The 10 Best Places to see Sakura in Tochigi Prefecture
- Published on : 04/03/2026
- by : Clément
- Youtube
Sakura Tochigi
@Wikimedia Commons
Just north of Tokyo? Tochigi Prefecture is one of those regions that is often overlooked but well worth a visit, especially during the cherry blossom(sakura) season. Japan Experience has compiled a list of the best places to visit during the blossoming season.
1. Mount Ohira
Tochigi and the surrounding area are full of beautiful places. But it's Mount Ohira that steals the show, with over 4,000 trees lining the mountain paths. Here, for example, you'll find the famous "sakura tunnel" (桜のトンネル), a 2-kilometer road surrounded on both sides by cherry trees. Beautiful scenery awaits you even from the observatory near the summit!
A festival will be held in the park, at the foot of the mountain, from March 20 to April 12, 2026.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Address: 643 Hiraicho, Tochigi, 328-0054
Opening hours: Open 24/24
2. Rin'nô-ji
Ten meters high, this 500-year-old behemoth stands in the temple grounds. The cherry tree at Rin'nô-ji is a true natural monument, emblematic of Nikkô. Its pink shoots turn white as they blossom. A sight not to be missed when spring arrives.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Address: 2300 Sannai, Nikko, Tochigi 321-1494
Times: Daily 08:00 - 16:00
3. Imperial Villa Tamozawa
Originally built for Emperor Taishô, this ancient villa has been extensively refurbished using traditional techniques. In addition to the main building, the garden offers a superb landscape with its 4-century-old sakura.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Address: 8-27 Honcho, Nikko, Tochigi 321-1434
Times: Daily 09:00 - 16:30, closed Tuesdays
Villa Tamozawa
@Wikimedia Commons
4. Kanmagafuchi Abyss
Just behind the Tamozawa villa stand around 70 statues of Jizô (a Buddhist figure protecting children), nestled in a natural gorge along the Daiya River. The calm, spiritual atmosphere of this place, open at all hours of the day, makes it a pleasant getaway close to the major tourist attractions.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Address: Takumicho, Nikko, Tochigi 321-1415
Opening hours: Open 24/24
5. Wanpaku Park
With its playgrounds, this park is the ideal place for a family trip to Tochigi. From late March to mid-April, its trees bloom to the delight of visitors. In the "Mibumachi General Park" section, you can admire some 50 white cherry trees surrounding a large picnic area.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Address: 2273 Kuniya, Mibu, Shimotsuga District, Tochigi 321-0211
Times: Daily 08:30 - 18:30
6. Shiroyama Park
Located in the small town of Oyama, this park is laid out on the site of an ancient castle, the ruins of which are still visible today. A red bridge adds charm to this landscape of white cherry trees.
For ramen lovers: a ramen festival is held just a stone's throw from the park throughout the flowering season! Held every weekend from March 27 to April 19, 2026, it brings together a total of 32 restaurateurs from all over Japan to share their best products!
FURTHER INFORMATION
Address: 1 Chome-1 Shiroyamacho, Oyama, Tochigi 323-0025, 10-minute walk from Oyama Tohoku Shinkansen station.
Opening hours: Open 24/24
Sakura Shiroyama Park
@Wikimedia Commons
7. Omoigawa Onsen
Ideal at the end of the day: a short break in a hot bath followed by a stroll along the river, enjoying the springtime illuminations!
Close to Shiroyama Park, Omoigawa Onsen is easily accessible by bus from Oyama Goten. Why not stop off after a bowl of ramen at the Shiroyama Festival?
FURTHER INFORMATION
Address: 1475 Kizawa, Oyama, Tochigi 323-0014
Opening hours: 08:00 - 00:00 weekdays, 07:00 - 00:00 weekends
8. Kokuzôson Shrine
At a bend in the road between Tôbu-Nikkô station and the UNESCO World Heritage Site, at the entrance to this small shrine, you'll find a 350-year-old tree that continues to blossom. Designated as an important cultural asset by Tochigi Prefecture, this cherry tree invites you to take a stroll: a good reason to prefer walking to the endless queues on the tourist bus.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Address: 1 Chome Inarimachi, Nikkō, Tochigi Prefecture 321-1411
Times: Closes at 4 p.m. (cherry tree visible from outside)
9. Kinugawa Onsen
In this popular spa village, an avenue of 500 cherry trees awaits you near the Tateiwa Bridge. Many weeping cherry trees can be seen in Kinugawa Park, including Kalun, the lucky cherry. Our recommendation: wait until nightfall to enjoy the lanterns and illuminations!
FURTHER INFORMATION
Address: Kinugawaonsen Ohara, Nikkō, Tochigi Prefecture 321-2522
Opening hours: Open 24/24
Kinugawa Onsen
@Japan Experience
10. Daiyagawa Park
How about a stroll between the historic sites of Nikkô town? In this large park just outside town, you can admire cherry blossom trees over 200 years old! With over 500 trees of 56 different varieties, the park offers a wide variety of colors throughout the blossoming period. Easily accessible thanks to its parking lot, you'll find a market hall offering a variety of local produce, ideal for a picnic under the cherry trees! The site also regularly hosts markets and events.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Address: 844 Segawa, Nikko, Tochigi 321-1263
Opening hours: Daily 08:30 - 18:30
BONUS: Edo Wonderland
This is an Edo-themed park (1603-1868). There are buildings with architecture typical of the period, as well as extras in period costume strolling the streets. The colors of the cherry blossoms join the decor in spring, so don't hesitate to take a stroll!
FURTHER INFORMATION
Address: 470-2 Karakura, Nikko, Tochigi 321-2524
Opening hours: 09:30 - 16:00, closed on Wednesdays
Dive into the past at Edo Wonderland!
Edo Wonderland
@Japan Experience
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