Last updated: 26 February 2024
Renowned across Japan, the cherry blossom festivals in the Tohoku region, situated in the northern part of Honshu, mark a time of celebration and renewal.
As winter recedes and spring ushers in, the southern Tohoku’s Fukushima prefecture first witnesses the cherry blossoms’ bloom from late March to early April. This floral spectacle then gradually advances northward through Miyagi, Yamagata, Akita, Iwate, and Aomori prefectures.
Each prefecture hosts its own distinctive celebrations in honor of the cherry blossoms, showcasing the region’s rich cultural tapestry. Below, we explore some of the most celebrated sakura festivals in Tohoku and delve into the details of these enchanting events.
1. Tsuruga Castle Sakura Festival (Fukushima Prefecture)
Tsurugajo is located in Aizuwakamatsu, the largest city in western Fukushima Prefecture. The castle is about a 20-minute bus ride from JR Aizu-Wakamatsu Station. The Tsurugajo Sakura Festival is held every year from the beginning of April to the beginning of May, when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom.
Tsuruga Castle is surrounded by some 1,000 cherry trees, making it a popular spot to admire the cherry blossoms during the festival. The historic site is illuminated from sunset until 9:30 PM (8:30 PM after peak blooming) so visitors can enjoy the blossoms at night. If you wish to avoid the crowds, it’s best to visit the castle in the morning during the festival.
Festival information
- Dates: Early April – early May 7
- Admission: Free (admission charged for castle entry)
- Details: Official website
-
Tsuruga-jo Castle
鶴ヶ城
-
Address
1-1 Otemachi, Aizuwakamatsu-shi, Fukushima, 965-0873
・Phone: 0242-23-4141 (Aizu Festival Association)
・Hours: Park is always open -
Address
2. Shiroishi Castle Sakura Festival (Miyagi Prefecture)
Shiroishi Castle is in Shiroishi City in southern Miyagi Prefecture. The castle was owned by Katakura Kagetsuna, a military commander highly trusted by Date Masamune, the founder of the Sendai. It’s a convenient 10-minute walk from JR Shiroishi Station.
The Shiroishi Castle Cherry Blossom Festival is held annually throughout April in Masuoka Park, where Shiroishi Castle is located. The view of cherry blossom-colored Shiroishi City from the castle tower is highly recommended and after sunset, bonbori lanterns illuminate the park, creating an emotional scene.
-
Shiroishi Castle Sakura Festival
白石城桜まつり
-
Address
1-16 Masuokacho, Shiroishi-shi, Miyagi, 989-0251
・Phone: 0224-24-3030 (Shiroishi Castle Management Office)
・Hours: Always open
・Admission: Free -
Address
3. Ogawara Sakura Festival (Miyagi Prefecture)
The gorgeous Shiroishi River flows through southern Miyagi Prefecture. About 1,200 cherry trees grow along its banks, forming an 8-kilometer tunnel of Yoshino cherry blossoms between the towns of Ogawara and Shibata. Attracting countless visitors, the row of blossoms has been selected as one of the “100 Best Cherry Blossom Spots in Japan.”
The Ogawara Sakura Festival takes place during the peak blossom viewing season from early to mid-April. Since roads will be congested, going by train rather than by car is a better option and the venue is only a 3-minute walk from Ogawaramachi Station on the JR Tohoku Main Line. Taking a ride on the “Ohanami Yakatabune” boat is an idyllic way to see the cherry blossoms.
Festival information
- Dates: March 29 – April 11, 2024
- Admission: Free (boarding fee charged for ohanami boat)
-
Ogawara Sakura Festival
おおがわら桜まつり
-
Address
Oya, Shibata-gun Ogawara-machi, Miyagi, 989-1201
・Phone: 0224-53-2659 (Ogawara Town Commerce and Tourism Division)
・Hours: Always open -
Address
4. Kajokaoukai (Yamagata Prefecture)
Kajo Park is located in the center of Yamagata City, the capital of Yamagata Prefecture, and is the site of what remains of Yamagata Castle. The park is a prime cherry blossom viewing spot with about 1,500 trees.
Every year from mid- to late April, the Kajokaoukai cherry blossom festival is held and features events like the “Great Tea Ceremony and koto performances.
-
Kajokaoukai
霞城観桜会
-
Address
1-7 Kajomachi, Yamagata-shi, Yamagata, 990-0826
・Phone: 023-641-1212 (Yamagata City Park Green Space Division)
・Hours: Always open (5 AM – 10 PM for East Otemon and North Gate) -
Address
5. Tendo Cherry Blossom Festival and Human Shogi (Yamagata Prefecture)
Tendo City in eastern Yamagata Prefecture is Japan’s largest producer of shogi game pieces. The best place for local cherry blossom viewing is Tendo Park, a 20-minute walk from JR Tendo Station.
“Human Shogi” Japanese chess event
Held for two days in mid-April, the Tendo Cherry Blossom Festival is highlighted by “Human Shogi.” People wearing armor or kimono play the roles of various shogi pieces, and move on a huge shogi board as directed by professional shogi players.
Human Shogi information
- Dates: April 13-14, 2024
- Admission: Free
-
Tendo Cherry Blossom Festival
天童桜まつり 人間将棋
-
Address
Maiduruyamayama, Siroyama, Tendo-shi, Yamagata, 994-0000
・Phone: 023-653-1680 (Tendo City Tourist Information Center)
・Hours: Please contact for more information -
Address
6. Kakunodate Sakura Festival (Akita Prefecture)
Cherry Blossoms along Bukeyashiki Street
Located in eastern Akita Prefecture, Kakunodate is dotted with preserved samurai residences. Many visitors are fascinated by the historic cityscape and cherry blossom season is the busiest tourist season. The Kakunodate Sakura Festival is held from the end of April to the beginning of May.
A row of cherry blossom trees on the Hinokinai Riverbank
Bukeyashiki Street and the Hinokinai Riverbank, about a 20-minute walk from JR Kakunodate Station, are well-known for their cherry blossoms. Bukeyashiki Street is lined with houses built at the end of the Edo period (1603-1868), and the cherry blossoms contrast beautifully with the homes’ black wooden fences.
The Hinokinai River is about a 5-minute walk from the samurai residences and there you can enjoy a 2-kilometer row of cherry blossom trees along the riverbank. There are traffic restrictions enforced during blossom viewing season, so you should avoid using a car.
Festival information
- Dates: April 15 – May 5, 2024
- Admission: Free
-
Kakunodate Cherry Blossom Festival
角館の桜まつり
-
Address
Hinkonai Riverbank and samurai residence street, Kakunodate-cho, Senboku-shi, Akita 014-0331
Phone: 0187-43-3352 (Kakunodate Tourism Event Executive Committee)
Hours: Always open -
Address
7. Kitakami Tenshochi Sakura Festival (Iwate Prefecture)
Kitakami City is located in central Iwate Prefecture. There, the Kitakami City Exhibition Hall is situated in a large park that can be reached in about 15 minutes by taxi from JR Kitakami Station.
Kitakami Tenshochi Park is home to 150 kinds of cherry trees, highlighted by a 2-kilometer row of riverside blossoms.
During the Kitakami Tenshochi Sakura Festival held from mid-April to early May, suspended carp streamers add color above the Kitakami River and sightseeing carriages (500 yen) run beneath the rows of cherry blossoms.
Festival information
- Dates: April 4-29, 2024
- Admission: Free (boarding fee charged for tourist carriage)
- Phone: 0197-65-0300 (Kitakami Tourism Convention Association)
- Details: Official website
-
-
Address
10 Chiwari, Kitakami City, Iwate Prefecture, 024-0043
View Map
-
Nearest Station
Kitakami Station （Kitakami Line）
15 minutes by bus
-
Phone Number
0197-65-0300
-
Address
8. Morioka Sakura Festival (Iwate Prefecture)
The park’s cherry blossoms are in bloom from mid-April to early May, which is also when the Morioka Sakura Festival is held. During the festival, the rows of concession stands and bonbori lanterns create a gorgeous atmosphere.
In addition to Morioka Castle Site Park, Takamatsu Park is also an excellent place to see the blossoms. About 1,260 trees bloom around Takamatsu Pond and you can enjoy cherry blossoms at night there too.
-
Morioka Cherry Blossom Festival
盛岡さくらまつり
-
Address
Uchimaru, Morioka-shi, Iwate, 020-0023
・Phone: 019-613-8391 (Morioka City Exchange Promotion Department Tourism Division)
・Hours: Always open -
Address
9. Kanagi Sakura Festival (Aomori Prefecture)
In the northernmost part of the Tohoku region, you’ll find Kanagi Town in Goshogawara City, located on Aomori Prefecture’s Tsugaru Peninsula. It’s the hometown of literary master Osamu Dazai and has many locations related to the author.
Ashino Park is home to a building that appeared in Dazai’s work and cherry blossoms in spring. The local Tsugaru Railway runs through the park, and when the flowers are in full bloom, you can view them as the train passes through the cherry blossom tunnel.
The Kanagi Cherry Blossom Festival is held from April to early May every year, and features performances of folk songs accompanied by the region’s Tsugaru Jamisen musical instrument. To reach the venue, take the Tsugaru Railway from Tsugaru Goshogawara Station, which is adjacent to JR Goshogawara Station, and get off at Ashinokoen Station.
Festival information
- Dates: April 29 – May 5, 2024
- Admission: Free
-
Kanagi Cherry Festival
金木桜まつり
-
Address
Asino, Kanagicho, Goshogawara Shi, Aomori, 037-0202
・Phone: 0173-52-2611 (Kanagi Shokokai)
・Hours: Always open -
Address
10. Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival (Aomori Prefecture)
Hirosaki Park is about 15 minutes by bus from JR Hirosaki Station in Hirosaki City in the middle of the Tsugaru region in western Aomori Prefecture. The large park is the site of the former Hirosaki feudal lord’s castle. Hirosaki Castle’s original tower and turret are still standing, and are listed among Japan’s important cultural properties.
The park and castle grounds are also known as one of the best cherry blossom viewing spots in Japan, with about 2,600 cherry trees of 52 types including the country’s oldest Yoshino cherry tree. Other highlights include the “Hana Ikada,” (“flower raft”) which forms when fallen petals blanket the water, and the romantic sight of the petals gently falling in the spring breeze.
The Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival held from late April to early May attracts over 2 million visitors each year and includes glamorous night blossom viewing as well.
Festival information
- Dates: April 19 – May 5, 2025
- Admission: Honmaru / North Section, 320 yen
-
Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival
弘前さくらまつり
-
Address
1 Shimoshiroganecho, Hirosaki-shi, Aomori, 036-8356
・Phone: 0172-37-5501 (Hirosaki Municipal Tourist Center)
・Hours: Always open -
Address
Be sure to keep an eye on the peak blooming season and event schedules – don’t miss out on Tohoku’s wonderful sakura festivals!
Text by: Shoepress
*This article was updated in February 2024. Please check the official websites for latest information.
Recommended Tohoku cherry blossom tours
*This information is from the time of this article’s publication.
*Prices and options mentioned are subject to change.
*Unless stated otherwise, all prices include tax.
Discussion about this post