Local Guide
2025 Edition] 5 recommended cherry blossom viewing spots in the Yatsugatake, Kiyosato, and Kobuchizawa areas.

Photo courtesy of Hokuto City

Surrounded by mountains such as the Yatsugatake mountain range and Kai-komagatake, the Yatsugatake, Kiyosato, and Kobuchizawa areas are dotted with numerous cherry blossom viewing spots where you can enjoy the panorama of nature in the background. Among them, you should not miss the giant trees that are nearly 2,000 years old and the photogenic single cherry tree that makes you want to take a picture of it. Here are some of the recommended cherry blossom viewing spots, along with information on the best times of year to view the blossoms and festivals.

The majestic blooms are worth seeing!

Photo courtesy of Hokuto City
Photo courtesy of Hokuto City

The five major cherry trees in Japan are the five cherry trees designated as national natural monuments. The Yamataka Jindai-zakura is one of them, and is estimated to be approximately 1,800 to 2,000 years old. It is one of the oldest trees among the Edohigan cherry trees, which are said to be relatively long-lived, but when it is in full bloom, it is a powerful sight. The tree is overflowing with vitality and radiates divine beauty and power.
The contrast with the towering Southern Alps in the background is vivid.

Flowering season: Usually late March
Usually in early April.

Local Guide Comment
We recommend taking a break and relaxing while enjoying the local delicacies at one of the many cherry blossom viewing stalls.
Yamataka Jindai Cherry Blossom
  • Address 2763 Yamataka, Mukawa-cho, Hokuto City, Yamanashi MAP
  • Direction Approximately 11 minutes by car from Hinoharu Station on the JR Chuo Line
  • Direction 0551-42-1351（Hokuto City Tourism Division)
  • Parking Charged

Photogenic single cherry blossom against a backdrop of lingering snow

Photo courtesy of Yamanashi Tourism Promotion Organization
Photo courtesy of Yamanashi Tourism Promotion Organization

A single Edohigan cherry tree stands alone in a rural area. On a clear day in early to mid-April, the view in collaboration with Yatsugatake and Kayagatake is recommended, The illuminated nighttime cherry blossoms are also a must-see. The mysterious aura of the cherry blossoms at night, which is a complete change from the daytime image, captivates visitors.

Flowering season: Usually from late March to early April.
Best viewing time] Usually from early April to mid-April

Cherry Blossom Light-up
Date and time: 5 days after the cherry blossoms bloom for 10 days. 18:30 - 20:30 approx.
For details, please check the website.

Local Guide Comment
The single cherry tree with its branches and blossoms is magnificent. When seen up close, the cherry blossoms are overwhelmingly powerful!
Wanizuka Cherry Blossom
  • Address 624 Kitamiyachi, Kamiyama-cho, Nirasaki City, Yamanashi MAP
  • Direction Approximately 11 minutes from JR Nirasaki Station by car
  • Direction From JR Nirasaki Station, take the Nirasaki Citizen's Bus Enno Line bound for Kamienoue, get off at Takeda Hachiman Iriguchi Bus Stop and walk about 4 minutes (5 buses a day).
  • TEL 0551-22-1991（Nirasaki City Tourist Association (in Nirasaki City Industry and Tourism Division)
  • Parking Free of charge

Strolling through a tunnel of cherry blossoms with a distant view of the Southern Alps

©2014 Hokuto city
©2014 Hokuto city

A road lined with Someiyoshino cherry trees runs through the pastureland. It is approximately 750 m long, with approximately 200 cherry trees blooming on both sides of the path, which was planted in the 1960s in the hope that the land would prosper. The trees have grown to cover overhead, creating a spectacular tunnel of cherry blossoms in full bloom around mid-April. The best time to visit is early in the morning. The clear air makes for a fantastic view.
On the west side of the row of cherry trees is "Shidare-Zakura-no-Sato," a collection of more than 70 weeping cherry trees, and less than 3 km away is "Yamataka Jindai-Zakura," a national natural treasure. Since there are many cherry blossom spots worth seeing nearby, it is recommended to visit them as a set tour.

Blooming season: Usually in early April.
Best time to see the cherry blossoms: Usually mid-April.

Local Guide Comment
The rows of cherry trees against the backdrop of Kaikomagatake is a wonderful sight.
Row of cherry trees in Mabara
  • Address 3567 Mabara, Mukawa-cho, Hokuto City, Yamanashi MAP
  • Direction Approximately 15 minutes by car from Hinoharu Station on the JR Chuo Line
  • TEL 0551-42-1351（Hokuto City Tourism Division)
  • Parking Free of charge (some events have a fee)

A cherry blossom viewing spot with a nostalgic atmosphere

Photo courtesy of Hokuto City
Photo courtesy of Hokuto City

This Experience and Commercial Property is housed in three school buildings built in the Meiji, Taisho, and Showa eras. About 30 Someiyoshino cherry trees are planted in the schoolyard, and visitors can view the cherry blossoms with the retro school buildings in the background. For the best shot, the combination of the Meiji school building with the plaster walls is recommended, and the small room on the third floor called "Taiko-lo" is also a viewpoint from which you can see the cherry blossoms along with the panorama of the Southern Alps.
After viewing the cherry blossoms, visitors can enjoy lunch and shopping at the Park's Property.

Flowering season: Usually from early April to mid-April.
Best viewing time] Usually mid-April to late April

Local Guide Comment
The village is also illuminated at night, so visitors can enjoy a meal at the on-site Restaurant while viewing the cherry blossoms at night.
Fureai-no-sato, a village of three generations of schoolhouses
  • Address 3058 Shimotsukane, Sudama-cho, Hokuto City, Yamanashi MAP
  • Direction Approx. 20 min. by car from JR Nagasaka Station or Kiyosato Station
  • Hours of Operation Refer to the official website for information on the hours of operation of each Property.
    Tsugane School
    Taishokan
    Delicious school
  • TEL 0551-42-1351（Hokuto City Tourism Division)
  • Parking Free of charge

A beautiful competition between art and cherry blossoms against the backdrop of Mount Komagatake

This art spot is home to 10 Art Facilities, including an Art Museum and Atelier. The 30 Someiyoshino cherry trees planted in the garden are designated as a natural monument of the prefecture. They were planted by students to commemorate the completion of the former Seiharu Elementary School, and are over 90 years old. Some of the trees, including the "Garyu-zakura," continue to bloom even after being hit by a huge typhoon.
The best time to view the cherry blossoms is usually from mid to late April, and the combination of cherry blossoms and buildings designed by famous architects scattered throughout the village is also a highlight.

Flowering season: Usually from early April to mid-April.
Best viewing time] Usually mid-April to late April

Local Guide Comment
Many visitors come to take pictures or paint on canvases to capture the harmony between the magnificent cherry blossoms with their branches and Kai-komagatake.
Kiyoharu Art Village
  • Address 2072 Nakamaru, Nagasaka-cho, Hokuto City, Yamanashi MAP
  • Direction 5 min. drive from JR Chuo Line Nagasaka Stn.
  • Hours of Operation 10:00-17:00 (Entry until 30 minutes before)
  • Regular holiday Mondays (open if Monday is a national holiday, closed the following weekday), Year-end and New Year holidays
  • Admission Fee Adults 1,500 yen, High school and university students 1,000 yen, Free for junior high school students and younger
  • TEL 0551-32-4865（Seishun Shirakaba Art Museum)
  • Parking Free of charge

MAP

Hoshino Resorts facilities nearby
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The information in this article is current as of the date of the update. Please check before visiting as they are subject to change.