Here is our list of the places to go for cherry blossom viewing in Nagano. We know you all want to know how to get there and what’s the best time to visit. Don’t worry! We’ve got you covered.
Oide Park is on the top list of our hidden sakura spots in Nagano. It is in Hakuba village, which is famous in winter as the Mecca for skiers and snowboarders. There are not many sakura trees in the area, but the highlights of this place are the snowcapped Japanese Alps in the background with the Hime river flowing in the foreground.
Blooming period: Late April – Early May
How to get there: The park is about a 15-minute walk from JR Hakuba station. You can also catch a taxi from the station which costs around 1,040 yen. For those starting from Hakuba Happo Bus Terminal, will take about 30 minutes on foot. So, riding a taxi is definitely a better option if you want to save time (about 1,600 yen).
See Google Map >
See the bus timetable from Nagano to Hakuba > (stops at JR Hakuba station and Happo Bus Terminal)
Matsumoto Castle, colloquially known as the Crow Castle, is the landmark of Matsumoto city. After entering Kuromon, the outer gate, you will see the black castle among the dangling sakura branches of pinkish Shidare-zakura. Outside the castle, there are about 300 sakura trees planted around the castle moats. The annual light-up event is held annually, so, don’t miss the night-time cherry blossom viewing here at Matsumoto castle!
Blooming period: Early-Mid April
How to get there: From Matsumoto station, it takes about 20 minutes on foot. But you can also choose to ride a “Town Sneaker” city sightseeing bus (North course), which departs every 30 minutes on weekdays, and every 20 minutes on weekends.
See Google map >
See Shinjuku – Matsumoto bus timetable >
See Takayama – Matsumoto bus timetable >
See all bus timetables to Matsumoto >
See Town Sneaker Bus timetable >
Blooming period: Early-Mid April
How to get there: From JR Chino and JR Inashi station, there are buses running to Takato Bus Terminal. From there, it is only a 15-minute walk to Takato Castle Ruins.
Blooming period: Middle of April
How to get there: From JR Matsumoto station, get on Alpico (aka Matsumoto Dentetsu)’s Kamikochi line train, then get off at Samizo station (AK-09). The temple is only 1 minute’s walk from the station.
See Google map >
See all bus timetables to Matsumoto >
See the train timetable (Kamikochi line) >
Blooming period: Early – Mid-April
How to get there: Only 5 minutes walk from JR Komoro station.
Blooming period: Middle of April
How to get there: From JR Nagano, get on Nagano Dentetsu train to Suzaka station (about 30 minutes), then change to a bus to Garyu Park. You can board the Y or S bus route and get off at Garyu Koen Iriguchi bus stop (a 3-minute walk), or board the M route and get off at Garyu Koen bus stop which is right in front of the park.
See Google map >
See all bus timetables to Nagano >
Blooming period: Middle of April
How to get there: From JR Matsumoto station, you can get to the hill in about 25-30 minutes by bicycle. Another option is to ride an Alpico Bus No. 10 or 23 (Namiyanagi-danchi line) and get off at Koboyama Iriguchi bus top. This will take about 15 minutes, or more depending on the traffic conditions.
Takashima Castle, also known as the “floating castle”, was built on a small island in Lake Suwa with only a tiny land connecting the island to the shore. Even though the castle is no longer on the island, there still remain the moats and gardens until this day. Though this cherry blossom spot is not the best on our list, it still worth is a visit if you are in the Suwa area during the blooming season! (Just for your info, Lake Suwa is best known for its hot springs and the fabulous views of Lake Suwa!)
Blooming period: Middle of April
How to get there: From JR Kamisuwa, the nearest station, it takes only about 10 minutes on foot.
See Google map >
See all bus timetables to Suwa >
The Thousand Cherry Blossoms Festival is held annually at Ueda castle. Not only in the daytime, but you can enjoy cherry blossoms at nighttime, as well. The best thing is that they have plenty of food stalls (Yatai), selling countless street foods, from Takoyaki, Okonomiyaki, Karaage chicken, Yakisoba, chocolate banana, and the list goes on.
Blooming period: Middle of April
How to get there: From JR Ueda (Castle exit), the nearest station, it takes only about 10 minutes on foot.