Cherry blossom information 2023 – Northern and central areas of the prefecture

• View the northern and central areas of the prefecture
• View the southern area of ​​the prefecture
• See the coastal area

“Weather News” Cherry Blossom Forecast (weathernews.jp)
“Tohoku Dream Cherry Blossom Road (Tohoku Dream Cherry Blossom Road Promotion Council)” (tohoku-sakurakaido.jp)

Recommended walking course to admire cherry blossoms

[Day 1]

Departure point: Morioka Station (Morioka City)

59th Morioka Castle Ruins Park (Morioka City)

There are many famous cherry blossom viewing spots in Morioka City. The Ishiwarizakura (Rokujuban) , which is said to be over 360 years old, Morioka Castle Ruins Park, and the Moriokashidarezakura at Ryukokuji Temple on Teramachi Street are in full bloom all at once.
Takamatsu Park (Rokuju Ichiban), which blooms a little later than the city center, is also a popular cherry blossom viewing spot.
While strolling around, we recommend trying the Morioka Jajamen from Hakuryu near Morioka Castle Ruins Park. This restaurant is so popular that there is a line even after lunchtime.

[Usually best time to see] Late April to early May

Approximately 35 minutes by car

Morioka Handmade Village (Morioka City)

Morioka Tezukuri Village , located about 40 minutes by car from Morioka city, offers handicraft experiences, restaurants, and a souvenir shop.It is located near Lake Gosho, and the Nambu Magari-ya house has been relocated and restored on the premises. You can also take a tour inside.
At Morioka Tezukuri Village, where you can enjoy seeing, eating, experiencing, and shopping, the original ice cream “Nanjera?”, a new flavor of Nanbu rice crackers with gelato in between, is popular.

Approximately 20 minutes by car

Number 63 : A single cherry tree at Koiwai Farm (Shizukuishi Town)

Koiwai Farm’s Ipponzakura (No. 63) , known as a filming location for movies and dramas, is a popular spot throughout the year, not only during the cherry blossom season. The view of the massive Mt. Iwate is breathtaking no matter how many times you see it, and many people visit even outside of the cherry blossom season.
The nearby Koiwai Farm Makibaen has many facilities that both adults and children can enjoy. We also recommend the “walk event” where you can enjoy Koiwai’s nature to the fullest.

[Usually best time to see] Late April to early May

Approximately 20 minutes by car

Number 62, Nanatsuda Kobo Cherry Blossom (Shizukuishi Town)

Nanatsuda’s Kobo Cherry Blossom (No. 62) , which is estimated to be over 800 years old, is a cherry tree with a long history that is said to have taken root from a cherry branch that Kobo Daishi used as a cane. Although it is an old tree, it blooms beautifully and delights visitors.
Matsubokkuri , located about 6km northwest of Kobo Sakura, is a handmade ice cream shop run directly by a local dairy farmer. There are a wide variety of menus that combine the rich taste of milk with vegetables and fruits. You can also enjoy seasonal flavors.

[Usually best time to see] Late April to early May

Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes by car (via expressway)

Hachimantai Onsenkyo (Hachimantai City)

The Matsuo Hachimantai Visitor Center, located about 5 minutes by car from Matsuo Hachimantai IC, is a facility that provides easy-to-understand information about the nature and ecosystems of Hachimantai and Mt. Iwate. The adjacent product hall has direct-from-the-farm products and a restaurant where you can enjoy the unique flavors of the area.
In Hachimantai City, there are many accommodations such as hot spring hotels, inns, and pensions that boast hot springs and delicious food. There is also a tourist information center inside the visitor center, so please feel free to ask us about your trip.
*Click here for a list of hot spring accommodations in Hachimantai City.

[Day 2] About 40 minutes by car

Hachimantai Aspite Line (Hachimantai City)

The Hachimantai Aspite Line is a driveway that crosses from the Iwate Prefecture side through the Hachimantai summit to the Akita Prefecture side. The route is beautiful in its greenery in the summer and the autumn leaves in the fall, and in mid-April, when the winter closure is lifted, you can enjoy the “Snow Corridor,” a wall of snow that remains on both sides of the road.
If you visit Hachimantai City, be sure to pay attention to Mt. Iwate. It has a majestic appearance, unlike the one seen from Morioka and Koiwai. Another recommended spot is the Kamibo Ipponzakura, a lone cherry tree that blooms with Mt. Iwate in the background.

Hachimantai Aspite Line
Scheduled to open at 10:00 on Saturday, April 15, 2020
Hachimantai Jukai Line
Scheduled to open at 10:00 on Friday, April 28, 2020

Approximately 50 minutes by car

Extra Edition 18th Edition : One Cherry Blossom in Tamenai (Hachimantai City)

“Tameuchi Ipponzakura” blooms on a small hill about 3 minutes by car from Matsuo-Hachimantai IC. When the shrine that used to be located at this location was relocated, this cherry tree was the only one left and blooms beautifully every year, delighting the public.

[Usually best time to see] Early May

Approximately 55 minutes by car (via expressway)

Goshono Jomon Park (Ninohe City)

The Goshono Jomon Ruins was registered as a World Heritage Site in July 2021 as one of the constituent assets of the Jomon Ruins in Hokkaido and Northern Tohoku. There is a museum in Goshono Jomon Park, which recreates the Jomon period, including pit dwellings and stone circles, and is equipped with various exhibits, hands-on workshops, and rest areas.After visiting the museum, you can visit the ruins. You can deepen your knowledge. In addition, in the neighboring city of Ninohe, cherry blossoms bloom at the Kunohe Castle Ruins and along the Mabuchi River that runs through the city, making it a cherry blossom viewing spot for citizens.

Approximately 1 hour 10 minutes by car

Accommodation in Kuji City (Kuji City)

If you stay in Kuji City, please enjoy the various flavors of Kuji, such as seafood, shorthorn beef, and the local gourmet “Mamebu soup.” For inquiries regarding accommodation, please contact the Kuji City Tourism and Products Association .

[3rd day]

Extra edition Juban / Tatsumiyama Park (Kuji City)

Tatsumiyama Park is located about 5 minutes walk from Kuji Station. It’s located on a small hill, so you can see the city and Kuji Bay. “Roadside Station Kuji” is also about a 3-minute walk away. Please stop by to purchase souvenirs and see the floats used in the Kuji Autumn Festival.

[Usually best time to see] Early May

Approximately 15 minutes by car

Kuji Underground Aquarium Science Museum Mogranpia (Kuji City)

Japan’s only underground aquarium where you can play, think, and experience.
At the Kuji Sea Tank, which recreates the Sanriku sea, you can watch demonstrations of southern diving and the northern limit of ama diving. (Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays only)

Approximately 15 minutes by car

Kuji Station (Kuji City) Kuji-eki

• View the southern area of ​​the prefecture
• See the coastal area