Cherry blossoms around Sendai
Cherry blossoms that color spring are a seasonal tradition in Japan and loved not only by its people but by tourists from abroad.
Numerous cherry blossom spots are scattered around Sendai where cherry blossom festivals are held from late March to mid-April when the weather warms and cherry trees bloom.
In this article, we will introduce five popular cherry blossom spots around Sendai from major locations mentioned in travel magazines to hidden gems frequented by the locals.
Popular Cherry Blossom Spot 1: Shibata Town
Funaoka Castle Park
Funaoka Castle Park is Miyagi Prefecture’s iconic cherry blossom spot and the only one in the prefecture that was selected as one of “100 best cherry blossom viewing spots in Japan.”
In the park, about 1,300 Somei-yoshino cherry trees come into bloom, and over 200,000 cherry blossom viewers visit each year to see the entire mountain turn into the color of cherry blossoms.
When visiting Funaoka Castle Park, we recommend taking a ride on the slope car that goes to the summit of the park. (Round-trip fare: adult ¥500 yen / children ¥300 yen).
The cherry blossom tunnel seen from inside the slope car and the carpet of cherry blossoms that stretch below when seen from the summit are truly breathtaking.
| Best time to visit | Early to mid April |
| Address | Tateyama, Funaoka, Shibata-machi, Miyagi-ken |
| Access | About 15 minutes on foot from Funaoka Station on JR Tohoku Main Line |
Popular Cherry Blossom Spot 2: Kakuda City
Daiyama Park
Kakuda City is home to the Kakuda Space Center operated by JAXA which conducts research and development of the engine, the key component of a rocket.
Next to the full-scale model of the H-II rocket that stands 49 meters tall, is the symbolic park known as “Daiyama Park.”
About 170 Somei-yoshino and Shidare-zakura (weeping cherry trees) are planted in the park, and the unique combination of the rocket and cherry blossoms, which cannot be seen anywhere else, makes the park a popular spot for local residents and tourists.
| Best time to visit | Early to mid April |
| Address | 100 Gyukan, Kakuda, Kakuda-shi, Miyagi-ken |
| Access | ①From Sendai Station, take JR Tohoku Main Line and get off at Tsukigi Station (about 30 minutes) ②From Tsukigi Station, take Abukuma Express Line and get off at Kakuda Station (about 15 minutes) ③About 15 minutes on foot from Kakuda Station on the Abukuma Express Line |
Popular Cherry Blossom Spot 3: Shiroishi City
Masuoka Park
In Masuoka Park, there is a rare reconstructed wooden castle, Shiroishi Castle, which is surrounded by 400 cherry trees such as Somei-yoshino, Shidare-zakura, and Yae-zakura (double-flowered cherry).
The white walls of the castle and pink of the cherry blossoms create a beautiful contrast, and the spot is visited by many cherry blossom viewers during the season.
It is also a popular location visited by many foreign tourists because of its typical Japanese image of a castle and cherry blossoms.
You can also go inside the castle (admission fee: adult ¥300 yen / children ¥150 yen), and enjoy the view from the castle tower overlooking the cherry blossoms as if you are the lord of the castle.
| Best time to visit | Early to mid April |
| Address | 1-16 Masuoka-cho, Shiroishi-shi, Miyagi-ken |
| Access | About 10 minutes on foot from Shiroishi Station on JR Tohoku Main Line |
Popular Cherry Blossom Spot 4: Zao Town
Cherry blossoms along Matsukawa River
Along the Matsukawa River which runs through the middle of the Zao mountain range, there is a spectacular viewpoint where you can see the snow-covered mountains and cherry blossoms together.
The row of cherry trees along the bank stretches for approximately 1 km, where you can take a leisurely stroll while listening to the ripples of the river where melted snow flows.
There is Togatta Onsen Hot Springs in the vicinity, so if you’re on a day trip, you can enjoy a footbath and day-trip bathing, or if you’re staying longer, you can stay overnight at the hot springs for a relaxing Japanese spring season experience.
| Best time to visit | Mid-April to early May |
| Address | Togatta Onsen, Zao-machi, Katta-gun, Miyagi-ken |
| Access | About 70 minutes by highway bus from Sendai Station (¥1,300 yen, no reservation required) |
Popular Cherry Blossom Spot 5: Mount Yakurai
Yakurai Garden
Mount Yakurai, located in Kami town in northern Miyagi Prefecture, is an iconic mountain that is affectionally known amongst locals as “the Fuji of Kami.”
Cherry blossom trees line the road up to Mount Yakurai, which is 553 meters above sea level, making it the perfect spot to enjoy going for a drive.
Since the cherry blossoms gradually start to bloom from the foot of the mountain, the scenic blossoms can be enjoyed over a long period of time.
| Best time to visit | Mid-April to early May |
| Address | 1-9 Yakuraihara, Ajigafukuro, Kami-machi, Kami-gun, Miyagi-ken |
| Access | Approx. 80 minutes by car from Sendai Station |