Local Guide
[2025 Edition] 5 Recommended Cherry Blossom Spots in the Yatsugatake, Kiyosato, and Kobuchizawa Areas

Photo courtesy of Hokuto City

The Yatsugatake, Kiyosato and Kobuchizawa area is surrounded by mountains such as the Yatsugatake mountain range and Mt. Kaikoma, and is dotted with numerous cherry blossom viewing spots where you can enjoy the panoramic backdrop of nature. Among them, you must see giant trees that are nearly 2000 years old and photogenic single cherry trees that will make you want to take a photo. We will introduce recommended cherry blossom spots along with information on the best viewing times and festivals.

The majestic sight of these flowers in full bloom is definitely worth a visit.

Photo courtesy of Hokuto City
Photo courtesy of Hokuto City

The Five Great Cherry Trees of Japan are five cherry trees designated as national natural monuments. Yamataka Jindai Sakura is one of them, and is estimated to be between 1800 and 2000 years old. It is an exceptionally old tree even among Edo Higan trees, which are said to be relatively long-lived, but its appearance in full bloom is very impressive. Full of vitality, it exudes divine beauty and power.
There are also about 30 Yoshino cherry trees in the area, as well as about 80,000 daffodils, which bloom around the same time, creating a striking contrast with the Southern Alps towering in the background.

[Blooming season] Usually late March
[Best time to see] Early April

Comments Local Guide
We also recommend taking your time to enjoy the view while taking a break and sampling the local flavors at the stalls.
Yamataka Jindai Sakura

A photogenic single cherry tree that stands out against the backdrop of snow-capped mountains

Photo courtesy of Yamanashi Tourism Organization
Photo courtesy of Yamanashi Tourism Organization

A single Edohigan cherry tree stands alone in a rural area. It is a little-known cherry tree that has been used as a location for many magazines and movies, and when it is in full bloom, many photography enthusiasts visit, attracted by its fairy-tale-like scenery reminiscent of a page from a picture book. On a clear day from early to mid-April, the view of the tree collaborating with Mount Yatsugatake and Mount Kayagatake is recommended, and the illuminated cherry blossoms at night are also a must-see. The tree gives off a mysterious aura and captivates people with its appearance, which is completely different from its daytime image.

[Blooming season] Late March to early April
[Best time to see] Early April to mid-April

▼Light up
Date and time: 5 to 10 days after the cherry blossoms bloom, from 18:30 to 20:30
For more information, HP Please check.

Comments Local Guide
It is a single cherry tree with magnificent branches and flowers. It is so impressive that you will be overwhelmed if you see it up close!
Wanizuka Cherry Blossoms
  • URLhttps://www.yamanashi-kankou.jp/kankou/spot/p1_4881.html
  • 住所624 Kitamiyaji, Kamiyamacho, Nirasaki City, Yamanashi Prefecture MAP
  • アクセスApproximately 11 minutes by car from JR Nirasaki Station
  • バスアクセスFrom JR Nirasaki Station, take the Nirasaki City Bus Maruno Line bound for Kamimaru Inoue, get off at Takeda Hachiman Iriguchi and walk for about 4 minutes (5 buses per day)
  • TEL0551-22-1991(韮崎市観光協会(韮崎市産業観光課内))
  • 駐車場free

Stroll through a tunnel of cherry blossoms with a view of the Southern Alps in the distance

©2014 Hokuto city
©2014 Hokuto city

A Yoshino cherry tree-lined road runs through a serene pastureland. The road is about 750m long, and the approximately 200 cherry trees that line both sides of it are said to have been planted in the 1960s in hopes of bringing prosperity to the land. Today, the trees' branches grow so long they cover the sky, creating a magnificent tunnel of cherry blossoms in mid-April when they are in full bloom. If you're planning on visiting, we recommend visiting early in the morning. In the clear air, you can fully enjoy the fantastic scenery.
On the west side of the avenue is the "Weeping Cherry Village," which has more than 70 weeping cherry trees, and the nationally designated natural monument, "Yamataka Jindai Sakura," is less than 3 km away. As there are two impressive cherry blossom spots close by, we recommend visiting both.

[Blooming season] Usually early April
[Best time to see] Mid-April

Comments Local Guide
The view of the rows of cherry blossom trees with Mount Kaikoma in the background is a magnificent sight.
Mahara Cherry Blossom Tree Line
  • URLhttps://www.hokuto-kanko.jp/sp/sakura_sanehara
  • 住所Yamanashi Prefecture Hokuto City Takekawacho Shinhara 3567 MAP
  • アクセスApproximately 15 minutes by car from Hinoharu Station on the JR Chuo Line
  • TEL0551-42-1351(北杜市観光課)
  • 駐車場Free (some fees apply)

A cherry blossom viewing spot with a nostalgic atmosphere

Photo courtesy of Hokuto City
Photo courtesy of Hokuto City

This is an Experience and commercial Property that uses three school buildings built in the Meiji, Taisho, and Showa eras. There are about 30 Somei-Yoshino cherry trees planted in the schoolyard, and you can enjoy cherry blossoms with the retro school buildings in the background. If you want to take the best shot, we recommend combining it with the plaster-walled Meiji school building. The small room "Taikoro" on the third floor is also a viewpoint where you can enjoy the cherry blossoms along with a panoramic view of the Southern Alps.
After cherry blossom viewing, you can enjoy lunch or shopping at Property within the park.

[Blooming season] Early April to mid-April
[Best time to see] Mid-April to late April

Comments Local Guide
The park is lit up at night, so you can enjoy a meal at Restaurant on the premises while admiring the cherry blossoms at night.
Sandai School Building Fureai no Sato

A beautiful collaboration between art and cherry blossoms with Mt. Komagatake in the background

This art spot is home to 10 art Property, including art museums and studios. The 30 Somei-Yoshino cherry trees planted in the garden are designated as a prefectural natural monument. They were planted by students to commemorate the completion of the former Kiyoharu Elementary School, and are over 90 years old. They are extremely long-lived compared to Somei-Yoshino cherry trees, which generally have a lifespan of around 60 years, and among them is the "Garyu Sakura", which continues to bloom even after being knocked down by a major typhoon.
The best time to see the flowers is usually from mid to late April, and one of the highlights is the combination of the cherry blossoms and the buildings designed by famous architects scattered around the village.

[Blooming season] Early April to mid-April
[Best time to see] Mid-April to late April

Comments Local Guide
Many people visit the area to capture the harmony between the splendid cherry blossoms and Mt. Kaikoma on photographs or to paint them on canvas.
Kiyoharu Art Village
  • URLhttps://www.kiyoharu-art.com/
  • 住所2072 Nakamaru, Nagasaka-cho, Hokuto City, Yamanashi Prefecture MAP
  • アクセスApproximately 5 minutes by car from Nagasaka Station on the JR Chuo Line
  • 営業時間10:00-17:00 (Last admission 30 minutes before closing)
  • 定休日Mondays (open on public holidays, closed the following weekday), New Year's holidays
  • 入場料Adults: 1,500 yen, high school and university students: 1,000 yen, junior high school students and younger: free
  • TEL0551-32-4865(清春白樺美術館)
  • 駐車場free
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