1
Cherry tree-lined path along the Horikawa River

One of Kochi City's premier cherry blossom viewing spots, wrapping the banks of the Horikawa River in a cherry-colored veil

The Horikawa Canal served as the gateway to the sea for the Kochi castle town during the Edo period. Today, about 1km of the canal remains from near the Ogaya Bridge in the city center to the river mouth in the east, with cherry trees lining both banks for about 700m of that stretch. A promenade has been developed mainly along the north bank, and there is even an area where the cherry trees form an arch. During the blooming season, many visitors come to enjoy the blossoms, spending their time as they please—strolling, taking photos under the gentle sunlight, or sitting on benches to enjoy a cherry blossom viewing lunch.

Sightseeing boats also operate during the cherry blossom season. Since the river is narrow, about 20 meters wide in the area where the trees are planted, you can see the branches stretching out over the water up close. Being on the water also offers unique experiences, such as a panoramic view of the cherry trees on both banks and the chance to enjoy the "sakura fubuki" (blizzard of falling petals) on the water's surface. Another appeal is the leisurely one-hour cruise, allowing you to relax and enjoy the scenery while being gently rocked by the boat.

[Blooming Season] Mid-March (typical)
[Best Time to View] Late March to early April (typical)
[Types of Cherry Trees] Somei Yoshino

▼New Kochi City Sightseeing Boat "Cherry Blossom Viewing Cruise"
Date and Time: March 25 to April 5, 2026, from 10:30 to 15:30 (up to 4 departures per day)
Location: Sanbashi Boarding Area (6-5-15 Sanbashidori, Kochi City, Kochi Prefecture)
Fees: 2,000 yen for junior high school students and older, 1,000 yen for children aged 3 to elementary school grade 6; children under 3 are free (one per adult), additional children require the child fare
TEL: 080-6286-2847 (Reception hours: 9:00–17:00)Parking: Free
Notes: Reservation required
URL:https://kochi-kankousen.com/blossom/

Cherry blossom trees along the Horikawa River

• Nojicho, Kutanda, Nakanoshima, Kochi City, Kochi Prefecture MAP
• Approx. 1-minute walk from Saienba-cho Station on the Tosaden Kotsu line (Ogoyabashi Bridge), or approx. 5-minute walk from Chiyoricho 1-chome Station (Kagami-ohashi Bridge)
• 088-879-6400 (Kochi Prefecture Tourist Information Center Tosaterasu)
• None

2
Harimayabashi Park

Enjoy cherry blossoms to the background music of a babbling brook at this waterfront park, a place of relaxation for Kochi citizens

A waterfront park extending east and west from the Harimaya Bridge, a tourist attraction sung about in the "Yosakoi-bushi" folk song. It is a small park with a walking path along a 300-meter-long artificial canal, and 15 Somei Yoshino cherry trees are planted along the path. With benches and gazebos scattered throughout, it is the perfect place to enjoy cherry blossom viewing while taking a break from exploring the city. The period when you can enjoy both the blooming cherry blossoms and the petals scattered on the water surface is especially recommended.

Also, since the Harimaya Bridge was first built in the Edo period, it has been removed and rebuilt repeatedly due to the opening of railways and street improvements. Near the center of the park, you can see Harimaya Bridges from different eras, and there is also a mechanical clock decorated with famous spots in Kochi City, so be sure to take a look when it chimes.
In late March, the "Harimaya Cherry Blossom Festival" is also held at the Harimaya Bridge Shopping Street, which runs just north of the park, and plans include a flea market and sales of Kochi Prefecture specialties.

[Blooming Season] Mid-March (typical)
[Best time to see] Usually late March
[Cherry Blossom Variety] Somei Yoshino

▼Harimaya Cherry Blossom Festival
Date and time: Usually late March
Location: Harimayabashi Shopping Street
TEL: 088-861-1073 (Nunokobo Melody Harimayabashi)

Harimayabashi Park

• 1-1 Harimaya-cho, Kochi City MAP
• Approx. 1-minute walk from Harimayabashi Station on the Tosaden Kotsu line
• Always open
• 088-823-9469 (Greenery Division, Urban Construction Department, Kochi City)
• None
• Please be considerate when holding parties so as not to disturb other park users.
  Landscaping facility renovation work is underway until March 13, 2025 (scheduled). During this period, passage across Harimayabashi Bridge, viewing its exterior, and taking commemorative photos are not permitted.

3
Kochi Park

A spot full of Japanese atmosphere where you can enjoy the pairing of Kochi Castle and cherry blossoms

A historical park centered around Kochi Castle, which was built by the first lord of the Tosa Domain, Kazutoyo Yamauchi. It is also known as a famous cherry blossom viewing spot, described as the "cherry blossom among cherry blossoms" by Dr. Tomitaro Makino, a world-renowned botanist from Kochi Prefecture. In spring, about 220 cherry trees, mainly Somei Yoshino, bloom all at once, wrapping the park in a pale pink hue. Recommended areas include Suberiyama and O-sakurayama, and the Sannomaru area is particularly popular as a photo spot where you can view the cherry blossoms with the castle keep in the background.

With a reputation as a "castle with beautiful light-ups," enjoying the night cherry blossoms is a must. The "Kochi Castle Flower Corridor" will be held from Friday, April 3rd to Sunday, April 5th. Along the path from the Otemon Gate to the castle keep, large-scale flower arrangements and lanterns made with Tosa washi paper are displayed, allowing visitors to enjoy a fantastical atmosphere. On three stages set up within the castle grounds, a variety of performances will be presented, including Japanese dance, lion dances, gagaku, and taiko drumming.

[Blooming Season] Mid-March (typical)
[Best time to view] Usually from late March to mid-April
[Types of cherry blossoms] Somei Yoshino, Yamazakura

▼Light-up
Date and time: After sunset to 22:00
Location: From Otemon Gate to the castle keep, etc.

▼Kochi Castle Flower Corridor
Date and time: April 3 (Fri) - April 5 (Sun), 2026, 18:00 - 21:00
Location: Kochi Castle / Kochi Park
TEL: 088-823-4016 (Kochi City Visitors & Convention Association)
Note: Content may be changed or cancelled in case of severe weather.
https://welcome-kochi.jp/hanakairou.html

Kochi Park

• 1-2-1 Marunouchi, Kochi City, Kochi Prefecture MAP
• Approx. 3-minute walk from Tosaden Kotsu Kochi-jo-mae Station
• Always open
  Kochi Castle Keep/Kaitokukan 9:00–17:00 (last admission 16:30), until 21:00 during the Kochi Castle Flower Corridor event (last admission 20:30)
• Open every day
  Kochi Castle Keep/Kaitokukan closed Dec 26–Jan 1
• Free
  Keep/Kaitokukan: 420 yen for ages 18 and up (500 yen from 2025.4/1), free for under 18
• 088-824-5701 (Irikawa Group Kochi Park Management Association, Kochi Castle Management Office)
• Paid

4
Kochi Prefectural Makino Botanical Garden

A collection of cherry blossoms loved by Dr. Makino, the botanist Kochi is proud of

This botanical garden was opened in 1958 to honor the achievements of Dr. Tomitaro Makino, renowned as the father of Japanese botanical taxonomy. The approximately 8-hectare grounds house over 3,000 species of wild and horticultural plants associated with the doctor, offering a different look with each season. Dr. Makino was known to be a great lover of cherry blossoms, and visitors can enjoy over 200 cherry trees of about 40 different varieties. The wild cherry trees (Yamazakura) that color the area behind the doctor's statue are a must-see. They are among the largest in the garden, full of rustic charm, and the contrast between their reddish new leaves and delicate white flowers is breathtakingly magnificent.

In late March, the garden holds special night openings, illuminating cherry blossoms such as the weeping cherry (Benishidare) and other plants in peak bloom in the South Garden area. Concerts are also held, allowing visitors to enjoy the collaboration between plants and music.
Additionally, Mt. Godai, where the botanical garden is located, is a hill with an elevation of 146 meters. You can enjoy cherry blossom viewing at the adjacent Godaisan Park, and the observation deck offers a panoramic view of Kochi City and Urado Bay.

[Blooming Season] Mid-March (typical)
[Best Time to View] Late March to early April (typical)
[Cherry Blossom Varieties] Sendaiya, Benishidare, Sanozakura, and others

▼Night Opening: Cherry Blossom Evening
Date and Time: March 28 (Sat) – March 29 (Sun), 2026, 17:00–20:00 (Last admission 19:30; after 16:30, please enter through the Middle Gate (3F of the Botanical Research and Exchange Center))
Location: South Garden, Greenhouse
Note: Event proceeds in light rain, but will be cancelled in severe weather. A free shuttle bus from JR Kochi Station will be available from 16:30 during the Night Opening: Cherry Blossom Evening; please check the website for details.
URL: https://www.makino.or.jp/event/detail.php?id=953

Kochi Prefectural Makino Botanical Garden

• 4200-6 Godaisan, Kochi City, Kochi Prefecture MAP
• Approx. 20 minutes by car from JR Kochi Station
• Take the "MY Yu Bus" sightseeing loop bus from JR Kochi Station and get off at "Makino Shokubutsuen Seimon-mae" (Makino Botanical Garden Main Gate).
• 9:00–17:00 (Last admission 16:30)
• December 27 to January 1 (closed for maintenance at other times as well)
• Admission: 850 yen for adults, free for high school students and younger
• 088-882-2601
• Free

5
Sakurazutsumi Park

Enjoy cherry blossoms coloring the grassy carpet and the ocean view at dusk

A waterfront park where you can enjoy nature throughout the seasons. The park is covered in grass, and about 150 cherry trees, including Somei Yoshino and Oshima cherry trees, are planted along the walking paths. It is known locally as a place for a relaxing cherry blossom viewing picnic, and about 2,000 visitors come during the peak season. The local produce market, "Tennen-shoku Ichiba," is adjacent to the park, so travelers might want to buy some takeout food there before heading over.

Located near the mouth of the Monobe River, which flows right beside Kochi Airport, the entire park area is a habitat for wild birds. In addition to observing large waterfowl, you can also enjoy the collaboration between the cherry blossoms and the airplanes taking off and landing at Kochi Airport on the opposite bank.Cherry blossom viewing is recommended not only during the day but also in the evening when the crowds have settled down. You can overlook the Pacific Ocean from the park and watch the sunset sink into the horizon along with the cherry blossoms, which are faintly dyed in madder red.

[Flowering period] Usually late March
[Best time to see] Usually early April
[Types of cherry trees] Somei Yoshino, Oshima cherry, etc.

Sakurazutsumi Park

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

6
Yakyo's Solitary Cherry Tree

A famous cherry tree that continues to bloom powerfully against the backdrop of great nature in a peaceful mountain village

A hidden gem of a solitary cherry tree blooming in the mountains of Nankoku City, just east of Kochi City. It is said that the original landowner planted a wild cherry tree in a mandarin orange orchard, and it grew from there. Despite being an old tree of about 70 years, it blooms with countless flowers every year and is truly spectacular. Not only tourists but also many photographers visit from both inside and outside the prefecture to capture its appearance on camera.

Access by car is essential to get here. After passing through narrow mountain roads, the view opens up suddenly just before arrival, and a solitary cherry tree with an overwhelming presence jumps into view. On clear days, you can enjoy the refreshing scenery of the Kochi Plain and the Pacific Ocean in the background. Furthermore, about 200 wild cherry trees and about 600 azaleas add color to the surroundings, beautifully dyeing the mountainside in spring.Also, looking up at the cherry tree, which is about 10 meters tall, from below is a recommended way to view it. Long branches covered in flowers stretch out in all directions, allowing you to experience the dynamic nature of this giant tree.

[Flowering Season] Usually early March
[Best Time to View] Usually mid-to-late March
[Cherry Tree Variety] Wild Cherry (Yamazakura)

Yakyo's Solitary Cherry Tree

• Hakyo, Nankoku City, Kochi Prefecture MAP
• Approx. 14-minute drive from JR Tosa-Otsu Station, approx. 24-minute drive from JR/Tosaden Kotsu Kochi Station
• Always open
• 088-855-3985 (Nankoku City Tourism Association)
• The surrounding area is private property. It is open to the public through the courtesy of the owner, so please be respectful when visiting. The road leading there is a very narrow, unpaved mountain path with no streetlights, so visiting at night or in a large vehicle is not recommended.

7
National Historic Site Oko Castle Ruins, Okozan Historical Park

The 500-meter-long cherry blossom corridor leading to the ruins of a Sengoku period warlord's castle is a must-see

A park located at the ruins of Oko Castle, which was held by the Sengoku warlord Chosokabe Motochika, who represented Shikoku. In addition to the castle ruins, the park houses the Kochi Prefectural Museum of History and Folklore and a "mountain folk house" (a registered tangible cultural property) relocated from the upper reaches of the Shimanto River. It is popular as a famous cherry blossom viewing spot, covered in about 500 cherry trees in the spring. In particular, the mountain path connecting Prefectural Road 384 and the Kochi Prefectural Museum of History and Folklore features a cherry blossom tunnel that continues for about 500 meters, offering breathtaking beauty.

In addition, the "Okouyama Sakura Festival" is held every year to coincide with the cherry blossom season. In addition to dance, musical performances, and magic shows, there will be stage events featuring costumed characters designed by Takashi Yanase, a manga artist with ties to Nankoku City. Furthermore, a variety of other projects are planned, including a quiz rally, a lottery, workshops, and gourmet booths, making for a very lively event.

[Blooming Season] Mid-March (typical)
[Best Time to View] Late March to early April (typical)
[Types of cherry blossoms] Somei Yoshino, Yamazakura

▼16th Okouyama Sakura Festival
Date and Time: April 5, 2026 (Sun) 10:00–15:30 (scheduled)
Location: Special stage in the courtyard of the Kochi Prefectural Museum of History and Folklore
Notes: Event will proceed in light rain, but will be cancelled in case of severe weather
URL:https://kochi-rekimin.jp/events/243.html

National Historic Site Oko Castle Ruins, Okozan Historical Park

• 1099-1 Okoboyama Hachiman, Nankoku City, Kochi Prefecture MAP
• Approx. 20 minutes by car from JR Kochi Station
• Take a bus from JR Kochi Station (1-2 buses per hour) and get off at "Gakko Bunki," then walk for about 15 minutes.
• 7:00–18:00 (from 6:00 on Jan 1)
  Kochi Prefectural Museum of History and Folklore 9:00–17:00 (last admission 16:30)
• Open every day
  Kochi Prefectural Museum of History and Folklore: Dec 27–Jan 1 (temporary closures may occur)
• Free
  Kochi Prefectural Museum of History and Folklore admission (during regular exhibition periods only): Adults 500 yen (separate fees apply during special/planned exhibitions), high school students and younger free
  Mountain folk house: Free to visit (may not be available for viewing on days when the facility is rented out)
• 088-862-2211 (Kochi Prefectural Museum of History and Folklore)
• Free