuji in the background.

Renovators widened the observation deck in 2022, providing an even better vantage point. From the pagoda, the view captures the perfect cherry blossom photos of Mount Fuji and scenes overlooking Fujiyoshida City!

Maizuru Castle Park (Kofu Castle Park Ruins)

Originally built in the late 1500s after the downfall of the Takeda clan, the original castle was tragically destroyed by fire in 1727. However, parts of the original structure remain, including the original stone walls.

Thanks to preservation and reconstruction efforts throughout the 1900s, the main parts of Kofu Castle and its surrounding areas opened as a public park in 1964. 

It is now also home to about 150 Maizuru-jo sakura trees, which makes the castle park ruins a particularly popular destination during the spring. When the cherry blossoms bloom next to the old castle walls, it perfectly visualizes the new and old.

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Niigata

📅Season: early to mid-April

Niigata is renowned for its high-quality rice, which might explain why it’s also famous for its fine sake, with as many as 90 independent sake breweries calling the prefecture home.

When it comes to cherry blossoms, Niigata is known for some of the heaviest snowfall in Japan, which is likely why its cherry blossom season is one of the latest in the country. 🌸❄️

Top Spots in Niigata:

Takada Castle:

As the host to one of the five major flower festivals in the world, Takada Castle Site Park is home to over 4,000 cherry blossom trees that engulf it during their peak bloom season. Most of these sakura are of the Somei Yoshino or Shidarezakura varieties. The park is also known as one of Japan’s top three sakura night-viewing locations. It has many picturesque views, including a three-storied pagoda and the sakura trees illuminated by bonbori paper lanterns.

Hakusan Park:

This Dutch-style promenade garden is one of Japan’s best 100 city parks and one of the first 25 parks opened in Japan. The park is great for springtime strolls with its filled ponds, hills, and approximately 160 Somei Yoshino Sakura trees in bloom. It’s also an excellent hanami spot for families with children, as it features a playground equipped with swings and see-saws.

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Hanami Tips

📅Timing: Check the bloom forecasts and plan your visit accordingly to catch the best blossoms.

✅Check the Rules: Not all parks allow you to barbecue, drink alcohol, or picnic. Check the rules on the official website of your destination.

🌅Arrive early: Secure the best viewing spots by going early; you can spread out a picnic blanket or mat to claim your spot.

👜Essentials: Pack a picnic blanket, food and drinks, and warm clothing for chilly evenings. Some parks may not have trash bins, so bring a plastic bag for your trash.

😋Local Foods: Try sakura-themed treats🌸, such as sakura taiyaki, sakura manju, and sakura mochi🍡. Each prefecture may have its own unique seasonal foods during hanami time.

Respect the Trees:🚫 Do not pull on tree branches or pick the flowers!

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Conclusion

The Chubu Region is a treasure trove of cherry blossom magic, with each prefecture and location offering its own beautiful view of sakura in bloom. From historical castles to scenic riverboat rides, there’s a perfect spot for every sakura lover!

We hope our Chubu Cherry Blossom Guide has inspired your cherry blossom journey, and have fun creating lasting hanami memories!

But what about connecting to WiFi when you’re chilling at the park?🌸For a seamless travel experience, consider Sakura Mobile’s travel SIM or pocket Wi-Fi options! We’ll keep you connected while navigating Chubu’s top cherry blossom spots–perfect for sharing your hanami adventures and staying informed about bloom updates.