Shizuoka, nestled between Mt. Fuji and the Pacific Ocean, is not only renowned for its breathtaking landscapes but also for its cherry blossom season.
Every spring, thousands of visitors flock to Shizuoka to witness the beauty of cherry blossoms painting the prefecture in shades of pink and white. In this area guide, we’ll explore the best spots to experience the magic of the Sakura season!
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1. Mishima Taisha
Mishima Taisha is a historical shrine surrounded by lush greenery and cherry trees. You can admire the soft pink Sakura in full bloom by taking a stroll through the shrine grounds. The contrast of the pink petals against the shrine’s traditional architecture creates a scene of timeless beauty.
Another great way to enjoy the Sakura season at Mishima Taisha is by joining locals in Hanami picnics under the blooming cherry trees.
2. Sakura no Sato
Sakura no Sato, a park located in Ito city, covers a vast area of about 40,000m² and is home to over 1,500 cherry trees. These include popular varieties, such as Somei Yoshino and Kawazuzakura. Sakura no Sato is truly a cherry blossom wonderland and a must-visit for any Hanami enthusiast.
The park is easily accessible from Tokyo via the Tokaido Shinkansen and is about a 5-minute walk away from the Izu Shaboten Koen-mae bus stop.
3. Hamamatsu Flower Park
Those who would like to enjoy Sakura alongside other brightly colored spring flowers, should not miss out on a visit to the Hamamatsu Flower Park! Located in Hamamatsu City, this expansive park offers multiple themed gardens for visitors to explore before heading to the cherry blossom groves. These include a traditional Japanese garden and a colorful flower field.
With its numerous facilities and attractions, Hamamatsu Flower Park is perfect for spending a day out with the whole family.
4. Ieyama Sakura Tunnel
Have you ever walked through a tunnel of cherry blossoms? This dreamlike experience is exactly what you can get in Ieyama, Shimada City.
Formed by hundreds of cherry trees in full bloom, the tunnel stretches out to a length of over one kilometer, making it perfect for a long, relaxing walk. And if you prefer cycling over walking, you can do that too.
You might also be able to watch an old-style steam locomotive, that regularly passes by next to the tunnel, and which is already an attraction by itself.
For an even more magical atmosphere, it is recommended to visit the Ieyama Sakura Tunnel during the evening, when it’s illuminated with soft lights.
5. Miho no Matsubara
Miho no Matsubara is a picturesque area at the shoreline of the Miho Peninsula, located in the Shimizu Ward of Shizuoka City. It offers one of the most iconic cherry blossom viewing experiences in the whole prefecture.
The stunning coast, which is lined with over 30,000 pine trees, with Mt. Fuji in the backdrop is a view that just can’t be found anywhere else! Pair this with the pink Sakura that contrast the deep blue sea, and you get a scene that is nothing short of breathtaking.
Don’t miss this chance to capture postcard-perfect photos of cherry blossoms framing Japan’s most famous peak.
6. Kunozan Toshogu Shrine
Kunozan Toshogu is a Shinto Shrine in Shizuoka city, nestled at the foot of Mt. Kunozan. It is known for the shrine building’s beautiful ornate architecture and its historical value. The shrine is dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate, which ended a year-long history of civil war and finally brought a period of peace to Japan that lasted for 265 years.
With Kunozan Toshogu’s stunning architecture and century-old history, it is worth a visit at any time, but the cherry blossom season marks a special highlight during the year.
As the shrine lies surrounded by lush forests that are dotted with cherry trees, every year, as spring arrives, the shrine’s grounds become adorned with soft pink blooms. During this time the shrine also hosts a variety of events and performances, adding to the festive atmosphere.
In conclusion, Shizuoka offers an abundance of stunning spots to experience the fleeting beauty of cherry blossoms during spring. Whether you’re seeking panoramic views, cultural heritage, or a quiet place in nature to relax and rewind, in Shizuoka you will find what you are looking for.
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Hello, I’m Jazmine Kelly, a freelance writer who has been writing about travel and interior design for 3 years. My love of travel and exploring countries began at a young age thanks to my adventurous parents who moved our family abroad. I learnt from my Dad how to find great deals for trips and find unique destinations to visit. I moved to Hyogo in March 2020 and haven’t looked back since, always making the most of any adventure! Having lived in various countries and apartments, I’ve learnt the importance of making a house feel like a home. Decorating rented homes on a tight budget allowed me to express my creativity and develop a love for interior design. As well as travelling, I love crafts, interior design, music, and spending time outside in nature.