Local Guide
The 5 recommended cherry blossom viewing spots in Sendai in 2025. Information on cherry blossom viewing times and events.

In April, Sendai, the "City of Trees," begins to show signs of spring. There are many places famous for cherry blossoms, such as parks, temples, and shrines in the city, so it is one of the pleasures of traveling around during this time of year to visit them while viewing cherry blossoms. If you go to Shibata-cho and Ogawara-cho, you can enjoy the beautiful view of the Zao mountain range and the Shiraishi River. Here are five cherry blossom viewing spots in and around Sendai City.

Sendai's favorite cherry blossom viewing spot since the Meiji Era

During the cherry blossom season, the park is lined with food stalls and attracts many visitors every day.
During the cherry blossom season, the park is lined with food stalls and attracts many visitors every day.

This historical park will celebrate its 150th anniversary in 2025. Formerly called "Sakuragaoka Park," it is one of the best cherry blossom viewing spots in Sendai. There are about 200 cherry trees planted in the park, including Someiyoshino, Satozakura, and Edohigan, and many of them are large and tall, creating a breathtakingly beautiful scene when they are in full bloom. One of the highlights of the park is the "Tohoku Furusato Sakura Namiki" where visitors can enjoy cherry blossoms from six prefectures in the Tohoku region.
In the park, there is Gengo Jaya, established in 1868, where you can taste Sendai's famous Zunda mochi (Zunda rice cake), anmochi (sweet bean paste cake), sesame rice cake, and other delicacies. Every year during the cherry blossom season, a cherry blossom viewing site is opened, with food and drink booths and stalls in the main plaza and food trucks in the plaza in front of the station, so there is no shortage of delicious food. After the cherry blossoms bloom, the area is illuminated from sunset to 10:00 p.m. every day, so you can also enjoy walking around the cherry blossoms at night.

[Best time to see the cherry blossoms] Usually mid-April
[Types of cherry trees] Someiyoshino, satozakura, yamazakura, edohigan, etc.

▼ West Park Sakuraoka Hanami
Date and time: Same as cherry blossom blooming time (usually around early April)
Remarks: Check SNS for details
URL:https://x.com/sendai_ohanami

Nishi Park
  • Address 1-3 Sakuragaoka Koen, Aoba-ku, Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture MAP
  • Direction Short walk from Omachi Nishi Koen Subway Station
  • Hours of operation Open all day
  • Closed No holidays
  • Admission Fee Free of charge
  • TEL 022-723-5780 (Nishi Park Hanami Sponsorship Office, weekdays 11:00-17:00)
  • Parking Parking is available nearby for a fee *No vehicles are allowed in the park during the Hanami period

A treasure trove of weeping cherry trees that bloom gorgeously as if falling

Yaebenishidare (weeping cherry) is the most abundant tree in the park. Its bright pink flowers are a distinctive feature.
Yaebenishidare (weeping cherry) is the most abundant tree in the park. Its bright pink flowers are a distinctive feature.

This beautiful park has been selected as one of the "100 best city parks in Japan" and a national scenic beauty spot along the Okunohosomichi Road. The park has a long history as a cherry blossom viewing spot, dating back to the time when Tsunamura Date, the fourth lord of the Sendai domain, had weeping cherry trees imported from Kyoto and planted in the park. There are approximately 350 cherry trees in the park, and the greatest feature of the park is the variety of cherry trees. There are 19 varieties of cherry trees, including weeping cherry, kanzan, someiyoshino, gyoikou, and edohigan, with yaeveni shidare at the top, so visitors can not only enjoy the different expressions of each variety, but also enjoy cherry blossom viewing over a long period of time.
During the cherry blossom festival every year, many stalls and kitchen cars are set up. The festival is illuminated at night, attracting crowds of people throughout the day. On weekends, events such as "Sendai Suzume Odori" (Sendai sparrow dance), a traditional performing art of Sendai, and live performances of cherry blossom viewing are held.

Usually from late March to late April.
【Types of Cherry Blossoms】19 kinds including Yaebenishidare, Someiyoshino, Ichiyou, Gyoikou, Benishidare, Yaezakura, Kirin, Shougetsu, etc.

▼ Cherry Blossom Festival
Date and Time: Tsutsuyaoka Park Plaza Thursday, March 27, 2025 - Sunday, April 20, 2025
Tsutsuyaoka Park South Entrance Thursday, March 27, 2025 - Tuesday, May 6, 2025
Sendai Suzume Dance Sunday, April 6 and 13, 2025
Ohanami Live Performance Saturday, April 5 and 6, 12, and 13, 2025 Sun)

Courtesy of Sendai Tourism International Association
Courtesy of Sendai Tourism International Association
Tsutsuraoka Park
  • Address 1 Gowa, Miyagino-ku, Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture MAP
  • Direction 5 min. walk from JR Tsurugaoka Stn.
  • Hours of operation Open all day
  • Closed No holidays
  • Admission Fee Free of charge
  • TEL 022-299-2361 (inquire about blooming conditions)
  • Parking Fee required *Closed from March 27 (Thu.) to April 20 (Sun.), 2025

A luxurious time to enjoy cherry blossoms at a shrine full of historical romance

The stone torii gate, a national important cultural property. The red
The stone torii gate, a national important cultural property. The red "Goshinbashi Bridge" and a 100-year-old cherry tree can be seen in the back.

This ancient shrine was founded in 1654 by Date Tadamune, the second lord of the Sendai clan. The shrine is located in the place where Ieyasu Tokugawa, the second lord of the Sendai domain, stopped by the shrine. There are about 80 cherry trees on the grounds, including a 100-year-old cherry tree, someiyoshino cherry trees along the approach to the shrine, weeping cherry trees on the west side of the hall of worship, and mountain cherry trees on the north side, all in full bloom, creating an elegant scene.
Especially in the morning and evening, when there are few visitors, you can enjoy the solemn atmosphere of the historical space and cherry blossoms in the quietness to your heart's content. Zuijimon Gate, located at the top of the stairs, is a national important cultural property and a highlight in itself, but it is also famous for its panoramic view of the cherry blossoms along the approach and the cityscape of Sendai. The "Spring Festival" held every year in April is a great success, with Toshogu Kagura (Shinto music and dance), a registered tangible cultural property of Sendai City, and a children's portable shrine dedicated to the shrine.

Best viewing time] Usually early to late April
[Kinds of cherry trees] Someiyoshino, yamazakura, shidarezakura

▼ Toshogu Shrine Spring Festival
Date: April 19 (Sat.) and 20 (Sun.), 2025
Venue: Sendai Toshogu Shrine

Sendai Toshogu Shrine
  • Address 1-6-1, Toshogu, Aoba-ku, Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture MAP
  • Direction A short walk from JR Toshogu Station.
  • Hours of operation Prayers may be made all day. Prayer service is available from 9:00 to 16:00.
  • Closed No holidays
  • Admission Fee Free of charge
  • TEL 022-234-3247
  • Parking Free of charge (available only from 8:30 to 17:00)

The best cherry blossom viewing spot in Tohoku, with 1,200 cherry trees adorning the magnificent scenery

A row of cherry trees of
A row of cherry trees of "Ichimoku-senbon-zakura" (one thousand one hundred cherry trees) that dye the bank of the Shiraishi River pink. Tateyama, where Funaoka Castle Ruins Park is located, can be seen in the back.

The Shiraishigawa bank, which stretches about 12 km from Funaoka, Shibata-cho to Kanegase, Ogawara-cho, about 30 minutes by train from Sendai Station, is lined with someiyoshino cherry trees planted in the Taisho Era (1912-1926). There are approximately 1,200 cherry trees in total. The view of the cherry trees in full bloom, spreading out like a light red haze in the distance, has earned the area the nickname "Ichimitsu Senbonzakura" (meaning "Thousand Cherry Trees at a Glance"). The Sakura Pedestrian Bridge over the Shiraishi River is the best spot to view both the cherry blossoms and Funaoka Castle Ruins Park at a leisurely pace. A 15-minute walk downstream from here will take you to a giant Someiyoshino tree, which is 13.7 meters high and has a trunk circumference of 4.85 meters. On mornings when the air is clear, the snow-capped peaks of the Zao mountain range can be seen from here, making for countless photo opportunities.
Every year in early April, the Shibata Cherry Blossom Festival and the Ogawara Cherry Blossom Festival are held, with stalls lined up at each site, and the area is also lit up at night.

Best viewing time] Usually from early April to mid-April
[Cherry blossom type] Someiyoshino

▼2025 Shibata Cherry Blossom Festival
Date: Tuesday, April 1, 2025 - Monday, April 14, 2025
Venue: Shiraishi River bank at a glance 1,000 cherry trees, Funaoka Castle Park, Sun Village, GSDF Funaoka Camp

2025 Oogawara Cherry Blossom Festival
Date: April 1 (Tue) - 13 (Sun), 2025
Venue: Shiraishigawa Park

Shiraishigawa Tsutsumi-Ichimasenbonzakura (Thousand Cherry Trees at a Glance)
  • Address Shibata-cho and Ogawara-cho, Miyagi Prefecture MAP
  • Direction A short walk from JR Funaoka Station
  • Hours of operation Open all day *During the Cherry Blossom Festival, there are areas where general vehicle access is restricted depending on the time of day.
  • Closed No holidays
  • Admission Fee Free of charge
  • TEL 0224-55-2123 (Shibata Town Commerce, Industry, and Tourism Division)
  • Parking Free of charge
  • Memo Parking is charged during the Cherry Blossom Festival. Parking is charged during the Cherry Blossom Festival. 1,000 yen for general vehicles. Parking at the town hall, elementary school, and gymnasium is free on Saturdays and Sundays only. JR train is recommended due to traffic congestion during the Cherry Blossom Festival.

A great viewing spot to enjoy the spring city

In addition to cherry blossoms, various flowers are in full bloom in April. The view of
In addition to cherry blossoms, various flowers are in full bloom in April. The view of "SENBON-Zakura at a glance" from the top of the mountain is also beautiful.

A comprehensive park located in Tateyama at an elevation of 135m above sea level. In addition to more than 1,000 Someiyoshino cherry trees, there are said to be about 16 kinds of cherry trees transplanted from all over Japan. Shiraishi River bank The Shiraishigawa Tsutsumi is close to the "Aimu Senbonzakura" and has been selected as one of the "100 Best Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots," so it is recommended to visit the two places in combination to allow enough time. At the "Sightseeing Products Center Sakura no Sato" located halfway up the mountain, hanami bento boxes and hanami dango (dumplings for cherry blossom viewing) are available. The summit and observation deck offer a spectacular view of the Zao mountain range with lingering snow, the Shiraishi River, the 1,000 cherry blossoms at a glance, and the flowers in the park below.
During the Shibata Sakura Festival in April, a stage event is held in San-no-maru Plaza and stalls are set up. The festival is also lit up at night, and visitors can enjoy both the nighttime cherry blossoms and the night view of the town at the summit plaza.

Best viewing time] Usually from early April to mid-April
About 16 types of cherry trees including Kawazu-zakura, Someiyoshino, Yama-zakura, and Shidare-zakura.

▼2025 Shibata Cherry Blossom Festival
Date: Tuesday, April 1, 2025 - Monday, April 14, 2025
Venue: Shiraishi River bank at a glance 1,000 cherry trees, Funaoka Castle Park, Sun Village, GSDF Funaoka Camp

Funaoka Castle Ruins Park
  • Address Shibata Town, Miyagi Prefecture MAP
  • Direction 15 min. walk from JR Funaoka Station.
  • Hours of operation Open all day *During the Cherry Blossom Festival, there are areas where general vehicle access is restricted depending on the time of day.
  • Closed No holidays
  • Admission Fee Free of charge
  • TEL 0224-55-2123 (Shibata Town Commerce, Industry, and Tourism Division)
  • Parking Free of charge
  • Memo Parking is charged during the Cherry Blossom Festival. General parking is 1,000 yen. Parking is also free on Saturdays and Sundays at the Shibata Town Hall, elementary school, and gymnasium. JR is recommended due to traffic congestion during the Cherry Blossom Festival.

MAP

Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture
Shibata-cho, Ogawara-cho
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.