Today, I introduce 11 recommended cherry blossom viewing spots in Ibaraki Prefecture! We not only introduce famous locations but also unveil hidden gems known only to locals. Be sure to take a look!
【1】北条大池 (Hojo Oike)
Hojo Oike Pond is the most famous cherry blossom viewing spot in Tsukuba City, with approximately 500 cherry blossom trees planted around the pond.
There is a long corridor around the pond where you can enjoy the cherry blossoms and the reflection of Mount Tsukuba on the water surface.
A leisurely walk takes about an hour, so be sure to enjoy both Mount Tsukuba and the cherry blossoms together!
- 北条大池 (Hojo Oike)
- Address: Hojo Oike, Tsukuba City, Ibaraki Prefecture
【2】常陸風土記の丘 (Johoku Fudoki no Oka)
Johoku Fudoki Hill in Ishioka City is hailed as one of the most popular cherry blossom viewing spots in Ibaraki Prefecture, which boasts numerous renowned spots for cherry blossom viewing.
The best time to admire the Somei Yoshino cherry blossoms is early April, with a month-long relay of cherry blossoms including drooping cherry blossoms in mid-April and botanical cherry blossoms in late April.
The most captivating feature is the "Drooping Cherry Blossom Tunnel," where the blooming drooping cherry blossoms create a tunnel-like pathway, perfect for a stroll along the cherry blossom-lined road.
- 常陸風土記の丘 (Johoku Fudoki no Oka)
- Address: 1646 Soma, Ishioka City, Ibaraki Prefecture
- Phone: 0299-23-3888
- Website: http://business2.plala.or.jp/fudoki/
【3】常陸風土記の丘 (Mount Atago)
Mount Atago in Kasama City is a famous cherry blossom viewing spot.
From late March, Somei Yoshino cherry blossoms and wild cherry blossoms begin to bloom, and you can enjoy cherry blossoms for a long time until the late cherry blossom season.
It takes about an hour to walk from the foot of the mountain to the top, and there is also an asphalt road, so you can also drive to the top.
At the top of the mountain is Atago Shrine, one of Japan's three major fire prevention shrines, as well as an observation deck with beautiful views. Please enjoy the flowers and the scenery together!
【4】亀城公園 (Turtle Castle Park)
"Kamejo Park" is part of the old honmaru and ninomaru of Tsuchiura Castle!
The park has about 50 Somei Yoshino cherry blossoms, which harmonize with the castle gate, east turret, and moat, allowing you to enjoy the combination of cherry blossoms and the castle.
The best time to see them is usually from late March to early April. This is also the venue for the Tsuchiura Sakura Festival, so be sure to enjoy the cherry blossoms and fun activities together♪
- 亀城公園 (Turtle Castle Park)
- Address: 13-48, Chuo 1, Chiura City, Ibaraki Prefecture
【5】霞ヶ浦総合公園 (Kasumigaura Comprehensive Park)
"Kasumigaura Comprehensive Park" is located by Lake Kasumigaura, with its hallmark being Dutch-style windmills!
Kasumigaura Comprehensive Park is a park where you can enjoy scenery and flowers in every season, and the cherry blossoms in spring are also beautiful, attracting many visitors every year.
About 20% to 30% of the cherry blossoms in the park are late-blooming double-flowered cherry blossoms, so you can enjoy cherry blossoms for a long time even after the regular cherry blossoms have fallen.
【6】新川サクラ通り (Shinkawa Cherry Blossom Street)
The "Shinkawa Cherry Blossom Street" runs east-west through Tsuchiura City!
There are about 200 Somei Yoshino cherry trees on both sides, and the cherry blossoms bloom covering the water surface, creating a 2-kilometer long cherry blossom tunnel.
The blooming cherry blossoms cover the river surface, creating a cherry blossom tunnel that extends far into the distance, truly breathtaking!
There are several bridges over the river, which are popular photo spots, so be sure to enjoy taking commemorative photos♪
- 新川サクラ通り (Shinkawa Cherry Blossom Street)
- Address: 1-14-16, Shikitamachi, Tsuchiura City, Ibaraki Prefecture
【7】真鍋のサクラ (Manabe Cherry Blossoms)
The "Manabe Elementary School Cherry Blossoms (Manabe Cherry Blossoms)" were planted to commemorate the completion of the new school building in 1908!
In the center of the campus are five giant Somei Yoshino cherry trees, and even after 116 years, you can still admire the dignity of the cherry blossoms.
During cherry blossom season, the time for cherry blossom light decorations is limited, so take this opportunity to visit the historically significant Manabe Elementary School and enjoy the cherry blossoms.
- 真鍋のサクラ (Manabe Cherry Blossoms)
- Address: 4-3-1 Manabe, Tsuchiura-shi, Ibaraki
- Website: http://www.tsuchiura.ed.jp/~manabe/nc/htdocs/
【8】牛久大仏 (Ushiku Great Buddha)
The "Ushiku Great Buddha" is known as the tallest bronze Buddha statue in the world!
It is also famous for its beautiful scenery throughout the four seasons, with cherry blossoms and lotus season being particularly popular.
The Ushiku Great Buddha stands out amidst the cherry blossoms and lotus, beautifying your soul.
While touring the interior of the Ushiku Great Buddha, enjoy the harmony of cherry blossoms and lotus flowers♪
- 牛久大仏 (Ushiku Great Buddha)
- Address: 2083 Kunocho, Ushiku-shi, Ibaraki
- Phone: 029-889-2931
- Website: https://daibutu.net/
【9】雨引観音 (Amabiki Kannon)
The "Amabiki Kannon" is a famous cherry blossom viewing spot in Sakura City!
There are about 3,000 cherry blossom trees planted in the temple grounds, parking lot, and surrounding roads, mainly featuring Kawazu-zakura and Somei Yoshino cherry blossoms.
The best viewing time is usually from early to mid-April (mid-March for Kawazu-zakura). The combination of the historic temple and cherry blossoms is exceptionally elegant and delightful. We welcome you to visit!
- 雨引観音 (Amabiki Kannon)
- Address: 1 Motoki, Sakura-shi, Ibaraki
- Phone: 0296-58-5009
- Website: http://www.amabiki.or.jp/
【10】高峯の山桜 (Takamine Wild Cherry Blossoms)
The "Takamine Wild Cherry Blossoms" in Sakura City are renowned for their wild cherry blossom beauty!
Takamine is a mountain with an altitude of 520 meters, boasting thousands of wild cherry blossom trees. When the cherry blossoms bloom, the pale pink and red buds of the cherry blossoms intertwine with the light brown buds of the trees, creating a spectacular and picturesque view.
The recommended viewing spot is the "Takamine Sanchunokou Deck"! Enjoy the beautiful scenery created by thousands of wild cherry blossom trees!
- 高峯の山桜 (Takamine Wild Cherry Blossoms)
- Address: 217-2 Hirasawa, Sakura-shi, Ibaraki
- Website: https://www.city.sakuragawa.lg.jp/kankou_bunka_sports/news/page007787.html
【11】磯部桜川公園 (Sakuragawa Cherry Blossoms)
The "Isobe Sakuragawa Park (Sakuragawa Cherry Blossoms)" has long been known as the "Western Yoshino, Eastern Sakuragawa" and is famous for cherry blossom viewing.
Passing through the approach to Isobe Inamura Shrine, you'll find both sides lined with approximately 1 kilometer of cherry blossom trees. Various cherry blossoms like Shirayama-zakura have been designated as national natural monuments.
Every year from early March to late April, Sakuragawa City holds a cherry blossom festival, so be sure to visit and enjoy the festival along with nearby famous attractions.
- 磯部桜川公園 (Sakuragawa Cherry Blossoms)
- Address: Isobe, Sakura-shi, Ibaraki
- Website: http://www.kankou-sakuragawa.jp/page/page000006.html
