Latest: 8 cherry blossom viewing spots in the Karuizawa area
Cherry blossoms are in full bloom all over Japan. While the cherry blossom season is passing in many parts of Japan, we have good news for those who think they may have missed it. In the Karuizawa and Kusatsu areas, which are located at higher elevations, the cherry blossom viewing season will be in full swing from now on. In this area, cherry blossoms are usually at their best from late April to early May, making it the perfect time to plan your Golden Week trip. Why not enjoy cherry blossom viewing in the fresh spring air while admiring the beautiful cherry blossoms?
For the latest information on hours of operation, fees, and temporary closures, please contact each spot directly.
Table of Contents
- 1 The best time to see cherry blossoms in the Karuizawa area is
- 2 4 popular hanami spots in the Karuizawa area
- 3 4 cherry blossom and hanami spots in the Karuizawa neighborhood area
- 4 Recommended Spring Cherry Blossom Viewing Course in Karuizawa
- 5 It's not too late! Feel the spring in the highlands, go on a Hanami trip to Karuizawa and Kusatsu
The best time to see cherry blossoms in the Karuizawa area is
Cherry blossoms in Nagano and Gunma can be viewed at different times depending on the area and altitude, and can be enjoyed for a long time from March to May. In Karuizawa, the best time to view the cherry blossoms is usually from late April to early May, making it a rare area where visitors can enjoy cherry blossom viewing during the Golden Week holidays. The spring scenery of deep pink yamazakura cherry blossoms in the highland climate is exceptional.
However, since the blooming time varies depending on the temperature of the year, it is recommended to check blooming information in advance. In addition, since crowds are expected during Golden Week, early preparation for lodging and sightseeing plans is recommended.
4 popular hanami spots in the Karuizawa area
This article introduces eight carefully selected cherry blossom viewing spots in the Karuizawa area where you can fully enjoy such “highland spring. In addition to the highlights of each spot, access and blooming time are also listed.
- Cherry blossoms at Karuizawa Tagliassen
- Cherry blossoms at Jinguji Temple on Kyu-Karuizawa Ginza Street
- Cherry blossoms in Yagasaki Park
- Yukawa Furusato Parkwild cherry tree
Cherry blossoms at Karuizawa Tagliassen
This leisure facility surrounding Lake Shiozawa is a popular spot where visitors can enjoy nature in all four seasons. The vast grounds are dotted with rose gardens, historical buildings, stores, restaurants, etc. In spring, the mountain cherry blossoms that adorn the lakeside are at their best. The deep pink blossoms of the cherry trees against the backdrop of snow-covered Mount Asama are a magnificent spring scene unique to Karuizawa. In addition to cherry blossoms, the park is softly decorated with spring flowers such as lentillos and kobushi (Japanese ginger). This is a place where visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll while viewing the cherry blossoms and having a relaxing and healing moment.
Karuizawa Taliesin
Cherry blossom viewing season Late April - early May
Address Karuizawa, Karuizawa-cho, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano
Access 9 min. drive from Karuizawa StationASAMA KUZANBO37 minutes by car from
Google Maps Home Page
Cherry blossoms at Jinguji Temple on Kyu-Karuizawa Ginza Street
Jinguji Temple, located along the Old Karuizawa Ginza Street, is a popular spot for cherry blossom viewing in spring, when the weeping cherry trees, estimated to be 400 years old, are in full bloom. The cherry trees, loved by literary giants, together with the historic stone-paved approach to the temple, create a serene scene. The 15-meter-high weeping cherry tree with its supple branches spreading out and swaying in the spring breeze is a somewhat mysterious sight. This is a recommended spot for those who want to get away from the bustle of the tourist area and enjoy the cherry blossoms in peace and quiet.
Jinguji" on Kyu-Karuizawa Ginza Street
Cherry blossom viewing season Late April - early May
Address 646, Karuizawa, Karuizawa-cho, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano, Japan
Access 4 minutes from Karuizawa Station by car,ASAMA KUZANBO40 minutes by car from
Google Maps Home Page
Cherry blossoms in Yagasaki Park
Yagasaki Park, which is only a 5-minute walk from Karuizawa Station, is a lush green park with an open location overlooking Mount Asama and Mt. In spring, cherry blossoms bloom beautifully, and visitors can relax and enjoy cherry blossom viewing on the lawn and benches. The park is also equipped with playground equipment such as swings and slides, making it safe for children. This is a great spot for those who want to spend time in peace and quiet, as well as for families who want to enjoy themselves in an active manner. It is a popular place to take a break from sightseeing and relax in nature.
Yagasaki Park
Cherry blossom viewing season Late April - early May
Address 646, Old Karuizawa, Karuizawa-cho, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano, Japan
Access 5 minute walk from Karuizawa Station,ASAMA KUZANBO40 minutes by car from
Google Maps Home Page
Cherry blossoms in Yukawa Furusato Park
This nature-rich park, approximately 2 km long, is maintained along the Yugawa River that flows through Karuizawa Town. Dotted with lawn areas, walking paths, and benches, visitors can spend a quiet time while enjoying the scenery that changes with the seasons. In spring, cherry blossoms bloom throughout the park, creating a gentle scene along with the clear waters of the Yugawa River. This spot is loved not only by tourists but also by locals as a place for daily relaxation, where you can spend a relaxing time facing the nature of Karuizawa.
Yukawa Furusato Park
Cherry blossom viewing season Late April - early May
Address: 2658-10 Nagakura, Karuizawa-cho, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano, Japan
Access 10 minutes from Karuizawa Station by car,ASAMA KUZANBO30 minutes by car from
Google Maps Home Page
4 cherry blossom and hanami spots in the Karuizawa neighborhood area
Even when the cherry blossoms in Karuizawa are just beginning to bloom, there are spots scattered throughout the city that are at their best if you go a little further.
For example, you may be able to enjoy an early spring in Komoro Castle Site Kaiko-en and Yukimado Park in Miyota-machi, which are at a slightly lower elevation, and even later blooming cherry blossoms in the higher elevation areas of Kita-Karuizawa and Kusatsu.
- Cherry blossoms in Kaiko-en, ruins of Komoro Castle
- Cherry blossoms at the Snow Window Performance
- Kusatsu Onsen Cherry blossoms at Shirane Shrine
- Tsumakoi Village, Tsumakoi Village, Tsumakoi Village, Tsumakoi Village, Tsumakoi Village, Tsumakoi Village, Tsumakoi Village, Tsumakoi Village
Cherry blossoms in Kaiko-en, ruins of Komoro Castle
Kaikoen, located in Komoro City, is a historic landmark with the ruins of a castle, Kaikoen Shrine, and the Komoro Zoo and Amusement Park. In spring, approximately 500 Someiyoshino cherry trees, weeping cherry trees, and double-flowered cherry trees bloom beautifully. Each type of cherry tree has a different blooming time, so visitors can enjoy viewing cherry blossoms for a long period of time. Even when the cherry blossoms in Karuizawa are still in the early stages of blooming, this is a popular spot to see cherry blossoms in full bloom ahead of others. The "Komoro Yaebina Edatare," a variety unique to Komoro, is also a highlight of this elegant cherry blossom viewing spot, which has been selected as one of the 100 best cherry blossom viewing spots in Japan.
Komoro Castle Ruins Kaikoen
Cherry blossom viewing season Mid-April to late April
Address: 311 Chou, Komoro City, Nagano Prefecture
Access 35 minutes from Karuizawa Station by car,ASAMA KUZANBO60 minutes by car from
Google Maps Home Page Best time to visit
Cherry blossoms in Xuesheng Window Park
Located in Miyota-machi, Karuizawa's neighbor, Sessou Park is one of the largest parks in the region with a large lawn, baseball field, and large playground equipment. In spring, the park is decorated with cherry blossoms and kobushi flowers, providing visitors with a gentle spring scene. From the rows of cherry trees by the ground, visitors can enjoy the beautiful cherry blossoms blooming against the backdrop of Mt. Asama, a spectacular view especially available only during this season. Perfect for picnics, strolls, and light exercise, this is a great place to stop by between sightseeing excursions and enjoy viewing cherry blossoms surrounded by nature.
Xuejian Park
Cherry blossom viewing season Mid-April to late April
Address: 4107-42 Miyota, Miyota-machi, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano, Japan
Access 20 minutes from Karuizawa Station by car,ASAMA KUZANBO40 minutes by car from
Google Maps Home Page
Kusatsu Onsen Cherry blossoms at Shirane Shrine
Shirane Shrine in Kusatsu Onsen is a famous spot known for a single weeping cherry tree that stands in the quiet precincts of the shrine. The cherry tree, which is estimated to be 1,000 years old, is an ancient species called "Edohigan" and spreads its branches so wide they reach the ground, producing magnificent blossoms from late April to early May. Their majestic appearance is so beautiful that you may feel as if you have wandered into another world. When the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, the local people are released from the long and harsh winter and feel the arrival of spring. This is a memorable hanami spot where nature and faith come alive.
Kusatsu Onsen Shirane Shrine
Cherry blossom viewing season Late April - early May
Address: 538, Kusatsu-cho, Agatsuma-gun, Gunma
Access 65 minutes from Karuizawa Station by car.ASAMA KUZANBO45 minutes by car from
Google Maps Home Page
Tsumakoi Village, Mihara's rows of cherry trees along the Azuma Riverbed
This is a row of cherry trees along the Azuma River running through Tsumagoi Village, Gunma Prefecture. Because of the cool climate, the best time to view the cherry blossoms is usually late April. It is known as a spot where visitors can slowly feel the arrival of spring. The contrast between the light green of the banks and the pale pink of the cherry blossoms is beautiful, making it a perfect place for a stroll. At night, the cherry blossoms are lit up, creating a fantastic night scene along the river. This is a great spot for cherry blossom viewing both day and night, offering a different atmosphere than during the day.
Tsumakoi Village, Mihara's rows of cherry trees along the Azuma Riverbed
Cherry blossom viewing season Late April - early May
Address: Mihara, Tsumakoi-mura, Agatsuma-gun, Gunma
Access 45 min drive from Karuizawa Station, 25 min drive from あさま空山望
Google Maps Home Page
Recommended Spring Cherry Blossom Viewing Course in Karuizawa
Condensed popular spots! One-day cherry blossom viewing course
day trip Karuizawa Station→Yagasaki Park→Jinguji Temple in the Old Karu Ginza area→Kaekoen, ruins of Komoro Castle→Komoro Whiskey Distillery→Komoro IC
Starting from Karuizawa Station, enjoy the cherry blossoms at Yagasaki Park and Jinguji Temple in Old Karuizawa, and then visit Kaiko-en, the ruins of Komoro Castle, to soak up the history and the atmosphere of cherry blossoms. On the way back, stop by the Komoro Whiskey Distillery for a rest. This is a model day trip course that allows you to fully enjoy sightseeing and cherry blossom viewing in one day.
Enjoy a spring trip to Karuizawa with your date or family! 2-day/1-night driving course
Day 1 Karuizawa Tagliassen → Old Karuizawa Street "Jinguji" → Lunch at 天空柁イニング → Check-in → Tenku Spa → Stay at あさま空山望
2nd day あさま空山望→Kusatsu Onsen Shirane Shrine→Usui Karuizawa IC
A 2-day/1-night road trip to enjoy Karuizawa in spring. On the first day, we will visit the cherry-blossomed Tagliassen and Jinguji Temple, have lunch at 天空柁イニング, and check in at あさま空山望. On the second day, you will visit cherry blossom trees and Shirane Shrine, and enjoy the nature and history of the Kusatsu area.
It's not too late! Feel the spring in the highlands, go on a Hanami trip to Karuizawa and Kusatsu
Because of the highland climate, cherry blossoms in the Karuizawa/Kusatsu area bloom late in spring, from late April to early May. There are many cherry blossom viewing spots where you can enjoy beautiful scenery and relaxing time while avoiding the crowds.
For a deeper experience of the afterglow of spring, we recommend a stay at あさま空山望, an inn surrounded by nature. Why not go on a special trip surrounded by cherry blossoms and warmth in the pleasant spring breeze?
For the latest information on hours of operation, fees, and temporary closures, please contact the respective spots directly.
