Specialties
Eight Great Spots in Okayama for Cherry Blossom Viewing
When you think spring time in Japan, cherry blossoms and flower viewing are the first things that come to mind. Okayama Prefecture boasts many great spots to view cherry blossoms. Here we introduce eight of these, spots where you can enjoy this essential Japanese tradition against the backdrop of beautiful townscapes. Enjoy beautiful blossoms on a magnificently grand cherry tree or at little-known spots such as Asahi River Sakura Road in Okayama City and Kakuzan Park in Tsuyama City. Don't miss the real charm of Japanese spring in Okayama!
A Beautiful Avenue Lined with Some 200 Cherry Trees
Asahi River Sakura Road
- Accessible via public transportation
Asahi River Sakura Road
Witness a marvelous view of rows of cherry trees along the Asahi River as it flows through the center of Okayama City. Easily accessible from Okayama Station and close to Okayama Korakuen Garden, this cherry-blossom viewing spot is perfect for a casual visit.
Nearby Recommended Sights Accessible on Foot
When visiting Okayama, two must-see historic sights are Okayama Korakuen Garden-awarded 3 stars in the Michelin Green Guide Japan-and Okayama Castle-awarded 1 star in the Michelin Green Guide Japan.
Okayama Korakuen Garden
- Accessible via public transportation
Okayama Korakuen Garden
Designated a Special Place of Scenic Beauty, this daimyo’s garden is considered one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan.
Okayama Castle
- Accessible via public transportation
Okayama Castle
Okayama Castle, with its eye-catching black main keep, is one of Japan’s top 100 castles. Inside the castle, visitors can also find cultural experience facilities and a cafe.
Specialty Gourmet Dishes that Pair Well with Hanami
Delicious food and drinks are indispensable for hanami (cherry-blossom viewing).
Oniwasodachi Bento Box (Spring)
- Seasonal
Oniwasodachi Bento Box (Spring)
This bento box is made with spring ingredients only sold at Okayama Korakuen Garden (reservation required).
Doppo
- Seasonal
Doppo
Doppo’s alcoholic beverages are made from natural juices including peaches and Muscat grapes produced in Okayama.
Castle Parfait
- Seasonal
Castle Parfait
A famous parfa it only available at Okayama Castle!
Looking down on cherry blossoms from the stone wall gives a superb view.
Tsuyama Castle (Kakuzan Park)
- Accessible via public transportation
Tsuyama Castle (Kakuzan Park)
With some 1,000 cherry trees, this popular venue has been selected as one of Japan’s top 100 cherry blossom sites. The carpet of cherry blossoms stretching out below the stone wall is beautiful beyond imagination. After sunset, visitors can enjoy the park in a different light as the trees are illuminated.
Recommended Sights
Tsuyama City, located on the northern part of Okayama Prefecture, is a perfect place for visitors to stroll around old streets and visit historic spots.
Joto Historical Preservation District
- Accessible via public transportation
Joto Historical Preservation District
Covering some 1.2 km, the Joto Historical Preservation District is an old townscape where Japan’s history and culture come to life. If you get tired along the way, “Orandado” is a nice place for a tea break.
Shurakuen Garden
- Accessible via public transportation
Shurakuen Garden
Shurakuen Garden is the second largest daimyo garden in the prefecture after Okayama Korakuen Garden. Admission is free, so all visitors are welcome to explore the garden.
Enjoy Hanami with Local Gourmet Dishes and a Beer in Hand!
The many unique dishes made with beef from Tsuyama, a Japanese beef production area, are a delicious companion for hanami (cherry-blossom viewing).
Tsuyama Horumon Udon
- Available year-round
Tsuyama Horumon Udon
This dish, a combination of fresh horumon (beef offal) and udon (thick wheat noodle), is one of Tsuyama’s local specialties.
Sakushu Tsuyama Beer
- Available year-round
Sakushu Tsuyama Beer
This easy-to-drink beer, made using special malt and hops, comes in various interesting flavors.
Dried Meat
- Available year-round
Dried Meat
Only enjoyable in Tsuyama, this sun-dried beef snack packs an intense flavor.
We introduce other great spots to view cherry blossoms such as a magnificent, large cherry tree and a row of historical cherry trees.
Handayama Botanical Garden
- Available year-round
- Accessible via public transportation
Handayama Botanical Garden
Handayama Botanical Garden is located in a hilly area near downtown Okayama City. Approx. forty-five varieties of 1,000 cherry trees cover the entire mountain in pink when the trees come into full bloom. Cherry Blossom Festivals held in season. Visitors can enjoy fantastic night view of cherry blossoms and purchase souvenirs.
Sakazu Park
- Available year-round
- Accessible via public transportation
Sakazu Park
Sakazu Park is home to 500 cherry trees, including Yoshino and double-flowered trees that come into full bloom between late March and early April. The beautiful cherry trees lining the promenade are a very popular sight when they come into season.
Miyama Park
- Available year-round
- Accessible via public transportation
Miyama Park
Miyama Park is home to 7,000 cherry trees, the largest collection of cherry trees in Okayama Prefecture. Visitors throng to the area during the cherry blossom season to see the sights and enjoy the view of the trees are lighted up at night in early April.
Koyagawa Bikan Historical Quarter
- Available year-round
- Accessible via public transportation
Koyagawa Bikan Historical Quarter
Cherry and willow trees lining the Koya River create an especially beautiful sight in season. The Doll Festival takes place during the cherry blossom season at the beginning of April.
Gaisen Cherry Trees
- Seasonal
- Vehicle recommended
Gaisen Cherry Trees
One hundred and thirty-two cherry trees line both sides of the road running through this former post town. The town is surrounded by beautiful mountains standing 1,000 m high and flourished between the 17th and 19th centuries when samurai walked the streets. From mid- to late April each year, visitors can enjoy the beautiful 400 m long cherry blossom tunnel.
Daigo Cherry Tree
- Seasonal
- Vehicle recommended
Daigo Cherry Tree
Included in the 100 Great Trees in Japan, this magnificent, 1,000-year-old cherry tree is said to be the largest in Okayama Prefecture. Its tiny, cute flowers come into full bloom between early and mid-April each year.
