Shiroishi River Embankment Hitome Senbon Zakura (Ogawara Town)
One of Miyagi’s most famous cherry blossom avenues, stretching approximately 8 km.
Shiroishi River Embankment Hitome Senbon Zakura offers a stunning cherry blossom avenue with the snow-capped Mt. Zao as a backdrop. During the blooming season, the Ogawara Cherry Blossom Festival is held, featuring the annual nighttime illumination and vibrant hanami bento created by local restaurants, making it a must-visit event.
Highlights
- A spectacular 8-km-long row of cherry blossoms.
- A must-see cherry blossom tunnel, visible from JR Tohoku Main Line train windows.
DATA
Admission: Free
Blooming Period: Early to mid-April. (Ogawara Cherry Blossom Festival: April 1–13)
Venue: Shiroishi River Embankment
Address: Oya, Ogawara-machi, Shibata-gun, Miyagi
Parking: Available (Festival period: ¥1,000 cooperation fee per regular vehicle)
Access: 3-minute walk from Ogawara Station (JR Tohoku Main Line) / 15-minute drive from Shiroishi IC (Tohoku Expressway)
Inquiries: Ogawara Town Commerce and Tourism Division 0224-53-2659
Funaoka Castle Ruins Park (Shibata Town)
A breathtaking cherry blossom spot selected as one of Japan’s Top 100 Cherry Blossom Viewing Sites.
Funaoka Castle Ruins Park boasts over 1,300 cherry trees and, together with Shiroishi River Embankment Hitome Senbon Zakura, is the only location in Miyagi Prefecture selected as one of Japan’s Top 100 Cherry Blossom Viewing Sites. The park also hosts the Shibata Cherry Blossom Festival, where visitors can enjoy various food stalls, stage events, specialty product sales, and mesmerizing nighttime illuminations.
Highlights
- The only site in Miyagi, together with Shiroishi River Embankment Hitome Senbon Zakura, to be selected as one of Japan’s Top 100 Cherry Blossom Viewing Sites.
- A breathtaking panoramic view of fully bloomed cherry blossoms from the mountaintop.
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Admission: Free
Blooming Period: Early to mid-April (Shibata Cherry Blossom Festival: April 1–14)
Venue: Funaoka Castle Ruins Park
Address: 95-1 Funaoka Tateyama, Shibata-machi, Shibata-gun, Miyagi
Parking: 570 spaces (Festival period: ¥1,000 cooperation fee per regular vehicle)
Access: 15-minute walk from Funaoka Station (JR Tohoku Main Line) / 20-minute drive from Murata IC (Tohoku Expressway)
Inquiries: Shibata Cherry Blossom Festival Executive Committee (within Shibata Town Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Division) 0224-55-2123
Sendai Tsutsujigaoka Park (Central Sendai)
A popular cherry blossom spot visited by 150,000 people annually. The Sakura Festival kicks off in late March!
The cherry blossoms at Tsutsujigaoka Park date back to the Edo period when Tsunamura, the fourth lord of the Sendai Domain, planted over 1,000 cherry trees brought from Kyoto. The park features a diverse array of cherry blossom varieties, including Somei Yoshino, Yaezakura, Higan-zakura, and Shidare-zakura, allowing visitors to enjoy hanami over an extended period, from early to late bloomers. The festival atmosphere is enhanced by food stalls and traditional Suzume Odori (sparrow dance) performances.
Highlights
- Home to 350 cherry trees of various varieties, including Shidare-zakura, which bloom later in the season.
- Lantern illumination from 18:00 to 21:00.
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Admission: Free
Blooming Period: From early April (The Sakura Festival starts on March 27.)
Venue: Tsutsujigaoka Park
Address: 1 Gorin, Miyagino-ku, Sendai, Miyagi
Parking: Not available
Access: 3-minute walk from Tsutsujigaoka Station (JR Senseki Line)
Inquiries: Tsutsujigaoka Park Hanami Sponsorship Committee
Sponsorship & Blooming Status 022-299-2361 / Media & Other Inquiries 090-3753-1651
Nishi Park Sakuragaoka Hanami (Central Sendai)
A delightful cherry blossom spot – perfect even for those who prefer food over flowers!
Nishi Park is the oldest urban park in Sendai. Overlooking the Hirose River, its pleasant location and direct access to the Subway Tozai Line make it a popular relaxation spot for locals. The park is home to various types of cherry blossoms, which bloom in April, transforming the area into a lively hanami venue. During the blooming season, the park will be lined with numerous food stalls, freely available table seating, and even food trucks. Additionally, the cherry blossoms are illuminated until 10 PM, allowing visitors to fully appreciate their nighttime beauty.
Highlights
- Features approximately 108 cherry trees, including Somei Yoshino and Shidare-zakura.
- Lanterns and nighttime illumination from sunset to 22:00 (tentative).
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Blooming Period: Early to late April (Lanterns will be turned off in case of rain or bad weather).
Venue: Nishi Park
Address: 1-3 Sakuragaoka Park, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi
Parking: Not available
Access: 1-minute walk from Omachi Nishi-koen Station (Subway Tozai Line)
Inquiries: Nishi Park Hanami Sponsorship Office 022-723-5780 (Available on weekdays from 11:00 to 17:00)
Sendai Toshogu Shrine (Central Sendai)
Pray for a fulfilling new year while enjoying a stroll beneath the cherry blossoms.
Founded in 1654 by Date Tadamune, the second lord of the Sendai Domain, Sendai Toshogu Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine. The main hall and four other structures are designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan. The shrine grounds feature approximately 80 cherry trees, including Somei Yoshino, Shidare-zakura on the west side of the worship hall, and wild cherry trees in the northern area. Known for bringing good fortune, success in endeavors, academic achievement, and business prosperity, this shrine is a wonderful place to visit during sakura season.
Highlights
- A scenic spot where Somei Yoshino trees line both sides of the vermilion sacred bridge.
- The Spring Festival is held on the third Saturday and Sunday of April.
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Admission: Free
Blooming Period: Late March to early April
Venue: Sendai Toshogu Shrine
Address: 1-6-1 Toshogu, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi
Parking: 80 spaces available
Access: 3-minute walk from Toshogu Station (JR Senzan Line)
Inquiries: Sendai Toshogu Shrine 022-234-3247
Mikamine Park (Sendai Suburbs)
A hill covered in cherry blossoms, popular among families.
Mikamine Park is home to approximately 750 cherry trees of 48 different varieties, including Somei Yoshino, Yaezakura, and Shidare-zakura. From late March to early May, various types of cherry blossoms reach their peak, creating a breathtaking display. The park features a spacious grassy field, making it an ideal spot for leisurely hanami under the open sky. With plenty of space for children to run and play freely, it’s a perfect destination for families.
Highlights
- The largest number of cherry trees in Sendai, combined with stunning views from the hilltop.
- A grassy field and an adventure playground make it a great spot for families.
DATA
Admission: Free Blooming Period: Late March to early May
Venue: Mikamine Park
Address: Mikamine 1-1, Taihaku-ku, Sendai, Miyagi
Parking: 20 spaces (Expect heavy congestion during the cherry blossom season; public transportation is recommended).
Access: 30-minute bus ride from JR Sendai Station / 10-minute bus ride from Nagamachi-Minami Station (Subway Namboku Line). Get off at Nishitaga 1-chome Nishi(West), Mikamine Koen Park (Miyako Bus) and then walk 1 minute.
Inquiries: Taihaku Ward Office, Parks Division 022-247-1111
