10 Best Spots to View Cherry Blossoms in Saitama
Saitama Sakura Guide: Where to See Beautiful Cherry Blossoms in Saitama
Saitama Prefecture, just a stone’s throw from bustling Tokyo, is probably the smart choice for many Tokyo dwellers when it comes to feasting their eyes on the single most awaited season of all in Japan: Sakura season! Springtime comes warming up the temperatures and painting it all with soft shades of pink, filling all surroundings with the sweet scent of spring. Not as famous as its southern neighbor, Saitama still boasts some of the country’s most impressive cherry blossom spots, where we can stroll relaxedly in less crowded places, perfect for long-winded picnics with friends, romantic dates or just a quick getaway from the Metropolis’ hustle and bustle. We’re presenting you a selection from some of the most famous spots and also some lesser-known hidden treasures to make the most of sakura blossoms in Saitama!
1. Omiya Park
Omiya Park (大宮公園), one of the oldest and most popular cherry blossom viewing spots in Saitama Prefecture, boasts around 1,200 cherry trees, including a 120-year-old weeping shidarezakura transplanted from Yokohama. A hub of sakura preservation efforts, the park is lit up at night during the festival and is voted as one of the top 100 places to see cherry blossoms in Japan, as well as one of the best urban parks. The vast grounds create a picturesque pink-blue tunnel of blooms, and the park is conveniently located a 10-minute walk from the Tobu Urban Park Line Omiyakoen Station. A Japanese garden and the nearby Musashi Ichinomiya Hikawa Shrine make Ōmiya Park a must for anyone seeking a dreamy hanami experience.
2. Kumagaya Sakura Tsutsumi
Kumagaya Sakura Tsutsumi (熊谷桜堤) is also one of the greatest historical cherry blossom spots in Saitama, that’s made it to the list of the 100 best cherry blossom viewing spots in Japan. There’s an impressive festival, held from March 24 to April 6, where over 500 Yoshino cherry trees line a 2-km long walkway filled with bright yellow rapeseed flowers, creating a stunning sight. The festival includes a nighttime illumination from 18:00 to 22:00 that’s really worth visiting. Located near the Kumagaya Rugby Stadium, which hosted matches during the 2019 Rugby World Cup, and close to Omiya Park, Kumagaya Sakura Tsutsumi is the perfect place to spend a day filled with hanami (cherry blossom viewing) magic.
3. Nagatoro Town
Nagatoro (長瀞) is a national scenic beauty spot that is renowned for its impressive cherry blossom display during the spring, earning it another place for Saitama in the renowned list of 100 Best Cherry Blossom Spots in Japan. During this time, the town transforms into a sea of pink and white with over 3,000 cherry trees in full bloom. Visitors can enjoy cherry blossom tunnels along Kitazakura-dori, cherry blossoms along the street, and weeping cherry blossoms. The best time to visit is between early and mid-April when cherry blossoms appear all over town. The town also features a hundred-year-old shidarezakura on the grounds of Hozen-ji Temple and the boat ride down the rapids of the Arakawa River, which pass along the Iwadatami layered rock formations.
4. Gogendo Park
Satte Gongendo Sakura Tsutsumi (幸手権現堂桜堤), also known as the Prefectural Gongendo Park (県営権現堂公園), is a top recommended cherry blossom viewing spot in Kanto, known for its magnificent contrast between pink cherry blossoms and yellow rapeseed blossoms. With over 1,000 Yoshino cherry trees stretching for 1 kilometer, the park offers a beautiful flower tunnel that’s become quite a popular spot for photographers. During the cherry blossom festival, the park is illuminated at sunset and attracts visitors from all over for some nighttime enjoyment. During this season, it’s advisable to rely on public transportation rather than private transportation because of probable traffic congestion.
5. Hitsujiyama Park
Hitsujiyama Park (羊山公園), located in Chichibu, northern Saitama, is famous for its springtime cherry blossoms, including Someiyoshino, Koyadaru, and Yaezakura. With over 1,000 cherry trees, the park is a popular cherry blossom viewing spot with a hill and grassy lawn that attract visitors during peak season. Hitsujiyama is also renowned for its Shibazakura (moss phlox), a type of cherry blossom that grows on the ground, laying a gorgeously colorful carpet effect. The park offers more than just flowers, with a sheep farm, art museum, and other blooms like tulips. It’s a perfect day trip for families, solo travelers, or friends.