Cherry Blossom Hikes

I don’t think we are alone when we say we felt like this winter would never end. We can’t wait to get off our sofas, head out, blow out the winter cobwebs and delight in the coming of Spring. Cherry blossom season is here, and it’s time to picnic in a flurry of pink blooms. For us hikers, that usually means avoiding city spots like Ueno park or Nakameguro and heading out to lesser-known areas in the mountains. Here are some of our favourite cherry blossom trails for you to explore and enjoy.

妙義山

Mount Miyogi | Gunma | Beginner to Intermediate

At the base of the mountain on the southern side of Miyogi is Sakura No Sato. This 47-hectare park boasts 5000 cherry blossom trees. 47 varieties bloom during different periods meaning that viewers can still see full blooms as late as May. Visitors can choose from several trails and picnicking areas.

Access

By Train and Taxi: Head to Matsuida Station or Shimonita Station and take a taxi (15 mins) or walk (1 hour) to Sakura-no-sato.

By Car (recommened): Take the Matsuida Myogi IC or Shimonita IC.

Helpful Websites
Tomioka City Tourist Information (English)
Shimonita Town Sakura-No-To Information (Japanese)

天城山

Mount Amagi | Shizouka | Intermediate

Top 100 mountain Mount Amagi is most famous for its abundant rhododendrons, but there are also cherry blossoms along its trails. The best blooms can be seen at the peaks of Banzaburo-dake and Banjiro-dake.

Access

By Train and Bus:
The nearest station is JR Ito Station. Amagi Tokyu Resort shuttle buses are available to Amagi Kogen Golf Course, where the trailhead is located.

By Car:
There is a free car park for hikers at the Amagi Kogen Golf Course.

Our Guide
Intermediate Hikes

光城山

Mount Hikarujo | Nagano | Beginner

Hikarujo has around 2,000 Someiyoshino cherry trees running up the ridge from the mountain's base to the summit. The strip of pink running up the side of the mountain is quite a sight. We recommend going on a weekday if you're adverse to crowds as it can get pretty busy in blossom season.

Access

By Train:
Trails start at Tazawa Station (田沢駅) on the JR Shinonoi Line (JR篠ノ井線). It is also possible to head up from Akashina Station (明科駅) on the same line.

By Car:
To Tazawa Station - 安曇野IC―県道57号―田沢駅
To Akashina Station - 安曇野IC―県道310号―県道495号―国道19号―明科駅

Helpful websites
Azumino City Hiking Page (Japanese Website)

塔ノ岳

Tonodake | Tanzawa | Intermediate

Tonodake’s "Baka ridge" is speckled with cherry blossoms. While it isn’t as full of blossoms as some of the western Tanzawa mountains, it is great for those who want a slightly more challenging hike with glorious views at the summit.

Access

By Train and Bus:
Take the Odakyu Line train to Shibusawa Station. From there take a Kanagawa Chuo Kotsu Bus to Okura (大倉) (around 15mins).

By Car:
Depending on which route you plan to hike, you can park near Okura or Yabitsutoge.

Our Guide
Intermediate Hikes
Hike To The Clouds Tonodake Blog

Honourable Mentions

If you don’t mind crowds, Mount Takao, Mount Tsukuba, and West Tanzawa mountains Gongen-Yama and Mount Kobo are famous beginner mountains with beautiful cherry blossoms. You can find more information on these mountains in our beginner guides.

Lana Stephenson

Founder of Hike To The Clouds. When she's not hiking, Lana loves coding, cooking and playing with her cats Benji and Leia.