Cherry Blossoms at the Japan and China Friendship Garden

Next spot on my sakura hunting mission was the Japan and China Friendship Garden which is located between Gifu Gokoku Shrine and Gifu Park. This is definitely one of my favourite sakura spots in Gifu City day or night with a mixture of different cherry blossom trees.

 

It is a popular spot for hanami (cherry blossom viewing parties) and is especially picturesque in the evening when the sun starts to go down.

The garden was created in 1999 to commemorate the 10^th anniversary of the friendship and affiliation between Gifu City in Japan and Hangzhou in China. It was also created to further improve the often fragile relationship between these two nations. 

Pavilion and Ornamental Pond

 

The Entrance to the Garden

The garden is laid out in classic Chinese style with a keyhole gate, ornamental pond, bridge and pavilion. Inside the garden is a pond modeled after West Lake, a famous spot in Hangzhou, and some interesting looking Chinese architecture including a Hangzhou gate and a pair of guardian lions. The beautiful pond and garden have been created to reflect the stunning scenery of the four seasons in Gifu. 

Keyhole Gate to the Garden

 

Guardian Lion

When I visited on March 26. 2021, the somei yoshino cherry blossom trees were at peak bloom, but the shidarezakura (weeping cherry blossoms) were about a week from their peak. 

The Japan and China Friendship Garden at Gifu Park