We’ve written the dates when these cherry blossoms usually bloom, but please understand weather conditions may cause those dates to change.
Tendaiji Temple (Ninohe City, northern Iwate)
Season End of April – beginning of May
About
Weeping cherry trees within the temple grounds greet visitors every spring. Tendaiji is also known for the gorgeous hydrangeas that line the path to the temple.
Access
Car: 5 minutes from the Joboji IC on the Tohoku Expressway. More information can be found at the link above.
Questions
Joboji Town Tourism Association: 0195-38-2211 (Inquiries in Japanese, please)
URL Tendaiji Temple (machine translation available)
For more information: http://www.japan-iwate.info/app/location_detail.php?lid=17
Hanamaki Hot Springs(Hanamaki City, central Iwate)
Season End of April – beginning of May
About
There are around 500 cherry blossom trees within the Hanamaki Hot Springs area, and all of them come into bloom to the delight of visitors.
Events
Hanamaki Hot Springs – Cherry Blossom Festival 2016: Scheduled for mid-April through the beginning of May
This festival happens when the trees are in full bloom, which happens around a week earlier than the trees in the city center.
Access
・Bus: 30 minutes from JR Hanamaki Station
・Car: 15 minutes from Hanamaki IC on the Tohoku Expressway
More information can be found at the link above
Parking 500 spaces
Questions Hanamaki Hot Springs: 0198-37-2111 (Inquiries in Japanese, please)
URL Hanamaki Hot Springs (various languages available)
Livefeed Cherry blossom blog (JPN only)
For more information: http://www.japan-iwate.info/app/location_detail.php?lid=136
Tenshochi area(Kitakami City, central Iwate)
Season End of April
About
The Tenshochi area of Kitakami is known as one of the three best places to see cherry blossoms in all of Tohoku. Trees line a path about 2 kilometers long right by the Kitakami River, and is considered the best spot in Iwate.
Events
Kitakami Tenshochi Cherry Blossom Festival (JPN site)
2016: April 10 (Sun) to May 5 (Thu) This festival will be packed with people from all over Japan to see the cherry trees in bloom. During its duration, fish-shaped flags in all the colors of the rainbow will be set up by the river, where there will also be a tour boat. There will even be a horse-drawn buggy where you can take a trip to the past under a ceiling of pink petals. At night, the trees will be lit up, their reflections glimmering on the surface of the river.
Access
・Car: 15 minutes from the Kitakami-Ezuriko IC on the Tohoku Expressway ・Train: A 20 minute walk from JR Kitakami Station
More information can be found at the link above.
Parking 300 spaces
Questions Kitakami Tourism and Convention Association: 0197-65-0300 (Inquiries in Japanese, please)
Livefeed Kitakami Tenshochi Cherry Blossom Festival official site (JPN site)
For more information: http://www.japan-iwate.info/app/location_detail.php?lid=120
Gembikei Gorge (Ichinoseki City, southern Iwate)
Season End of April – end of May
About
Gembikei is a popular destination that has been designated a natural monument by the national government. There are around 200 cherry trees lining each side of the gorge for a 2km stretch, and the area will be filled with tourists.
Access
・Bus: From JR Ichinoseki Station, take a 20min bus ride to Gembikei
・Car: 10 minutes from Ichinoseki IC on the Tohoku Expressway More information can be found at the link above.
Questions Commerce and Tourism Division, Ichinoseki City Government: 0191-21-8413 (Inquiries in Japanese, please)
Livefeed
Ichinoseki Sightseeing Navigator (various languages available)
For more information: http://www.japan-iwate.info/app/location_detail.php?lid=114
Fukusenji Temple(Tono City, central Iwate)
Season End of April – beginning of May
About
Fukusenji is famous for its wooden 11-faced Kannon statue (a Buddhist figure), as well as for the beautiful cherry blossoms that line the grounds. The temple is enjoyed by many visitors during blossom season.
Access
Taxi: 10 minutes from JR Tono Station Car: 70 minutes from the Kitakami-Ezuriko IC on the Tohoku Expressway
Parking 60 spaces
Questions Fukusenji Temple: 0198-62-3822 (Inquiries in Japanese, please)
For more information: http://www.tonojikan.jp/Several_languages/english/kanko/shisetu/fukusenji.html
Morioka Castle Site Park(Morioka City, northern Iwate)
Season Mid-April – end of April
About
Large rock walls are the only thing left standing of the Morioka Castle site, which lies within Morioka City. That site was made into a park, and is very popular as a famous spot for viewing cherry blossoms.
Events
Morioka Cherry Blossom Festival (JPN site) April 12, 2016 (Tue) – May 5, 2016 (Thu)
Access
・Bus: 10 minutes from Morioka Station
・Car: 20 minutes from the Morioka IC on the Tohoku Expressway More information can be found at the link above.
Parking Paid parking lots available nearby
Questions Morioka Tourism and Convention Association: 019-604-3305 (Inquiries in Japanese, please)
URL Morioka Tourism and Convention Association (JPN site)
Livefeed Information on Morioka’s cherry blossoms (JPN site)
For more information:http://www.japan-iwate.info/app/location_detail.php?lid=10
Rock-splitting Cherry Tree(Morioka City, northern Iwate)
Season Mid-April
About
A huge granite rock sits in the front garden of the Morioka Courthouse, and from a crack in the middle grows a glorious cherry tree over 350 years old. This tree was designated a natural monument by the national government.
Access
・Bus: 10 minutes from Morioka Station
・Car: 20 minutes from the Morioka IC on the Tohoku expressway More information can be found at the link above.
Parking Paid parking lots available nearby
Questions Morioka Tourism and Convention Association: 019-604-3305 (Inquiries in Japanese, please)
URL Morioka Tourism and Convention Association (JPN site)
Livefeed Information on Morioka’s cherry blossoms (JPN site)
For more information: http://www.japan-iwate.info/app/location_detail.php?lid=121
The Lone Cherry Tree at Koiwai Farm(Shizukuishi Town, western Iwate)
Season End of April – Beginning of May
About
A beautiful cherry tree stands with its branches stretched open, with the backdrop of Mount Iwate and snow still melting at its peak. This gorgeous spot is well-known as a location for films and TV programs.
Access
・Bus: Take the Koiwai/Amihari Onsen bus for 35 minutes from Morioka Station
・Car: 20 minutes from the Morioka IC on the Tohoku Expressway
More information can be found at the link above.
Parking 2,250 spaces
Questions Makiba-en at Koiwai Farm: 019-692-4321 (Inquiries in Japanese, please)
URL Koiwai Farm (English and Chinese available)
Livefeed Latest news at Koiwai (JPN site)
For more information: http://www.japan-iwate.info/app/location_detail.php?lid=75
Goishi Coast (Ofunato City, southern coast)
Season Mid-April – end of April
About A line of cherry trees can be found in bloom near the Ofunato City Museum and Camellia Greenhouse.
Access
Car: 95 minutes from the Ichinoseki IC on the Tohoku Expressway
More information can be found at the link above.
Questions Ofunato City Tourism and Products Association: 0192-21-1922 (Inquiries in Japanese, please)
For more information: http://www.japan-iwate.info/app/location_detail.php?lid=105