With the arrival of spring, many are eager to indulge in the beauty of cherry blossoms.
This time, we will introduce six spectacular cherry blossom viewing spots from Kagawa Prefecture in Shikoku. These locations boast renowned attractions where the cherry blossoms, already stunning in their own right, harmonize beautifully with the grandeur of nature.
Let us delve into the enchantment of Kagawa's breathtaking landscapes, beyond its exquisite culinary delights.
From the stage of the Genpei War to serene residential areas with unmanned stations! Kagawa Prefecture's renowned yet lesser-known cherry blossom viewing spots
Admire Cherry Blossoms and the Magnificent Seto Inland Sea from Mount Shiude
Best Viewing Time: Late March to Early April
Mount Shiude (しうでやま), located on the Shonai Peninsula in Mitoyo City, Kagawa Prefecture, rises 352 meters above sea level. With convenient access and well-developed walking trails, it's a popular destination year-round and is hailed as one of Kagawa's premier cherry blossom viewing spots.
The charm of Mount Shiude's cherry blossoms lies in their juxtaposition with the vast expanse of the Seto Inland Sea. Upon reaching the summit, a viewing platform offers a breathtaking sight of approximately 1000 cherry trees against the backdrop of the vibrant blue sea.
- Mount Shiude (しうでやま)
- Address: 451-1 Oohama, Tomita-cho, Mitoyo-shi, Kagawa Prefecture (Shonai Peninsula)
- Phone: 0875-84-7896 (Mount Shiude Ruins Museum)
- Directions: Tomita Station
- Fee: On-site cash payment on the day of visit
- Cherry Blossom Season: March 23, 2024 (Saturday) to April 10, 2024 (Wednesday)
- Reservation Website: Online Booking Homepage (Entry Restrictions Apply)
Okinoshima Island
Best Viewing Time: Late March to Early April
Legend has it that "Okinoshima Island" is the "Demon Island" from the famous Japanese folklore tale of Momotaro. The island is dotted with many demon-related sites, including caves said to be the remnants of demon dwellings, making it a place of great intrigue.
Prominent attractions include a row of cherry trees leading from the harbor to the lighthouse and cherry blossoms adorning the area around the lighthouse. The "Okinoshima Island Cherry Blossom Planting Association" has planted approximately 3,000 trees, allowing you to enjoy the magnificent view of the islands floating in the Seto Inland Sea.
- Okinoshima Island (Okinoshima)
- Address: Namiki-cho, Takamatsu City, Kagawa Prefecture
- Phone: 087-840-9055 (Onigashima Tourism Association)
- Directions: Takamatsu to Okinoshima: Single Fare: Adults 370 yen / Round Trip: Adults 740 yen / Single Fare: Children 190 yen / Round Trip: Children 380 yen
- Ferry Operation Hours to Okinoshima: January 1 to July 31 / August 21 to December 31
- Cherry Blossom Season: March 23, 2024 (Saturday) to April 10, 2024 (Wednesday)
- Website: Onigashima Tourism Association Homepage
Yashima "Lion Spirit Rock" Observation Deck
Best Viewing Time: Late March to Early April
The Kamakura period marked the beginning of the samurai era. Yashima is renowned as the site of the great battle of the Genpei War, making it one of its highlights. The island is scattered with sites related to this battle, attracting many history enthusiasts.
The cherry blossoms from the Yashima "Lion Spirit Rock" observation deck on the mountaintop are particularly popular. You can enjoy the breathtaking view of ancient cherry trees, including the Kasho Sakura, said to have been planted by the Matsudaira Hanzoemon, a samurai of the Takamatsu clan, in 1665.
- Yashima "Lion Spirit Rock" Observation Deck
- Address: Yashima Higashi-cho, Takamatsu City, Kagawa Prefecture
- Phone: 087-841-9443 (Yashima Mountain Tourism Association)
- Directions: Yashima Station
- Website: https://www.yashima-navi.jp/
Shiramine Plateau Observation Deck
At the Shiramine Plateau Observation Deck, you can behold cherry blossoms set against the backdrop of the Seto Ohashi Bridge, listed in the Guinness World Records as the world's longest railway-road bridge. Nearby is Shiramine Temple (Shiramineji), revered as the eighty-first temple in the Shikoku Pilgrimage, hence its name.
Nishigyo Hōshi's path is where Nishigyo Star, exiled by Emperor Go-Shirakawa to Sanuki and later deceased, worshipped. It's also a renowned cherry blossom viewing spot. Here, you can contemplate history while admiring the beautiful amalgamation of the Seto Inland Sea and cherry blossoms.
- Shiramine Plateau Observation Deck (白峰園地展望台)
- Address: Aomachi, Sakaide City, Kagawa Prefecture
- Phone: 087-841-9443 (Yashima Mountain Tourism Association)
- Directions: Sakaidemachi Station
- Website: https://www.pref.kagawa.lg.jp/midorihozen/index.html
Kazashigaoka Station
Optimal Viewing Time: Late March
The serene countryside traversed by the Kotoden Kotohira Line, affectionately known as "Kotoden," offers a tranquil setting. Among its stations, the Kazashigaoka Station, renowned as an unmanned station, also stands out as a famed cherry blossom viewing spot.
A vivid yellow train winds its way through picturesque spring-green valleys. Adding to this spectacle are cherry blossom trees planted along the slope, creating a breathtaking harmony between the train and the cherry blossoms, much adored by railway photography enthusiasts.
- Kazashigaoka Station (かざしがおかえき)
- Address: Hataeda, Ayagawa-cho, Ayauta-gun, Kagawa Prefecture
- Website: https://www.kotoden.co.jp/publichtm/kotoden/station/all_stations/k11.html
Orange Town Station
Optimal Viewing Time: Late March
Adjacent to Gaike Station on the JR Kotoku Line, Orange Town Station garners attention as a prominent spot for trams and cherry blossoms. Its pop-up name, reminiscent of an unmanned station, combined with the serene residential area surrounding it, offers a refreshing sight.
The elegantly designed train traverses tracks adorned with plum and cherry blossoms, evoking a sense of nostalgia and tranquility. It's considered a hidden gem of a popular spot because you get to enjoy the variety of trains passing by.
- Orange Town Station (オレンジタウン)
- Address: Shido, Sanuki-shi, Kagawa Prefecture
- Website: https://www.homemate-research-station.com/dtl/46000000000000008709/
Kagawa Prefecture's magnificent landscapes preserve the beauty of old Japan, with attractions like the Seto Inland Sea, Seto Ohashi Bridge, vintage trains, and unmanned stations. Why not venture to these cherry blossom-adorned landmarks and revel in the springtime splendor of Kagawa Prefecture?
