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Matsumoto Castle

Enjoy the intoxicating sight of Matsumoto's famous castle and cherry blossoms

Matsumoto Castle, where you can enjoy a variety of views from season to season, is home to about 300 cherry trees in bloom in spring. There are four types of cherry trees: Someiyoshino, Yaezakura, Higanzakura, and Shidarezakura. You can enjoy each type of cherry blossoms in the Honmaru Garden, Matsumoto Castle Park, and Sohori moat.
Among them, we recommend the weeping cherry called "Komatsunagi no sakura" (cherry tree with weeping weeping weeping cherry). Located on the north side of the garden, it is a very popular spot for taking pictures with the towering castle tower in the background.

The "Sakura Namiki Hikari no Kairo" (corridor of light along the rows of cherry trees) and "Yozakura Kai" (night cherry blossom viewing party) are held three days after the cherry blossoms are declared to be in full bloom, and visitors can enjoy the brilliant night cherry blossoms along with the illumination of Matsumoto Castle.
The lighting up of the rows of cherry trees along the outer moat located on the northeast side of Matsumoto Castle is particularly beautiful and breathtaking. Hanami dumplings and other treats are sold during the festival.

Cherry blossom viewing season: Usually from early to mid-April.
Someiyoshino, Yae-zakura, Higan-zakura, Shidare-zakura (weeping cherry)

Cherry Blossom-lined Avenue: Corridor of Light
Date & Time: April 10 (Wed.) - 17 (Wed.) 18:30 - 21:00 *Friday and Saturday: ~22:00
Location：Cherry blossom-lined trees along the outer moat, etc.
Fee: Free of charge
Remarks: https://www.matsumoto-castle.jp/event/spring

▼Yozakurakai (Night Cherry Blossom Viewing)
Date：April 10 (Wed) - 17 (Wed) 17:30 - 21:00
Place：Honmaru Garden
Fee: Free of charge
Remarks: https://www.matsumoto-castle.jp/event/spring

Matsumoto Castle

• 4-1 Marunouchi, Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture MAP
• Approximately 15 minutes on foot from JR Matsumoto Station
• Approx. 21 min. on the Town Sneaker North Course bus from JR Matsumoto Station to the Matsumoto Castle/Shiyakusho-mae stop.
• 8:30-17:00 (last admission at 16:30)
  G.W. and summer: 8:00-18:00 (last admission at 17:30)
  New Year's Eve 10:00 - 15:30 (last admission at 15:00)
• Year-end (December 29-31)
• Adults 1,300 yen, Elementary/junior high school students 400 yen
• 0263-32-2902

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Kobouzan Tomb

The sight of approximately 4,000 cherry trees in full bloom is worth seeing!

Kobouzan, southeast of the city center, is an ancient burial mound located at the top of the mountain, and in spring the cherry blossoms turn the entire mountain pink. The Kobouzan tumulus, which commands a panoramic view of Matsumoto and Azumino, features a mixture of someiyoshino cherry trees, yamazakura cherry trees, and weeping cherry trees of different blooming seasons and types, and the gradation of the cherry blossoms is spectacular.
The view from the top of the mountain is also outstanding, offering a panoramic view of the still-snowy Northern Alps and the city of Matsumoto along with the cherry blossoms.

Cherry blossom viewing season: Usually from early to mid-April.
Someiyoshino cherry trees, yamazakura cherry trees, weeping cherry trees, etc.

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Shiroyama (Shiroyama) Park

A spectacular spot where you can enjoy the collaboration of the Northern Alps and cherry blossoms

Shiroyama Park, which can be said to be the observatory of the Northern Alps, was first opened to the general public in 1843 by Mitsitsune Toda, the feudal lord of the Edo period, who planted cherry trees and maple trees.
The area is most crowded when the cherry blossoms are in bloom. Every year in mid-April, all the cherry trees in the park bloom at once, surrounding a beautiful square with lush green grass. Many people visit the park to enjoy the once-a-year scenery, including the tunnel lined with cherry trees.

Cherry blossom viewing season: Usually from early to mid-April.
Type of cherry trees: Someiyoshino (Somei Yoshino)

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Alps Park

Enjoy cherry blossoms and fun in a park popular with families

This vast natural park is located at an elevation of approximately 800 meters on the northern ridge of Shiroyama Park, northwest of Matsumoto city center. The park offers views of the Northern Alps, the Azumino Mountains, Utsukushi-ga-hara (Utsukushi-ga-hara Plateau), and the city of Matsumoto. In addition to a museum, zoo, and other properties, the park is also home to the "Dream Coaster," a roller-sled ride through the woods that can be enjoyed by the whole family.
There are approximately 1,300 cherry trees in the park, including Someiyoshino and Oyama cherry trees, which can be enjoyed while strolling around. Among them, "Shidare-zakura (weeping cherry tree) related to Kotaro Izumi" is highly recommended. This weeping cherry tree, which is also a city-preserved tree, is named after the local folk tale "Ryu and Izumi Kotaro," and the cherry blossoms on this magnificent large tree are a sight to behold.

The cherry blossoms on this magnificent large tree are a sight to behold.
Someiyoshino cherry trees, Oyama cherry trees, weeping cherry trees, etc.
Recommended photo spots】Family plaza overlooking from in front of "Yama Shizen Hakubutsukan (Mountain and Nature Museum)," the parkway and inside the park next to the Dream Coaster, and one prominent cherry tree next to "Mizuheba Hiroba (Waterfront Plaza).

Alps Park

• 2455-11 Arikazaki, Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture MAP
• Approximately 15 minutes by car from JR Matsumoto
• Approx. 20 minutes from JR Matsumoto Station on the Alps Koen Line of the Alpico Kotsu Bus, and alight at the Alps Koen stop.
• 0263-34-5640
• Free of charge
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Susugi River bank

The beautiful contrast between the snow-covered Northern Alps and the rows of cherry trees is a must-see!

For nearly 2 km along both banks of the Usukawa River, there is a row of about 360 magnificent Someiyoshino cherry trees with the mountains of the Northern Alps in the background. In spring, the blossoms start blooming from the downstream area and move upstream one after another. The view of the riverbanks tinged with pink is magnificent. Yarigatake in the distance and the contrast with the snow-covered mountains is spectacular.
During the blooming season, this is a popular spot for families to enjoy viewing cherry blossoms while having a barbecue.

Best time to visit: Usually from mid to late April.
Someiyoshino cherry trees

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Shinshu Sky Park

A huge park where you can enjoy cherry blossom viewing while having a picnic

Shinshu Sky Park is a vast 141-hectare site with stadiums for soccer and track and field events. The park, planted with numerous seasonal flowers and trees, also has a picnic area and other facilities, making it an ideal spot for cherry blossom viewing with the whole family.
In spring, a total of about 1,000 cherry trees, mainly Someiyoshino and Yamazakura, can be enjoyed, but the most popular attraction is the "Flower Promenade Zone. The best place to see the cherry blossoms is the "Flower Promenade Zone," a promenade leading to the Matsumoto Airport Terminal where about 110 Someiyoshino cherry trees are in full bloom at the same time. It is recommended to enjoy cherry blossom viewing while watching a sports game or having a picnic.

Best time to see the cherry blossoms: Usually from mid to late April.
Someiyoshino, yamazakura, weeping cherry, etc.
Recommended photo spots】Cherry blossom trees along the park road in the Flower Promenade Zone, Picnic Plaza, Terminal Zone

Shinshu Sky Park

• 5300 Kanbayashi, Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture MAP
• Approximately 30 minutes from JR Matsumoto Station on the Airport/Asahi Line of the Alpico Kotsu Bus, a short walk from the Shinshu Sky Park and Sports Center stop.
• Varies depending on the Property and Facilities.
• No holidays
• 0263-57-2211
• Free of charge

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Azusa River bank - Iwaoka Shrine

A great walking course decorated with Someiyoshino cherry trees

You can enjoy the rows of Someiyoshino cherry trees along the left bank of the Azusa River, a first-class river in the Shinano River system, from around "Chuo Bridge" to "Yamato Bridge" for about 3 km. About 50 Someiyoshino can also be seen at the approach to "Iwaoka Shrine" standing at the continuation of the left bank embankment, making it a cherry blossom viewing spot that resembles a tunnel of cherry trees. Cherry blossom viewing on the embankment offers a magnificent view of the Northern Alps over the cherry blossoms.

Best time to visit: Usually from mid to late April.
Someiyoshino cherry trees

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Shimadani (Shimadani Valley)

A well-known cherry blossom viewing spot that adds color to both banks of the river

This is a hidden cherry blossom viewing spot that is at its best when the cherry blossoms in Matsumoto City are over. About 30 Someiyoshino cherry trees are planted along the Shimadani River, which originates from Tokumoto Pass. In spring, the pink cherry blossoms are reflected in the clear river, creating a beautiful scene. The bridge is a recommended photo spot where visitors can enjoy the beautiful contrast of the blue sky, mountains, river, and the pink of the cherry blossoms.
Since it is a hole-in-the-wall spot, you may be able to take a leisurely stroll along the rows of cherry trees.

Best time to see the cherry blossoms: Late April to early May every year.
Type of cherry tree: Someiyoshino

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Hikarujoyama ( Mt. Kojo) (Azumino)

The beautiful "ascending dragon" that heralds the arrival of spring in Azumino

At Mt. Koujou (elevation 911.7 m) in Toyoshina, Azumino City, approximately 1,500 Someiyoshino cherry trees are in full bloom along the promenade. The beautiful scenery of cherry trees blooming on the slopes of the mountain from the foot of the mountain to the top is often compared to that of a "rising dragon. Koujouzan, which is also a trekking course, allows visitors to enjoy climbing the mountain under the cherry trees, and there are many places to take pictures of the cherry blossoms.
From the top, visitors can enjoy the view of the Northern Alps and the pink carpet of cherry blossoms spreading to the foot of the mountain, which attracts many climbers every year. During the cherry blossom season, the castle is also illuminated, allowing visitors to enjoy the cherry blossoms at night.

Best time to see the cherry blossoms: Usually from mid-April to late April.
Type of cherry trees: Someiyoshino

Light-up
Date & Time: Usually for about 2 weeks in mid-April 19:00-23:00

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Tatai Kannondo (Tatai Kannon Hall/Azumino)

The weeping cherry trees in full bloom are magnificent!

There are many old weeping cherry trees in the Tatai district of Horigane, Azumino City, and each tree is powerful and worth seeing.
Among them, the weeping cherry tree at Kannondou stands out for its outstanding size and the magnificent shape of its branches. It is located in a somewhat hard-to-find area, so be careful when driving there.

Best time to visit: Usually from mid-April to late April.
Cherry blossom type: weeping cherry (Prunus persica var. pendula)