10 Amazing Cherry Blossom Spots in Okayama | Famous Places, Hidden Gems, and Best Time to See Them [Updated for 2025]

• Table of Contents
• 1. Daigo Sakura
• 2. Gaisen Sakura Street
• 3. Rashomon Sakura Park
• 4. Kuse Tunnel Cherry Blossoms
• 5. Tsuyama Castle (Kakuzan Park)
• 6. Ibara zutsumi
• 7. Mount Oji
• 8. Old Shizutani School
• 9. Okayama City Handayama Botanical Garden
• 10. Asahikawa Sakuramichi
• summary
• Top 10 scenic cherry blossom viewing spots in Okayama introduced in this article

*The flowering situation may change depending on the climate and weather, so we recommend checking the latest information before visiting.

*The content, period and time of events and illuminations may vary from year to year.

1. Daigo Sakura

Located in Maniwa City, Daigo Sakura is a giant Azumahiganzakura tree estimated to be about 700 years old (locals say it's 1,000 years old), and is designated as a natural monument of Okayama Prefecture. Its overwhelming presence, with a height of about 18 meters, a trunk circumference of about 9.2 meters, and branches that stretch out to about 20 meters, captivates visitors. According to legend, Emperor Go-Daigo praised the tree, which is why it was given the name Daigo Sakura. Many people visit during the flowering season to enjoy its beauty. The contrast between the cherry blossoms and the surrounding canola flower fields creates a beautiful landscape.

During the blooming season, the cherry blossoms are lit up from sunset until 9:00 p.m., allowing you to enjoy a fantastic nighttime view. Access is convenient by car, and there is a parking lot, but it is expected to be busy during the blooming season, so we recommend that you visit with plenty of time to spare.

• Best time to see: early to mid-April

• Size: 1

• Variety: Azumahiganzakura

• Night cherry blossoms/illumination: Available (during the blooming period, from sunset to 9pm)

• Food stalls and restaurants: Available (local processed products and specialty products will be on sale during the cherry blossom season)

• Toilets: Yes

• Address: 2277 Bessho , Maniwa City, Okayama Prefecture

• Parking: Parking Lot 1 (35 cars), Parking Lot 2 (70 cars), Parking Lot 3 (30 cars) *Paid

• Nearby tourist attractions: Roadside Station Daigo-no-Sato, Kanba Falls

2. Gaisen Sakura Street

Gaisen Sakura Street in Shinjo Village is a place that strongly retains the atmosphere of a post town on the old Izumo Kaido road. In 1906, cherry trees were planted on both sides of the road to commemorate the victory in the Russo-Japanese War, and now 133 Somei-Yoshino cherry trees are lined up at 5.5 meter intervals, forming a magnificent cherry blossom tunnel. Waterways run on both sides of the street, and the babbling of the streams has been selected as one of the "Top 100 Soundscapes of Japan" and "Top 100 Fragrant Landscapes of Japan." The Gaisen Sakura Festival is held every year from early to mid-April, and a variety of events are held, including stalls set up by local residents and illuminations. It is an atmospheric spot where you can enjoy the collaboration of the historic townscape and cherry blossoms.

The nearby "Roadside Station Gaisen Sakura Shinjojuku" sells fresh vegetables, "Hime no Mochi" and related products (daifuku, noodles, rice crackers, craft beer, etc.), processed foods and local specialties such as monkey pears, etc. At the attached restaurant, you can enjoy ramen and udon noodles made with Hime no Mochi noodles, pasta, zoni, seasonal curry with the perfect combination of ingredients and spices, etc.

[Gaisen Cherry Blossom Festival 2025]

April 5, 2025 (Sat) - April 13, 2025 (Sun)

• Best time to see: early to mid-April

• Size: 133

• Variety: Somei-Yoshino

• Night cherry blossoms/illumination: Yes (during the Gaisen Cherry Blossom Festival, after the cherry blossoms are in full bloom: sunset to 9:00 p.m.)

• Food stalls and restaurants: Available (during the Gaisen Cherry Blossom Festival: 10:00-15:00)

• Toilets: Yes

• Address: Kamimachi, Shinjo Village, Maniwa District, Okayama Prefecture

• Parking: Opposite the roadside station along National Route 181, river parking lot/45 spaces for regular cars, 5 spaces for large vehicles

• Nearby tourist attractions: Wakihonjin Kishiro Residence, Shinjojuku Sugai Residence

3. Rashomon Sakura Park

Rashomon Sakura Park in Niimi City is located very close to the nationally designated natural monument Rashomon, and is home to around 700 cherry trees of 10 different varieties. With so many varieties, you can enjoy the cherry blossoms for a long period of time, from late March to late April. In particular, the 200-meter tunnel created by the Kanzan cherry blossoms is a spectacular sight that attracts visitors. Every year, the park is lit up from the end of March to the end of April, allowing you to enjoy the fantastic night cherry blossoms from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. The Rashomon Sakura Festival is also held, and various events are held, including gourmet food stalls, sales of local specialties, and guided tours. It is easily accessible by car, about 30 minutes from Niimi IC on the Chugoku Expressway.

The attraction is that you can enjoy cherry blossoms from late March to the end of April, as about 10 varieties of cherry blossoms bloom in succession, from early to late blooming varieties.

• Best time to see: late March to late April

• Size: Approximately 700

• Varieties: Approximately 11 varieties, including Somei-Yoshino, Kanzan, and weeping cherry.

• Night cherry blossoms/illumination: Available (end of March to end of April, 18:00-20:00)

• Food stalls and restaurants: Available (Saturdays and Sundays during the Rashomon Sakura Festival)

• Toilets: Yes

• Address: 4484-1 Kusama , Niimi City, Okayama Prefecture

• Parking: Approximately 20 spaces

• Nearby tourist attractions: Rashomon, Niimi Chiya Onsen, Ikura-do Cave

4. Kuse Tunnel Cherry Blossoms

Located along the Asahikawa River in Maniwa City, the "Kuse Tunnel Sakura" is a must-see tunnel of cherry blossoms stretching for about 1 km. Approximately 180 Yoshino cherry trees are planted, and when in full bloom, an arch of cherry blossoms covers the road, creating a tunnel-like landscape. At night, lanterns are lit up, allowing you to enjoy the fantastic night cherry blossoms. It is easily accessible, about a 10-minute walk from JR Kuse Station.

The cherry blossom trees lined up along the riverbank near Kuse Bridge are popular. The beauty of the cherry blossoms reflected on the river and the lanterns at night is overwhelming.

•Best time to see: Late March to mid-April

• Size: Approximately 180 trees

• Variety: Somei-Yoshino

Night cherry blossoms and illumination: Yes (lanterns are lit from sunset to around 10:00 p.m.)

•Food stalls and restaurants: Will be updated with the latest information on the Tenryo Kuse Sakura Festival from March 22 (Sat) to April 13 (Sun) 2025

• Toilets: Yes

• Address: Near So, Maniwa City, Okayama Prefecture

• Parking: Riverside, City Hall (approximately 200 spaces) *Public transport and bicycle use recommended

• Nearby tourist attractions: Katsuyama Historical Preservation District, Yubara Onsen

5. Tsuyama Castle (Kakuzan Park)

Tsuyama Castle is a historic castle built by Mori Tadamasa in 1616, and has been selected as one of Japan's 100 Great Castles and 100 Best Cherry Blossom Spots. In spring, about 1,000 cherry trees bloom, creating a beautiful landscape with the contrast between the stone walls and the cherry blossoms. In particular, when the castle is lit up at night, it creates a fantastic atmosphere, attracting many tourists. You can also get a panoramic view of Tsuyama City from within the castle, making it a spot where you can enjoy history and nature at the same time.

• Best time to see: late March to early April

• Scale: Approximately 1,000

• Variety: Somei-Yoshino, etc.

• Night cherry blossoms/illumination: Available (during the Tsuyama Cherry Blossom Festival, from sunset to 10:00 p.m.)

• Food stalls and restaurants: Available (During the Tsuyama Sakura Festival, food stalls offering local specialties and light meals will be set up in the park.)

• Toilets: Yes

• Address: 135 Yamashita, Tsuyama City, Sange

• Admission fee: Adults (high school students and above) 310 yen, junior high school students and below free

• Parking: Tsuyama Tourist Center Parking (30 standard cars, 6 large cars) *Temporary parking available during the period. Use of public transport recommended.

• Nearby tourist attractions: Joto Traditional Buildings Preservation District, Tsuyama Learning Railway Museum

6. Ibara zutsumi

Ibara zutsumi, located along the Oda River that runs through Ibara City, is characterized by a row of cherry trees that stretches for about 2 km. Approximately 800 Yoshino cherry trees are planted here, and in the spring a magnificent tunnel of cherry blossoms appears. The Ibara Cherry Blossom Festival is held every year, during which the area is lit up with lanterns and bustling with people day and night. It is a spot where families and couples can enjoy cherry blossom viewing while taking a leisurely stroll.

• Best time to see: late March to early April

• Size: Approximately 800

• Variety: Somei-Yoshino

• Night cherry blossoms/illumination: Available (during the Ibara Cherry Blossom Festival, 18:30-22:00)

• Food stalls and restaurants: Available (during the Ibara Cherry Blossom Festival)

• Toilets: Yes

• Address: Near 3616 Ibara-cho, Ibara City, Okayama Prefecture

• Parking: Temporary parking (approximately 200 spaces)

• Nearby tourist attractions: Aihara Park, Ibara City Tanaka Museum of Art

7. Mount Oji

Ojigatake is known as a scenic spot overlooking the Seto Inland Sea. In spring, cherry blossoms bloom, creating a beautiful contrast between the blue sea and the pink flowers. Huge rocks are also scattered around, creating a unique topography. Hiking trails are also available, making it a place where you can enjoy nature walks and cherry blossom viewing at the same time.

• Best time to see: late March to early April

• Scale: Approximately 1,000

• Variety: Somei-Yoshino

• Night cherry blossoms/illumination: None

• Restaurants: We recommend the permanent Marugo Deli Ojigatake Belk located in the Ojigatake Rest House in Kurashiki City .

• Toilets: Yes

• Address: Shibukawa 4-chome , Tamano City, Okayama Prefecture

• Parking: Available (several spaces) *As congestion is expected, we recommend using public transport or carpooling.

• Nearby tourist attractions: Shibukawa Beach, Shibukawa Zoo

8. Old Shizutani School

The Old Shizutani School is the world's oldest public school for commoners, founded in 1670, and is designated as a special national historic site. In spring, cherry blossoms bloom around the school building, creating a beautiful combination of historical architecture and cherry blossoms. The large weeping cherry tree in front of the auditorium is particularly impressive. This is a spot where you can relax and enjoy the history and nature in a quiet environment.

• Best time to see: late March to early April

• Size: Approximately 45 trees (Somei-Yoshino), 20 around the museum

• Varieties: Somei-Yoshino, Yaezakura

• Night cherry blossoms/illumination: None

• Restaurant: Shizutani Handmade Soba Tsubakian

• Toilets: Yes

• Address: 784 Shizutani , Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture

• Parking: Parking Lot 1 (approximately 200 cars), Parking Lot 2 (approximately 300 cars)

• Nearby tourist attractions: Bizen Pottery Traditional Industry Hall, Imbe District

9. Okayama City Handayama Botanical Garden

Handayama Botanical Garden, located next to Okayama city, is a vast area of about 110,000 square meters where about 3,200 species and 150,000 plants are planted. In spring, about 1,000 cherry trees bloom, decorating the garden. You can enjoy a variety of varieties such as Somei Yoshino, weeping cherry, and Oshima cherry, and the ancient trees that are over 100 years old are particularly impressive. One of the attractions of the garden is that you can enjoy the view of Okayama city along with the cherry blossoms while strolling along the garden's promenade. In addition, a Sakura Festival is held every year to coincide with the peak cherry blossom season, with a variety of events such as nighttime illuminations and food truck stalls. It is a recommended spot for families and couples.

• Best time to see: late March to early April

• Scale: Approximately 1,000

• Varieties: Approximately 45 varieties, including Somei-Yoshino, Weeping Cherry, and Oshima Cherry.

• Night cherry blossoms/illumination: Available (during the cherry blossom festival, from sunset to 9:00 p.m.)

• Food stalls and restaurants: Available (food trucks will be set up during the Cherry Blossom Festival)

• Toilets: Yes

• Address: 3-1 Hokaiin, Okayama City, Kita Ward Prefecture

Admission fee: Adults (high school students and above) 310 yen, children (elementary and junior high school students) 125 yen, free for those aged 65 and over with official proof of age.

• Parking: 93 spaces *Paid

• Nearby tourist attractions: Okayama Korakuen Garden, Okayama Castle

10. Asahikawa Sakuramichi

Asahikawa Sakuramichi, which runs along the Asahikawa River that flows through the center of Okayama City, is a popular place for local residents to relax. Approximately 250 Somei-Yoshino cherry trees are planted along a stretch of about 1 km, and in spring the rows of cherry trees along the river create a beautiful landscape. A promenade has been established, allowing you to enjoy the cherry blossoms while strolling or jogging. The area is also lit up at night, allowing you to enjoy the cherry blossoms in a fantastic atmosphere. It is easily accessible from the city center, making it an easy spot to visit.

• Best time to see: late March to early April

• Size: Approximately 250

• Variety: Somei-Yoshino

• Night cherry blossoms/illumination: Yes (during the Okayama Sakura Carnival, from sunset to 9:00 p.m.)

• Food stalls/restaurants: None

• Toilets: Yes

• Address: Near Asahimotocho, Kita-ku , Okayama City, Kita Ward

• Parking: No dedicated parking (public transportation is recommended)

• Nearby tourist attractions: Okayama Korakuen Garden, Okayama Castle

summary

Okayama Prefecture has many cherry blossom viewing spots, including cherry blossoms at historic castle ruins, rows of cherry trees lining roads, and magnificent single cherry trees. Tsuyama Castle (Kakuzan Park), Daigo Sakura, and Gaisen Sakura Street are especially popular with tourists from outside the prefecture for their beauty. In addition, there are also attractive spots loved by locals, such as Ibara Embankment and Kuze Tunnel Sakura.

In Okayama City, Asahikawa Sakuramichi and Handayama Botanical Garden are recommended spots where you can casually enjoy cherry blossom viewing. There are many places where you can enjoy cherry blossoms at night, and at spots where they are lit up, you can experience a fantastic atmosphere that is different from the daytime.

Be sure to visit some of Okayama's most scenic cherry blossom spots in time for the cherry blossom season in 2025! Each spot offers a different view and atmosphere, so find your favorite cherry blossom spot and enjoy the arrival of spring.

A list of cherry blossom spots in Okayama Prefecture

Top 10 scenic cherry blossom viewing spots in Okayama introduced in this article

1. Daigozakura – A single cherry tree over 1,000 years old, the most impressive in Okayama

2. Gaisen Sakura Street – A row of cherry trees filled with historical charm that decorates a former post town

3. Rashomon Sakura Park – A famous cherry blossom spot to enjoy along with the natural scenery of Rashomon

4. Kuze Tunnel Sakura – A fantastical arch of cherry blossoms appears when in full bloom

5. Tsuyama Castle (Kakuzan Park) – One of the top 100 cherry blossom viewing spots in Japan, this is one of the most popular spots in Okayama

6. Ibara zutsumi – The 2km long cherry blossom tunnel is a highlight

7. Ojigatake – A scenic spot overlooking the Seto Inland Sea

8. Old Shizutani School – A beautiful harmony between historic buildings and cherry blossoms

9. Okayama City Handayama Botanical Garden – An urban cherry blossom spot where you can enjoy around 3,000 types of plants

10. Asahikawa Sakuramichi – A beautiful downtown spot with rows of cherry blossom trees along the Asahikawa River

Each spot has its own charm, and the spectacular scenery that colors Okayama in spring spreads out before you. In particular, at spots where you can enjoy the illuminated cherry blossoms at night (Tsuyama Castle, Ibara Bank, Daigo Sakura, Rashomon Sakura Park, etc.), you can enjoy a fantastical view that is different from the daytime.

With the cherry blossom season approaching in 2025, be sure to use this article as a reference and visit some of Okayama's cherry blossom spots!

Featured locations (MAP) | Top 10 spectacular cherry blossom spots in Okayama