Cherry blossom viewing, or hanami, is a beloved Japanese tradition. While famous spots in Kyoto and Tokyo attract large crowds, the Chuugoku and Shikoku regions offer a more serene and intimate hanami experience.🌸

From historic landmarks to tranquil gardens, this guide highlights the best cherry blossom viewing spots across Chuugoku and Shikoku, along with tips to make your visit unforgettable. Keep reading for our Chuugoku and Shikoku Cherry Blossom Guide!🌸

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.

Table of Contents

Where Are the Chuugoku and Shikoku Regions?
Chuugoku Region Highlights:

1. Hiroshima
2. Okayama
3. Tottori
4. Yamaguchi
5. Shimane

Shikoku Highlights:

1. Ehime
2. Kagawa
3. Kochi
4. Tokushima

Hanami Tips

Chuugoku and Shikoku Cherry Blossom Guide

Where Are the Chuugoku and Shikoku Regions?

The Chuugoku region is located in western Honshu, Japan’s main island, and includes Hiroshima, Okayama, Shimane, Tottori, and Yamaguchi.

Shikoku is Japan’s smallest main island, located south of Honshu across the Seto Inland Sea. It consists of Tokushima, Kagawa, Ehime, and Kochi.

The Seto Ohashi Bridge connects the two regions, making travel between them convenient.

Types of Sakura

Japan is home to more than 200 species of sakura, and while your image of sakura might be a light pink flower with five petals (Somei Yoshino), there are many more types to look for. Here are some common (and some rare!) cherry blossom species and where you can see them in Chuugoku and Shikoku:

Before we dive into our list, check out our map of the hanami spots we’ll cover below!⬇️

Map of Cherry Blossom Spots📍

Ensure a smooth and stress-free trip by staying connected with a travel SIM or Pocket Wi-Fi from Sakura Mobile!

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Chuugoku Region Cherry Blossom Highlights

1. Hiroshima – Miyajima Island (Itsukushima Shrine)

Season: Late March to early April

Famous for its iconic floating torii gate, Miyajima Island is a breathtaking spot for cherry blossom viewing. Over 1,900 cherry trees adorn the island, creating a stunning contrast against the Seto Inland Sea. You can see Yamazakura, Somei Yoshino, Shidarezakura (weeping blossoms), and Oshimazakura here. Take a stroll or grab some momiji manjyuu (a maple leaf-shaped sweet) while soaking in the serene beauty.

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2. Okayama – Korakuen Garden

Season: Late March to early April

Designated as one of Japan’s three great gardens, Korakuen is a must-visit for sakura lovers. The garden’s sprawling grounds feature walking paths lined with around 280 Somei Yoshino cherry trees, offering picturesque views of the nearby Okayama Castle. You can also see a Yaebenishidare cherry blossom tree (a weeping, double-flowering tree) near the Eisho-bashi Bridge.

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3. Tottori – Tottori Castle Ruins & Fukurogawa River

Season: Late March to early April

The Tottori Castle Ruins combines historical charm with natural beauty. The ruins are surrounded by over 200 cherry trees, including Somei Yoshino and Sato varieties. It’s also a popular spot for seeing sakura at night, with lantern lighting and food stalls adding to the festivities. About a 10-minute walk from Tottori Station is another popular hanami spot, Fukurogawa River, where you can even canoe and admire the sakura from the river bank!

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4. Yamaguchi – Hagi Castle Ruins

Photos courtesy of Hagi Sightseeing Guide

Season: Late March to early April

Step back in time as you walk through the samurai-era streets of Hagi Castle Town. Around 600 cherry trees line the ruins of Hagi Castle and Shizuki Park, where you can see the trees lit up at night, creating a magical atmosphere that’s perfect for photos. In addition to Somei Yoshino, you can see the rare Midori Yoshino cherry (specified as a Natural Treasure in Japan) in Shizuki Park. During sakura season, you can ride the Hagi Sightseeing Boat and view cherry blossoms along the river.

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5. Shimane – Matsue Castle

Season: Early to mid-April

Matsue Castle, one of Japan’s few remaining original castles and the second largest of the 12 surviving castles, is a magnificent spot for cherry blossom viewing. The castle grounds feature over 200 cherry trees, including Somei Yoshino, Yaezakura, and Shidarezakura. Evening illuminations during peak bloom add a magical touch to the experience, making this a popular spot for viewing sakura at night.

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Now, let’s cross the bridge over to Shikoku to see what sakura spots they have in store! 🌉🌸

Shikoku Cherry Blossom Highlights

1. Ehime – Matsuyama Castle

Season: Late March to early April

Perched atop a hill, Matsuyama Castle offers panoramic views of the city and the surrounding cherry blossoms. This castle is another one of Japan’s 12 surviving castles, built in the 17th century. Today, the castle grounds are ideal for picnics, with over 200 Somei Yoshino, Tsubaki-kanzakura, and Oshimazakura trees creating a picture-perfect setting. You can also find food trucks during sakura season around Shiroyama Park (at the foot of Matsuyama Castle), perfect for picnicking.

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2. Kagawa – Ritsurin Garden

Season: Late March to early April

This Edo-period garden is renowned for its meticulous landscaping, with around 350 cherry blossoms adding seasonal charm. Some of the sakura varieties here include Somei Yoshino, Shidarezakura (weeping cherry trees), and Edo Higan. You can also see the blossoms illuminated at night during this season (end of March – early April). Enjoy a traditional tea ceremony or a boat tour for a unique sakura experience!

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3. Kochi – Kochi Castle

Season: Late March to early April

This hilltop castle is a prime location for hanami, with over 200 Somei Yoshino cherry trees surrounding the Ninomaru castle grounds. This castle is also another one of the 12 original castles of Japan that you can check off your list. Climb to the castle tower for panoramic views of the city and cherry blossoms!

4. Tokushima – Seibu Park & Bizan Park 

Season: Between late March and early April

On the slope of Tokushima’s Mt. Bizan is Seibu Park, recognized as one of Japan’s top 100 cherry blossom viewing sites. This park features around 500 Somei Yoshino cherry trees. It’s an excellent spot for a relaxed stroll or a family picnic under the blooms. At the top of Mt. Bizan is Bizan Park, accessed by a ropeway, with around 1,500 Somei Yoshino trees. Both parks offer panoramic views of Tokushima City and a vibrant cherry blossom display.

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Hanami Tips

• Timing: Check bloom forecasts to plan your visit during peak season. 
• Check the rules: Not all parks allow you to barbeque, drink alcohol, or picnic. Check your desired location’s official site.
• Arrive early: Secure the best viewing spots by going early; you can spread out a picnic blanket/sheet to claim your spot.
• Essentials: Bring a picnic blanket, food and drinks, and warm clothing for chilly evenings. Some parks do not have garbage bins nearby, so bring trash bags just in case!
• Local foods: Why not try local specialities like Hiroshima’s okonomiyaki or Kagawa’s Sanuki udon?
• Respect the trees: Do not pull on tree branches or pick the flowers. 

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Conclusion

Shikoku and Chuugoku offer an incredible variety of cherry blossom experiences, from historic castle settings to stunning riverside views. Each destination has its own unique charm, promising something special for every hanami enthusiast.

We hope you found our Chuugoku and Shikoku Cherry Blossom Guide helpful and that your journey is filled with unforgettable sakura 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 Shikoku and Chuugoku’s top cherry blossom spots—perfect for sharing your hanami adventures and staying informed about bloom updates.

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