This time, I went to Rashomon Sakura Park in Niimi City . Because there are many different types of cherry blossoms planted here, each blooming at a different time, you can enjoy the cherry blossoms for a long period of time, from late March to late April. Why not go and see the spectacular tunnel of double cherry blossoms? (Some old photos are used)
2024.04.11-
Table of contents
- What is Rashomon Sakura Park?
- Run by local people
- Pale and fantastical Somei-Yoshino cherry blossoms
- White bench
- Illumination of Somei Yoshino cherry trees
- The Kanzan (double cherry blossoms) in late April are a sight to behold!
- Kanzan Light-up
- Rashomon Sakura Blossom Festival
- Let's go see Rashomon too!
- Stone gate, a nationally designated natural monument
- Location and access to Rashomon Sakura Park
- parking
- Conclusion
What is Rashomon Sakura Park?
Rashomon Sakura Park is located very close to Rashomon, a nationally designated natural monument in Niimi City. There are 700 cherry trees of about 10 different varieties that bloom in succession until late April, allowing you to enjoy them for a long period of time. When you think of cherry blossoms, you probably think of white or pink, but there are also rare varieties such as the yellowish Ukon and the greenish Gyoiko.
Run by local people
Amazingly, this beautiful park is run by local people called the "Rashomon Preservation Society." We spoke to the chairman. "Rashomon Sakura Park" is a shared piece of land owned by local residents, and between 2009 and 2015, the "Rashomon Preservation Society" planted the cherry trees, and has been maintaining them, mowing the grass, pruning, and preventing insects. They said they want to protect them for 10, 20, even 50 years to come. It was clear to see how the locals are lovingly and carefully cultivating and protecting the cherry trees.
The cherry blossoms at Rashomon Sakura Park are free to enjoy, but these beautiful trees have been preserved thanks to the hard work of many local residents. There is a donation box at the entrance to the park, so please help out by donating.
Pale and fantastical Somei-Yoshino cherry blossoms
Going up the slope on the left side of the entrance, you will find a fantastical world of pale white! The Somei Yoshino cherry trees were 70% in bloom when I visited. Perhaps it was because it was a cloudy day. This place was so beautiful with its white space that it felt like a fairy tale world. The blue sky and cherry blossoms on a sunny day are nice, but the cherry blossoms on a cloudy day are also beautiful.
White bench
There are benches set up so you can sit and take a leisurely look at the scenery. If you sit down and take a photo, it will create a lovely atmosphere. These benches have also been prepared by the "Rashomon Preservation Society" for the enjoyment of visitors. This year, they have also purchased and installed new red umbrellas and benches covered with scarlet felt.
Illumination of Somei Yoshino cherry trees
At night, the Somei Yoshino cherry trees show off their dazzling beauty. The lights were set up one by one in the evening to illuminate the trees. Watching the deep navy blue sky and the white-pink cherry blossoms is truly a moment of gold on a spring evening.
(The weather is fine on a spring evening, and no amount of money can replace the joy and beauty of it.)
It is thanks to the hard work of the local people that we are able to enjoy such beautiful cherry blossoms at night. Thank you very much!
The Kanzan (double cherry blossoms) in late April are a sight to behold!
Starting with the Somei Yoshino cherry blossoms in early April, the cherry blossoms bloom one after the other, but the tunnel of double cherry blossoms that blooms at the end is a sight to behold! These are the Kanzan variety, and they have large, vibrant deep pink flowers. You won't find such a beautiful tunnel of double cherry blossoms anywhere else! It's a spectacular sight that can only be seen at Rashomon Sakura Park.
Kanzan Light-up
Kanzan will also be lit up. Unlike the white Somei Yoshino cherry trees, these cute double-flowered cherry trees are pink and look like pompoms. They welcome visitors by stretching their arms out from both sides of the road. Not only will the cherry blossoms be lit up, but bamboo-made lighting will also be installed.
Rashomon Sakura Blossom Festival
The currently ongoing Rashomon Sakura Festival also offers guided tours of Rashomon and local specialty sales, so there's plenty to enjoy besides cherry blossom viewing! There are some days when the gate is not lit up, so please check the link for details.
Event period: March 31st (Sun) to April 29th (Mon, national holiday), 2024
Illumination period: March 30th (Sat) - April 28th (Sun), 2024
Light-up time: 18:00-20:00
* May not be held on some days. * Cancelled in case of rain.
During the weekends of the Rashomon Sakura Festival, there will be a variety of food stalls, food trucks, and events. You can also find udon noodles, baked sweet potatoes, and large, piping hot takoyaki!
Let's go see Rashomon too!
If you visit Rashomon Sakura Park, why not also visit the nearby Rashomon Gate? It's about a 5-minute walk from the parking lot. On the opposite side of the parking lot entrance, there is a path leading to Rashomon Gate.
As you go further, you will come across a signpost, so turn right and head down the narrow road. There are slopes and stairs, and some areas are slippery, so please be careful along the way.
Stone gate, a nationally designated natural monument
Rashomon, a designated national natural monument, is a natural stone gate about 40 meters high. Its size is overwhelming! The gigantic rock arch gives you a sense of the mystique of nature.
There is also an observation deck overlooking Rashomon. Listening to the sounds of the Japanese bush warblers singing, it was a moment to feel the greatness of nature. If you visit Rashomon Sakura Park, be sure to stop by. During the Sakura Festival, there is even a Rashomon Guided Tour, which gives special access to the non-public areas around Rashomon. Applications are required, so please see the link for details.
Location and access to Rashomon Sakura Park
Address: 4484-1 Kusama , Niimi City, Okayama Prefecture
TEL: 0867-74-9001 (Kusamadai Eco Museum Center *Weekdays only during the day)
Access (by car): Approximately 30 minutes from Niimi IC on the Chugoku Expressway. Directions will appear along the way. Please be careful as the road is narrow in places. If possible, visit on a weekday to avoid passing cars.
parking
This year, a new parking lot has been added, so you can enjoy the event at your own pace without worry.
Conclusion
What did you think of Rashomon Sakura Park? You can enjoy the cherry blossoms for several weeks even after the cherry blossoms in the city have fallen. The tunnel of double cherry blossoms is a beauty that you won't find anywhere else. If you still want to enjoy the cherry blossoms, be sure to visit!
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