1
Cherry trees along the Horikawa River

One of the best cherry blossom viewing spots in Kochi City with a veil of cherry blossoms along the Horikawa River

In the Edo period (1603-1867), the Horikawa River was the sea gateway to Kochi Castle. Today, the river remains from near the Ogaoya Bridge in the center of the city to its mouth about 1 km to the east, and cherry trees line both banks for about 700 m of the river. There is also a promenade along part of the northern bank, and an area with arches of cherry trees along the way. During the blooming season, many visitors come to enjoy the cherry blossoms in their own way, strolling and taking pictures under the bright sunshine, or sitting on a bench and enjoying a hanami lunch.

A sightseeing boat also operates during the cherry blossom viewing season. The river is only about 20 meters wide in the area where the cherry trees are planted, so visitors can get a close-up view of the cherry trees as they stretch their branches across the water. The boat cruises slowly for one hour, and the long distance can be enjoyed leisurely while rocking on the boat.

Blooming season] Usually mid-March
[Best viewing time] Usually late March to early April
[Cherry blossom type] Someiyoshino

▼ New Kochi City Sightseeing Boat "Ohanami Sightseeing Tour"
Date & time: 10:30-15:30 boarding around late March to early April 2025 (maximum 4 services a day)
Location: Pier boarding area (6-5-15 Pier Dori, Kochi City, Kochi Prefecture)
Fare: Junior high school students and older 2 3 years old to 6th grade ¥1,000, children under 3 years old: free for up to 1 child per adult; child fee required for 2 or more children
TEL: 088-834-3020 (reception hours: 9:00-17:00) Parking: Free
Remarks: Reservations required
URL: https://kochi-kankousen.com/

Cherry blossom trees along the Horikawa River

• Nojinmachi, Kutanda, Nakanoshima, Kochi-shi, Kochi MAP
• About 1 min. walk from Tosaden Kotsu Nazonobacho Stn. (Ookoriyabashi Bridge), about 5 min. walk from Chiyori-cho 1-chome Stn. (Kagami Ohashi Bridge)
• 088-879-6400（Kochi Prefecture Tourism Information Center Tosaterasu)
• None

2
Haimayabashi Park

Enjoy cherry blossoms with babbling brook as background music at Kochi Citizen's Resting Water Park

A water park stretching east to west from Harimaya Bridge, a tourist attraction sung in "Yosakoi-bushi". It is a cozy park with a walking path along a 300-m-long man-made waterway, and 15 Someiyoshino cherry trees are planted along the path. Benches and pavilions are scattered along the path, making it an ideal place to enjoy cherry blossom viewing while taking a break from strolling around the city. The best time to view cherry blossoms is when you can enjoy the blooming blossoms and the petals scattered on the water at the same time.

The Harimaya Bridge was first built in the Edo period (1603-1867), and has been repeatedly removed and rebuilt due to the opening of railroads and road maintenance. In the central area of the park, you can see the Harimayabashi Bridge from various periods, and there is also a karakuri clock decorated with famous landmarks of Kochi City.
In late March, the Harimayabashi shopping street just north of the park will be the site of the "Harimaya Sakura Festival," which will include a flea market and sales of Kochi Prefecture's specialty products. The festival will be held at the Harimaya Bridge shopping street in the northern part of Kochi Prefecture.

Blooming season] Usually mid-March
[Best time to see] Usually late March
[Cherry blossom type] Someiyoshino
▼ Harimaya Cherry Blossom Festival
Date: March 26 (Wed.) & 27 (Thu.), 2025 10:00-15:00 (tentative)
Location: Harimayabashi Shopping Street
TEL: 088-861-1073 (Cloth Studio Merodi, Harimayabashi)

Harimayabashi Park

• 1-1 Harimaya-cho, Kochi-shi, Kochi MAP
• 1 min. walk from Tosaden Kotsu Tosadayabashi Stn.
• Always open
• 088-823-9469 (Kochi City Urban Construction Department, Greenery Division)
• None
• Banquets must be moderate so as not to disturb other park users.
  Shukei (landscape) Facility is under renovation until March 13, 2025 (Mon). (During this period, no traffic on the Harimayabashi, no viewing of the exterior, and no commemorative photography is allowed.

3
Kochi Park

A Japanese-style spot where you can enjoy the matching of Kochi Castle and cherry blossoms

The historical park is centered around Kochi Castle, built by Kazutoyo Yamauchi, the first lord of the Tosa Domain. It is also known as a cherry blossom viewing spot where Dr. Tomitaro Makino, a world-renowned botanist from Kochi Prefecture, called it "the cherry tree of cherry blossoms. In spring, about 220 cherry trees, mainly Someiyoshino, bloom all at once and the park is enveloped in a pale pink color. The best places to visit are the areas of Sukeriyama (Mt. Sukeriyama) and Mt.

The Kochi Castle Flower Corridor will be held from April 4 (Fri.) to 6 (Sun.). The passageway leading from Otemon Gate to the castle tower will be decorated with large ikebana works and lanterns made of Tosa washi paper, creating a fantastic atmosphere. The three stages inside the castle will be used for a variety of performances, including Japanese dance, lion dance, gagaku (ancient Japanese court music), and taiko (Japanese drum) performances.

Blooming season] Usually mid-March
Best time to visit: Usually from late March to mid-April
【Types of cherry trees: Someiyoshino, yamazakura

▼ Light-up
Date: Friday, March 7, 2025 - Tuesday, May 6, 2025 (national holiday) 18:30 - 21:30
Location: Otemon - Tenshukaku etc.

Kochi Castle Flower Corridor
Date: Friday, April 4 - Sunday, May 6, 2025 18:00-21:00
Location: Kochi Castle and Kochi Park
TEL: 088-823-4016 (Kochi City Tourism Association)
Note: Contents may be changed or cancelled in case of stormy weather.
https://welcome-kochi.jp/hanakairou.html

Kochi Park

• 1-2-1 Marunouchi, Kochi City, Kochi Prefecture MAP
• 3 min. walk from Tosaden Kotsu Kochijo-mae Stn.
• Always open
  Kochi Castle Keep & Kaitokukan 9:00-17:00 (last admission 16:30), during Kochi Castle Flower Corridor - 21:00 (last admission 20:30)
• Open daily
  Kochi Castle Keep and Kaitokan Dec. 26 - Jan. 1
• Free of charge
  Keep and Kaitoku-kan: 420 yen (500 yen from Apr. 1, 2025) for visitors aged 18 and over, free for visitors aged under 18
• 088-824-5701 (Kochi Castle Management Office, Kochi Park Management Association, Iriko Group)
• Charged

4
Kochi Prefectural Makino Botanical Garden

Cherry blossoms loved by Kochi's renowned botanist, Dr. Makino, are all here.

In honor of Dr. Tomitaro Makino, the father of Japanese plant taxonomy, The comprehensive botanical garden opened in 1958 in honor of the achievements of Dr. Tomitaro Makino, the father of Japanese plant taxonomy. The 8-hectare garden contains more than 3,000 varieties of wild and horticultural plants related to Dr. Makino, which are displayed in all four seasons. Dr. Makino is said to have been a great cherry blossom lover, and more than 200 cherry trees of about 40 varieties are available for viewing. Among them, the yamazakura cherry trees behind the statue of Dr. Makino are a must-see. The contrast between the reddish new leaves and the pretty white flowers is spectacular.

In late March, the park opens at night and lights up the cherry blossoms and other plants in their best season in the south garden area. Concerts are also held to provide an opportunity for visitors to enjoy the joint performance of plants and music.
Mt. Godaisan, where the Botanical Garden is located, is 146 meters above sea level. From the observatory, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of Kochi City and Urato Bay.

Blooming season] Usually mid-March
[Best viewing time] Usually late March to early April
Cherry blossoms】Sendaiya, Benishidare, Sanozakura, etc.

▼ Nighttime Opening: Cherry Blossom Evening
Date: Friday, March 28, 2025 - Saturday, March 29, 2025 17:00 - 20:00 (last admission 19:30, after 16:30, enter through the middle gate (Plant Research and Exchange Center 3F))
Location: South Garden, Greenhouse
Notes: rain or shine, cancelled in case of stormy weather. Open at night Free shuttle bus from JR Kochi Station from 16:30 when cherry blossom evening is held, see website for details
URL: https://www.makino.or.jp/event/detail.php?id=953

Kochi Prefectural Makino Botanical Garden

• 4200-6 Godaisan, Kochi-shi, Kochi MAP
• Approx. 20 min. from JR Kochi Stn. by car.
• Take MY You Bus (sightseeing bus) from JR Kochi Stn. and get off at "Makino Botanical Garden Main Gate".
• 9:00-17:00 (last admission at 16:30)
• Dec. 27 - Jan. 1 (maintenance closures apply)
• Admission: 730 yen for adults, free for high school students and younger
• 088-882-2601
• Free of charge

5
Cherry Blossom Park

Enjoy the sunset ocean view and cherry blossoms decorating the lawn carpet.

A water park where visitors can enjoy nature in each of the four seasons. The park is laid out on grass, and about 150 cherry trees, including Someiyoshino and Oshima cherry, are planted along the walking path. The park is known locally as a place where visitors can enjoy a leisurely picnic while viewing the cherry blossoms, and attracts approximately 2,000 visitors during the peak viewing season. The "Natural Color Market," a direct sales market for local products, is located next door, so travelers can purchase take-out menus there before heading out.

The park is located near the mouth of Monobe River, which flows right beside Kochi Airport, and the entire area is a habitat for wild birds. In addition to observing large waterfowl, you can enjoy the collaboration of cherry blossoms and airplanes taking off and landing at Kochi Airport on the other side of the river. Cherry blossom viewing can be enjoyed not only during the daytime, but also in the evening when the crowds have calmed down. You can enjoy a panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean from the park and watch the sunset over the horizon as the cherry blossoms turn a faint shade of madder red.

Blooming time】Late March
【Best viewing time】Early April
【Types of cherry trees】Someiyoshino, Oshima-zakura, etc.

Sakura Zakumi Park

• Yoshihara, Yoshikawa-cho, Konan City, Kochi Prefecture MAP
• 5 min. drive from Yoshikawa Station of Tosa-Kuroshio Railway
• Always open
• 0887-50-3013（Kanan City Commerce, Industry and Tourism Division)
• Free of charge

6
Yakyo single cherry blossom

Famous cherry blossoms blooming strongly against the backdrop of nature in a peaceful mountain village

The lone cherry tree known to those in the know blooms in the mountains of Nankoku City, the eastern neighbor of Kochi City. It is said that the owner of the land originally planted a yamazakura cherry tree in his tangerine orchard, and it grew into a cherry tree. Although the tree is about 70 years old, countless flowers bloom every year, making it well worth seeing. Not only tourists but also many photographers visit from within and outside of the prefecture to capture its appearance on their cameras.

Direction to this place is inevitable by car. After passing through a narrow mountain road, the view opens up just before you arrive, and the overwhelming presence of the single cherry tree jumps into your eyes. When the weather is clear, you can enjoy the magnificent view of the Kochi Plain and the Pacific Ocean in the background, which is a refreshing sight. In addition, approximately 200 yamazakura cherry trees and 600 azaleas add color and beauty to the surrounding mountainside in spring.Another recommended way to appreciate the cherry blossoms is to look up at them from below, which are about 10 meters high. The long branches covered with flowers grow in all directions, allowing visitors to experience the dynamic nature of the giant tree.

Blooming season] Usually early March
[Best viewing time] Usually mid to late March
[Type of cherry tree] Yamazakura (Cherry blossom)

Yakyo Single Cherry Blossom

• Yakyo, Nankoku City, Kochi Prefecture MAP
• Approx. 14 min. by car from JR Tosa-Otsu Station, approx. 24 min. by car from JR/Tosaden Kotsu Kochi Station
• Always open
• 088-855-3985（Nankoku City Tourist Association)
• The surrounding area is privately owned. The area is open to the public by courtesy of the owner. The road is a very narrow unpaved mountain road with no street lights, so visiting at night or with a large car is not recommended.

7
National Historic Site Okatoyo Castle Ruins Mt.

Don't miss the 500-meter-long cherry blossom corridor leading to the ruins of the castle of the warlords of the Warring States period

The park is located on the ruins of Okatoyo Castle, which was built by Chosokabe Motochika, one of Shikoku's most famous warlords. In addition to the remains of the castle, the park includes the Kochi Prefectural Museum of History and Folklore and the Yamamura Minka (registered tangible cultural property), which was relocated from the upper reaches of the Shimanto River. In spring, the area is popular as a cherry blossom viewing spot, covered with approximately 500 cherry trees. In particular, the mountain road connecting Prefectural Road 384 and the Kochi Prefectural Museum of History and Folklore has a 500-meter-long cherry blossom tunnel, which is a beautiful sight to behold.

The Okahoyoyama Cherry Blossom Festival is held every year during the cherry blossom season. In addition to dances, musical performances, and magic shows, there is a stage event featuring a group of costumed characters designed by Yanase Takashi, a cartoonist associated with Nankoku City. In addition, there will be a quiz rally, raffle, workshops, gourmet booths, and a variety of other events that will make the festival very popular.

Blooming season] Usually mid-March
[Best viewing time] Usually late March to early April
【Types of cherry trees: Someiyoshino, yamazakura

▼ The 15th Okahoyozan Cherry Blossom Festival
Date: Sunday, April 6, 2025, 10:00-15:30 (tentative)
Location: Special stage in the courtyard of Kochi Prefectural Museum of History and Folklore
Remarks: Held in light rain, cancelled in stormy weather
URL: https://kochi-rekimin.jp/events/243.html

National Historic Site Ruins of Okatoyo Castle Mt.

• 1099-1 Hachiman, Okayoyozan, Nankoku City, Kochi Prefecture MAP
• Approx. 20 min. from JR Kochi Stn. by car.
• Take a bus (1-2 buses per hour) from JR Kochi Station, get off at "Gakko Bunkashi" and walk about 15 minutes.
• 7:00-18:00 (from 6:00 on 1/1)
  Kochi Prefectural Museum of History and Folklore 9:00 - 17:00 (last admission at 16:30)
• No holidays
  Kochi Prefectural Museum of History and Folklore: Dec. 27 - Jan. 1 (temporary closing)
• Free of charge
  Kochi Prefectural Museum of History and Folklore Admission (during regular exhibition only): Adults ¥500 (extra charge for special exhibitions and special exhibitions), Free for high school students and younger
  Yamamura Minka: free (may not be available on days the museum is rented out)
• 088-862-2211（Kochi Prefectural Museum of History and Folklore)
• Free of charge