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Sunday, March 23, 2014

Best Cherry Blossom Spots in Gifu

We are lucky here in Gifu to have so many great spots for viewing the beautiful cherry blossoms. This year they are expected to start blooming close to their average schedule with the estimated start date of around March 25 in Gifu. The peak is estimated for around April 3-10.

A popular past-time during the sakura or cherry blossom season in Japan is “hanami”. Hanami (花見) literally means “flower viewing” and cherry blossom viewing is a traditional Japanese custom of enjoying the beautiful cherry blossoms.

Below are some of my favourite spots for cherry blossom viewing in Gifu.


Sunomata Castle 


Sunomata Castle (墨俣城) is located just outside of Ogaki City in Gifu Prefecture on the banks of the Sai and Nagara Rivers. The area features around 1000 cherry trees. The castle is a modern-day reconstruction based on that of nearby Ogaki Castle rather than the famous original, which according to legend is said to have been built in one night. The castle is sometimes also called Ichiya-jo (一夜城) or “one-night castle”. The area around the castle is illuminated at night and is very spectacular.

Best time to visit is from late March to early April.

Cherry Blossoms at Sunomata Castle

Food Vendors at Sunomata Castle

Shinsakai River


The Shinsakai River is located in Kagamigahara City near Shimin Koen Park. This is one of the best spots in Gifu Prefecture and features in Japan's top 100 Best Sakura locations. The banks of the river have around 1200 cherry trees and there are many food vendors making this a fantastic hanami location. I recommend a visit during the early evening to soak up the amazing atmosphere of this place.

Best time to visit is from late March to early April.

Cherry Blossoms along the Shinsakai River in Kagamigahara City

Cherry Blossoms in Kagamigahara City

Gifu Park 


Gifu Park (岐阜公園) is located in Gifu City at the foot of Mount Kinka and Gifu Castle. The park and surrounding area features around 480 cherry trees. The Japan-China Friendship Garden right next to Gifu Park is the best spot and is a popular hanami location during the sakura season. Gifu Park is regarded as one of the best spots for cherry blossom viewing in Gifu City. This spot can be enjoyed during both the daytime and the evening/night.

Best time to visit is from late March to early April.

Cherry Blossoms at the Japan-China Friendship Garden 

Cherry Blossoms at Gifu Park

Usuzumi Zakura 


Usuzumi Zakura is located in Neo Village in Motosu City, Gifu Prefecture. Usuzumi Zakura is one of the oldest cherry trees in Japan at over 1,500 years old, and is considered to be one of Japan's Three Great Cherry Blossom Trees. The tree has been officialy designated a National Nature Treasure of Japan. This unique cherry blossom tree initially sprouts pale pink flowers, which become white in full bloom. Usuzumi Park features around 50 cherry trees.

Best time to visit is from early April to late April.

Usuzumi Zakura is one of Japan's Three Great Cherry Blossom Trees

Take a look at the Cherry Blossom Forecast 2014 from Japan Travel Advice

Where are you planning to see the Cherry Blossoms this year?

This post is my contribution to the J-Bloggers' Carnival themed "New Beginnings", hosted at http://sopheliajapan.blogspot.jp by Sophelia
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12 comments:

  1. zoomingjapanMarch 23, 2014 at 5:30 PM

    Thanks so much. Apart from Gifu Part I haven't been to any of the places you introduced yet.
    Certainly going onto my bucket list! :D

    I have no plans yet, still working on it. Either some day trips within Kansai or I'll go down to Shizuoka, Yamanashi and Kanagawa again. :)

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    1. Japan-AustraliaMarch 23, 2014 at 6:39 PM

      Thanks Zooming Japan, I highly recommend all of these places and visit them regularly during the cherry blossom season. I'm also thinking about a visit to Hikone Castle in Shiga Prefecture or Gujo Hachiman.

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  2. Muza-chanMarch 24, 2014 at 6:34 PM

    Great photos :)

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  3. linaMarch 24, 2014 at 11:15 PM

    Thanks for the list JA!

    Lucky you to be able to see them all. :)

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    1. Japan-AustraliaMarch 25, 2014 at 5:38 PM

      Thanks Lina, I hope you can make it to Gifu some day to see these beautiful places :)

      Delete
  4. RuroushaMarch 25, 2014 at 2:13 PM

    And ... here we go! :)

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    1. Japan-AustraliaMarch 25, 2014 at 5:39 PM

      Thanks Ru, Yes, we are under way and there will be much more to come :)

      Delete
  5. SopheliaApril 21, 2014 at 11:50 AM

    Of COURSE there is an official list of the top Sakura trees! XD

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    1. Japan-AustraliaApril 21, 2014 at 5:24 PM

      Hi Sophella, Of course! This is Japan after all :) I've only been to one of the three, but look forward to seeing them all one day. There is also a list of the top 100 cherry blossom spots in Japan as well :)

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  6. AnonymousApril 22, 2014 at 10:03 PM

    Wow, great hanami spots. Living in Toyama I've been around Hida-Takayama a bunch in the north, but haven't been south much. In the heart of the mountains, it's no surprise there's some impressive sakura! Cool post.

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    1. Japan-AustraliaApril 23, 2014 at 6:08 PM

      Thank you Gaijin Explorer, Toyama is a great part of Japan as well and very close to us here in Gifu Prefecture. I hope you can check out the southern part of the prefecture as well and all that it has to offer.

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