Kochi Tourism: 11 Cherry Blossom Spots – Discover the Best Spots for Cherry Blossom Viewing!

Kochi, which is rich in nature, has many cherry blossom viewing spots. In addition to Kagamino Park and Makino Park, which have been selected as one of Japan's top 100 cherry blossom spots, Sukumo Tenmangu Shrine, where cherry blossoms bloom earlier than anywhere else in Japan, as well as the clear Shimanto River. There are many cherry blossom viewing spots that can be enjoyed along with historical spots. Usually, they start blooming around mid-March and reach their peak in many spots from late March to early April. There are many places where you can view cherry blossoms at night. It often gets chilly at night, so be sure to bring a light layer of clothing when you go out. This article introduces 11 cherry blossom viewing spots, including parks and shrines that are close to public transportation, and dam lakes that are perfect for a drive. Please refer to it according to your purpose.

• Kochi
• Spectacularview
• I want to be healed
• I want to relax
• I want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city
• Photogenic

Kagamino Park

The highlight is the 200 m cherry blossom tunnel

Kagamino Park is one of the prefecture's best cherry blossom viewing spots and has been selected as one of the "100 Best Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots in Japan." Many visitors visit here yearly to view the cherry blossoms, and there are approximately 600 cherry blossom trees to admire, including Somei Yoshino and Yaezakura. The 200 m long cherry blossom tunnel adjacent to Kochi University of Technology is especially popular and is a must-visit spot.

Kochi Park

A luxurious time overlooking cherry blossoms in full bloom with Kochi Castle in the background

The symbol is Kochi Castle, which has been selected as one of Japan's top 100 castles. There are 223 cherry blossoms in full bloom, including Botanical Cherry and Somei Yoshino. The collaboration between these cherry blossoms and Kochi Castle is breathtakingly beautiful. Inside the park are bronze statues of Kazutoyo Yamauchi, the feudal lord who built Kochi Castle, and Taisuke Itagaki, a politician who was active in the Meiji period, making it especially recommended for history buffs. The park is lit at night, so you can enjoy a fantastic view of the cherry blossoms.

Hyotan Sakura Park

The pride of Niyodogawa Town! 21 m tall old "Hyotan Sakura" tree

The "Hyotan Sakura" towers against the backdrop of majestic mountains. The cherry tree, a prefectural natural monument over 500 years old, boasts a height of 21 m and a root circumference of 6m, making it an impressive sight to see up close! The name "Hyotan Sakura" comes from the fact that the lower part of the flower's calyx (auto: the cylindrical part at the bottom of the flower's calyx) bulges out into a spherical shape, making it look like a gourd when viewed from the side. The best time to see them is from mid-March to early April. There is a promenade inside the park, so please take a stroll.

Odo Dam Park

The 1,600 cherry blossom trees spread over the dam lake are truly breathtaking.

Odo Dam was built for purposes such as hydroelectric power generation and flood prevention during typhoons, and is the largest dam on the main stream of the Niyodogawa River. It is affectionately known as "Lake Sagiriko". Approximately 1,600 Yoshino cherry trees are in full bloom around the dam, on the surrounding slopes and along the lakeside road, making it one of the prefecture's most famous cherry blossom viewing spots. The park also has playground equipment and athletic fields, so it's perfect for families. For meals and lodging, we recommend Akiha no Yado, which offers a panoramic view of the wide lakeside of Owatari Dam.

Iejigawa Park

A fantastic feast of the clear waters of the Shimanto River and Yoshino cherry trees

Iejigawa Park is located near JR Iejigawa Station. Approximately 300 Yoshino cherry trees are in full bloom from late March to early April, and many people visit this cherry blossom viewing spot. There is a promenade, so you can enjoy the clear flow of the Shimanto River and the beautiful cherry blossoms while taking a stroll. The Ieji River Cherry Blossom Festival is held during the peak viewing season, so enjoy the Ieji River area to the fullest while enjoying the cherry blossoms.

Ayunose Park

Rows of cherry blossom trees blooming along the banks of the Nahari River

Ayunose Park is a cherry blossom viewing spot known only to those in the know, with 100 cherry blossom trees lining the banks of the Naharigawa River. It's a refreshing moment to walk while listening to the murmur of the river and the cherry blossoms gently swaying in the breeze. The lotus flowers that bloom at the same time also brighten up the garden. There are plenty of photo spots, such as the cherry blossom trees on the banks and the collaboration of cherry blossoms and lotus flowers. The park also has play equipment, such as swings and slides, so you can enjoy cherry blossom viewing with your children.

Uemachi Park

Enjoy the beautiful cherry blossoms in a park where you can feel the breath of history

In spring, you can see beautiful cherry blossoms everywhere in Motoyama Town. Uemachi Park is located in what was once the Doi mansion of the Motoyama clan, a powerful family that ruled the area. Doiyashiki was a lodging house for feudal lords during the Edo period. Today, you can see its remains in the stone walls. It is a famous spot for cherry blossoms that many visitors visit every year to see the cherry blossoms, which are illuminated at night. Why not enjoy the magical cherry blossoms at night and think about the great people who created Motoyama Town?

Sukumo Tenmangu Shrine

A spring tradition created by the red of shrines and the pink of cherry blossoms

Sukumo Tenmangu Shrine is located on Mt. Honjo, north of the central branch of Sukumo City Hall. This ancient shrine has been worshiped locally for about 600 years. Approximately 150 cherry blossom trees are planted within the precincts, and the cherry blossoms here are known for being among the earliest to bloom nationwide. On the first Sunday of April every year, when the trees are in full bloom, the Sukumo Hashiken Friends Association holds a Dedicatory Hashiken Tournament. The shrine's red and cherry blossoms' pink are gorgeous, making it a spring tradition. After sunset, the lanterns hung around the cherry blossoms are lit up, illuminating the cherry blossoms in a dim light.

Tamematsu Park

Cherry blossom viewing while overlooking the city of Nakamura, Little Kyoto

Tamematsu Park, where Nakamura Castle once stood, is a famous spot for cherry blossom viewing on a hill in Shimanto City. You can enjoy the clear Shimanto River, the grid-like streets of Nakamura, Little Kyoto, and about 500 Yoshino cherry trees. During this period, lanterns will be lit and you can enjoy cherry blossom viewing at night. Would you like to take a leisurely look at the night view of the city and the cherry blossoms at night? Inside the park is the Shimanto City Folk Museum, whose exterior is shaped like a castle tower, and we recommend taking photos of the museum and the cherry blossoms together.

Makino Park

“100 Cherry Blossom Spots in Japan” One of the best cherry blossom viewing spots in the prefecture

When the world-renowned botanist Makino Tomitaro sent somei-Yoshino cherry tree seedlings from Tokyo, the locals developed the park, and it was selected as one of the "100 Best Cherry Blossom Spots in Japan." In spring, about 350 cherry trees of 30 different types bloom in the park. The Makino Park Cherry Blossom Festival is held every year during the cherry blossom viewing season. In addition to various events being held here, the lanterns are lit at night, and you can enjoy the cherry blossoms at night. Please also pay attention to the flowers other than cherry blossoms blooming in the park.

Shimanto River Sakura Zutsumi Park

Shimanto River and cherry blossoms co-starring

Shimanto River Sakura Zutsumi Park is located along the embankment in the Irita area, in the lower reaches of the Shimanto River. This park has about 500 planted cherry trees and a view of the Shimanto River, known as the last clear stream. While listening to the soothing sound of the river, enjoy the mountains in the distance and the cherry blossoms in full bloom with all five senses. It's also nice to have an arbor and restroom nearby.

Conclusion

So far, we have introduced 13 cherry blossom viewing spots in Kochi. If you're interested in a place during the cherry blossom season, which signals the arrival of spring, be sure to visit it. However, many people visit various places to view the cherry blossoms during this time. Enjoy cherry blossom viewing while observing good manners, such as taking your trash home with you, not making too much noise to disturb the people around you, and checking the rules at parks and shrines!