Local Guide
[2025 Edition] 6 Best Cherry Blossom and Azalea Viewing Spots in Nagato City, Yamaguchi Prefecture

Yamaguchi Prefecture is located at the westernmost tip of Honshu. Nagato City, located in the northwest of the prefecture and facing the Sea of Japan, has been gaining attention in recent years as a treasure trove of photogenic tourist spots. There are many famous flower spots, such as Motonosumi Shrine, with its beautiful rows of torii gates standing on cliffs, Omijima Island, with its many towering, oddly shaped rocks, and Senjojiki, where you can see the Sea of Japan from its grassy plains. We will introduce some recommended cherry blossom viewing spots that you should stop by in conjunction with your spring sightseeing.

One of the most famous cherry blossom viewing spots in Nagato City. Enjoy the combination of famous temples and cherry blossoms.

"Nagato Toyokawa Inari" in the precincts, decorated with cherry blossoms in full bloom
"Nagato Toyokawa Inari" in the precincts, decorated with cherry blossoms in full bloom

Once known as "Koyasan of the West," this is one of the oldest temples of the Soto sect. It is also known as one of the best cherry blossom viewing spots in Nagato City. Approximately 120 cherry trees are in full bloom within the vast grounds, including around the remains of the mountain gate immediately upon entering and around the white lotus pond that spreads out in front of it. In particular, the area around Nagato Toyokawa Inari, which can be found straight ahead from the entrance past the remains of the mountain gate, is full of atmosphere, with the pale pink blossoms of Somei Yoshino cherry trees covering the vermilion torii gate. During the cherry blossom season, lanterns are lit in various places within the grounds at night, creating an even more tasteful atmosphere.
In addition, the entire shrine grounds are also famous as a famous spot for viewing autumn leaves in autumn. This ancient temple is surrounded by nature, and wild deer come to play here, so it is also recommended to come here to enjoy the autumn leaves.

[Blooming season] Late March to early April
[Best time to see] Early April
[Types of cherry blossoms] Somei-yoshino, Yaezakura, Weeping cherry, etc.

▼Light up
Date and time: Late March to early April, 18:00-23:30
Location: Various locations within the precincts of Daineiji Temple

Taineiji Temple
  • 住所1074-1 Fukagawa Yumotomonzen, Nagato City, Yamaguchi Prefecture MAP
  • アクセスApproximately 15 minutes walk from JR Nagato Yumoto Station
  • TEL0837-25-3469
  • 駐車場free

A row of cherry trees blooming along the river stretching for about 1km

Enjoy a stroll that can only be enjoyed at this time of year while looking up at the cherry blossoms in full bloom.
Enjoy a stroll that can only be enjoyed at this time of year while looking up at the cherry blossoms in full bloom.

The Fukagawa River flows north and south through the center of Nagato City. The approximately 1km stretch from Kangetsu Bridge at the river's mouth to Midori Bridge has been developed as Kangetsu River Park, a place of relaxation for local residents. Approximately 100 cherry trees are planted on both sides of the river, and it is a popular cherry blossom viewing spot that draws many people when the trees are in full bloom. In addition to popular Property for children such as a roller skating rink and three-on-three court, there are also walking paths and a waterside playground for the whole family to enjoy.
The best time to visit is late March, when you can see the rape blossoms and cherry blossoms blooming together. The sight of the lustrous pink flowers covering the yellow carpet of rape blossoms is a must-see.

[Blooming season] Late March to early April
[Best time to see] Early April
[Type of cherry blossom] Somei Yoshino

Tsukimi River Park
  • 住所Yamaguchi Prefecture Nagato City Higashifukagawa Shimogo MAP
  • アクセスApproximately 8 minutes by car from JR Nagatoshi Station
  • バスアクセスTake the bus from JR Nagato Yumoto Station, get off at "Shimogo" and walk for about 5 minutes
  • TEL0837-23-1137(長門市 経済観光部 観光政策課)
  • 駐車場free

Be amazed by the sight of the wide slopes dyed pink

The pink of Somei-Yoshino cherry blossoms stands out against the green of the hills
The pink of Somei-Yoshino cherry blossoms stands out against the green of the hills

Located in the center of Kita-Nagato Coast National Park, Omijima is also known as the Sea Alps due to the stone pillars, oddly shaped rocks, and bizarre stones that can be seen. Omijima Sakuranosato, located in the center of the island, is one of the prefecture's most famous cherry blossom spots, where approximately 1,000 Somei-Yoshino cherry trees were planted in 1989 after cherry tree owners were recruited from within and outside Nagato City. When the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, the slopes of the hills facing Shizuura are dyed pink all over, creating a spectacular sight.

[Blooming season] Late March to early April
[Best time to see] Early April
[Types of cherry blossoms] Somei-yoshino, Yaezakura, etc.

Omijima Sakura Village
  • 住所Yamaguchi Prefecture Nagato City Senzaki Shizuura MAP
  • アクセスApproximately 12 minutes by car from JR Senzaki Station
  • バスアクセスTake the bus from JR Senzaki Station, get off at "Shizugaura" and walk for about 5 minutes
  • TEL0837-23-1137(長門市 経済観光部 観光政策課)
  • 駐車場Only open during the cherry blossom viewing period

A collaboration between the scenery of the hometown beloved by children's song poet Misuzu Kaneko and cherry blossoms

The townscape of Senzaki can be seen through the cherry blossoms
The townscape of Senzaki can be seen through the cherry blossoms

The southern tip of Omijima is connected to the mainland by the Aomi Ohashi Bridge. From Ojiyama Park, located on a hilltop that continues from the foot of the bridge, you can get a panoramic view of the townscape of Senzaki, Nagato City, the birthplace of poet Kaneko Misuzu. It is a tourist spot visited by Misuzu fans throughout the year, but in spring it becomes a famous cherry blossom viewing spot with about 100 cherry trees, including Somei Yoshino and Yaezakura, in bloom. The modest cherry blossoms with the port town in the background are a sight you'll want to burn into your memory at least once. During cherry blossom viewing season, the lanterns in the park are lit up, so you can enjoy the cherry blossoms at night.

[Blooming season] Late March to early April
[Best time to see] Early April
[Types of cherry blossoms] Somei-Yoshino, Yaezakura

▼Light up
Date and time: Late March to early April, 17:00-22:00
Location: Ojiyama Park

Ojiyama Park
  • 住所Yamaguchi Prefecture Nagato City Senzaki Otomari MAP
  • アクセスApproximately 11 minutes by car from JR Senzaki Station
  • バスアクセスTake the bus from JR Senzaki Station, get off at "Ojiyama Park" and walk for about 1 minute
  • TEL0837-23-1137(長門市 経済観光部 観光政策課)
  • 駐車場free

Japan's largest rhododendron garden, boasting approximately 170 species and 30,000 plants

The rhododendron garden was created through continuous planting since 1970 (Showa 45).
The rhododendron garden was created through continuous planting since 1970 (Showa 45).

This famous flower spot won the grand prize in 2009 at the Flower Tourism Destination Creation Awards, sponsored by the Japan Tourism Association (now the Japan Tourism Association), which recognizes regions that have developed famous flower spots and landscapes. Approximately 30,000 rhododendrons of 170 varieties grow in clusters on a site of about 5 hectares, and you can enjoy red, white, yellow, and pink rhododendrons in mid-April, the best time to see them. Another attraction is that there are many varieties, from early to late blooming, so the best viewing period is long.
If you want to capture the colorful contest on camera, we recommend looking up at the hills from halfway along the promenade. Locally grown vegetables and processed foods are also sold on the premises, so you can purchase souvenirs.

[Blooming season] Mid-April to mid-May
[Best time to see] Mid-April to late April
[Type of flower] Japanese rhododendron, European rhododendron

Tawarayama Rhododendron Garden
  • 住所4330 Tawarayama, Nagato City, Yamaguchi Prefecture MAP
  • アクセスApproximately 20 minutes by car from JR Nagato Yumoto Station
  • バスアクセスTake the bus from JR Nagato City Station, get off at "Oishi" and walk for about 3 minutes
  • 営業時間Night viewing not available
  • 入場料free
  • TEL0837-23-1137(長門市 経済観光部 観光政策課)
  • 駐車場free

The red azaleas, blue sky, and white propellers create a beautiful landscape.

The contrast between the flowers and the blue sky is beautiful.
The contrast between the flowers and the blue sky is beautiful.

This waterside park, which was built on an agricultural reservoir, has been gaining attention in recent years for its spectacular azalea scenery. Approximately 18,000 Kirishima azaleas are planted on the hill, which can be reached by climbing stairs to the top, where you can look down on the dense clusters of red, white, and pink flowers. Each row of azaleas is trimmed to be the same color, creating a beautiful carpet-like effect. Nearby is the Heki Wind Farm, one of the largest in western Japan, and you can take refreshing photos with the power-generating propellers in the background.
Another appealing point is that it is located right next to the tourist spot "Senjojiki," making it an ideal place to stop by while sightseeing. Every year in late April, the "Hiki Azalea Festival in Senjojiki" is held at Senjojiki, where a flea market and bazaar are held.

[Blooming season] Late April to early May
[Best time to see] Early May
[Type of flowers] Kirishima azalea (red, white, pink), etc.

Sugemuta Park
  • 住所2878-144 Hioki-naka, Nagato City, Yamaguchi Prefecture MAP
  • アクセスApproximately 7 minutes by car from Nagato-Furuichi Station on the JR Sanin Main Line
  • 営業時間free
  • TEL0837-23-1137(長門市 経済観光部 観光政策課)
  • 駐車場free
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