The beautiful cherry blossom season, heralding the arrival of spring, has arrived. Because it is located on a hill, whether you look up or down, you will see a world of cherry blossoms! The cherry blossoms that spread out before your eyes are a fantastical sight that can only be seen here. (Some of the photos are from the past.)
2024.03.29-
Table of Contents
- Handayama Botanical Garden Overview and Access
- Highlights of the park
- Cherry Blossom Festival 2024
- Kitchen car opening period and time
- A word from Director Shibata
- Notes
- Conclusion
Handayama Botanical Garden Overview and Access
Handayama Botanical Garden, located adjacent to Okayama city, is a cherry blossom viewing spot that is easily accessible from the city center.
The park covers an area of 110,000 square meters and is home to an astounding 1,000 cherry trees, with 45 varieties including Somei-Yoshino, Weeping, and Oshima-zakura.
In addition to cherry blossoms, the park is home to approximately 3,200 species and 150,000 plants, so you can enjoy flowers of all seasons no matter when you visit.
[Okayama City Handayama Botanical Garden]
Address: 3-1 Hokaiin, Okayama City, Kita Ward Prefecture
TEL: 086-252-4183
Admission fee: 310 yen for adults, 125 yen for children
Parking: 93 standard-sized cars
Access (car): Approximately 15 minutes from Okayama IC on the Sanyo Expressway
Access (public): 15 minutes on foot from JR Hokaiin Station
Highlights of the park
When you enter the entrance and look up, the cherry blossoms will immediately appear at the end of the slope. Because it is located on the hills of Handayama, the garden has elevation changes, so please wear comfortable shoes. Let's introduce the garden from the bottom up.
Bonbori Stairs
There are paper lanterns set up on the stairs leading up to the cherry blossoms visible from the entrance. During the Cherry Blossom Festival, the lights are lit up at night, creating a different atmosphere to the lanterns.
Slope cherry blossom path
For those with strollers, there is a slope on the west side. It has a gentler slope than the stairs, so you can enjoy a leisurely stroll while admiring the cherry blossoms.
Western Narrow Road
The narrow path on the western slope is off the main path and is a little hidden gem in the garden. It is located up the stairs where the Tsubakikanzakura trees are located and heading south. With soft soil and flowers, you can take gentle photos surrounded by spring.
South side middle cherry blossom path
If you want to take a walk, we recommend the gravel road in the middle of the south side. Both sides are lined with cherry trees, so it becomes a cherry blossom tunnel. It's not only beautiful when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, but when they fall, it turns into a pink carpet, creating a truly charming landscape.
Cherry blossoms on the lawn
This is a grassy area located halfway up Handayama Botanical Garden. Rows of cherry trees are planted on the south and west sides of the area, making it a very beautiful place. This year, you can even eat and drink! What's more, food trucks will be setting up stalls on the road on the north side of the lawn area. It's great to enjoy cherry blossom viewing while eating delicious food.
This is also a recommended spot by Mr. Shibata, the general director of Handayama Botanical Garden.
Bench on the northwest side of the lawn
I think the best seat is this! It's a stone bench on the slope on the northwest side of the lawn plaza.
The view from here is truly spectacular. Cherry blossoms everywhere you look, cherry blossoms everywhere you look, cherry blossoms everywhere you look, and cherry blossoms everywhere you look!
The view from the bench
It's a breathtaking sight! Cherry trees are planted all over the hill, so the whole area before your eyes turns into a pink world, creating a truly fantastical sight!
This is near the bench on the northwest side of the lawn. You can get a sense of the scale of the cherry blossoms compared to my size.
Double cherry blossoms in the rock garden
These are double cherry blossoms blooming in the rock garden on the slope from the lawn square to the observation deck. Each flower looks like a cute pom-pom! They bloom later than Somei-Yoshino, so you can enjoy the cherry blossoms even after the Somei-Yoshino cherry blossoms have finished blooming.
The slope to the observation deck
The slope leading to the observation deck is also lined with cherry blossom trees. When the cherry blossoms start to fall, the road becomes a carpet of petals, and you can sometimes see them performing together with the Kobano Mitsuba Azalea!
Weeping cherry tree near the observation deck
This is a weeping cherry tree that blooms before Somei-Yoshino. It's near the observation deck, and it's so big! Compare it to the gazebo. It's magnificent!
Cherry blossoms near the summit
Near the top of Handayama Botanical Garden is actually an ancient burial mound.
It is a keyhole-shaped tumulus called Ipponmatsu Kofun, which was used as an anti-aircraft gun position during World War II. This photo shows cherry blossoms that can be seen from the middle of the tumulus. Cherry trees are also planted on the hill of the tumulus, and if you climb to the top, the cherry blossoms feel even closer.
It's as if you are surrounded by cherry blossoms. Please try climbing to the top.
Cherry Blossom Festival 2024
Handayama Botanical Garden will hold its Cherry Blossom Festival from Friday, March 29th to Sunday, April 7th, 2024.
During this period, the park will be open at night, so you can enjoy the cherry blossoms at night! In addition to the regular parking lot, there will be a temporary parking lot, so if it is full, a staff member will guide you to a parking lot.
[Handayama Botanical Garden Cherry Blossom Festival]
Event dates: Friday, March 29th, 2024 to Sunday, April 7th, 2024 (also open on Tuesday, April 2nd)
Opening hours: 9:00-21:00 (last admission at 20:00)
Kitchen car opening period and time
This year, for the first time, a food truck will be setting up!
Opening period: March 29th (Fri) to 31st (Sun) 2024 (5 stores on the 29th and 30th, 4 stores on the 31st)
Opening hours: 9:00-20:00
From sushi, tuna burgers, and yakiniku rice bowls to sweet treats like crepes and gelato, the lineup is so overwhelming you'll have a hard time deciding what to choose.
Location
The food truck will be set up on the road on the north side of the lawn square. You can enjoy delicious food while looking at the cherry blossoms. There will also be a pickle shop near the entrance. Please enjoy some snacks to go with your drinks or as a souvenir.
A word from Director Shibata
We also spoke with Mr. Shibata, the general director of Handayama Botanical Garden.
"This year, for the first time, we will be setting up a food truck. We think many people, including those with children, will enjoy it, so please come and join us," he said.
In order for visitors to enjoy themselves, the head zoo manager and staff plan and prepare the illuminations, food trucks, and other events. I am truly grateful to be able to enjoy myself in this way.
Notes
・Please take home any trash you bring with you.
-Do not use open flames.
・During nighttime opening hours, viewing areas are limited. Please do not go beyond the barricades.
・Please follow proper etiquette and rules while enjoying the beautiful cherry blossoms at Handayama Botanical Garden.
Conclusion
What did you think? Handayama Botanical Garden is a recommended cherry blossom spot that you should definitely visit. Come and spend some quality time with your family and friends, or enjoy spring by yourself! Also, after the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, azaleas will also bloom.
Handayama Botanical Gardens, where azaleas bloom in full glory! Recommended spots for viewing
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