The cherry trees in Gunma Prefecture typically flower a few days after those in Tokyo. Thus, the prefecture makes a good destination for those missing the season at the capital by a few days. Below is a list of some of Gunma's most popular spots for cherry blossom viewing (hanami), including the typical timing for best viewing in the average year and japan-guide.com ratings. See also our nationwide list of famous cherry blossom spots.
Takasaki
Takasaki Castle Ruins and Takasaki Park•
Early to mid April
A 10 minute walk west of Takasaki Station.
The Takasaki Castle Ruins and the neighboring Takasaki Park have collectively about 400 cherry trees and ample open spaces for picnics and cherry blossom watching parties to be held. Around early to mid April every year, festival food stalls are set up at the park and illuminations are held in the evenings.
Takasaki Kannonyama Park
Early to mid April
Take the Gururin Bus #14 from the west exit of Takasaki Station to the Byakue Kannon-mae bus stop (25 minutes, 200 yen, departures every 80 minutes).
Takasaki Kannonyama Park is a large, forested park in the mountains to the west of Takasaki's city center. The park is home to a 42 meter high statue of Kannon, the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy, as well as a few hundred cherry trees. During the cherry blossom season every year, the park holds illuminations in the evenings.
Maebashi
Akagi Senbonzakura•
Mid April
On weekends during the cherry blossom festival (March 30 to April 14, 2024), there are shuttle buses from JR Maebashi Station (45 minutes, 1500 yen).
Akagi Senbonzakura is located about halfway up Mount Akagi to the north of central Maebashi. It features a two kilometer long road lined with over 1000 cherry trees that form a beautiful cherry blossom tunnel when in bloom. Pink moss in the open fields beside the cherry trees also bloom at around the same time, combining with the cherry blossoms to provide breathtaking views of various hues of pink.
Maebashi Park•
Early to mid April
A 30 minute walk from Maebashi Station. The park is also served by several bus lines that depart from the station (10 minutes, 200 yen, about 1-2 buses/hour).
Maebashi Park has a few hundreds of cherry trees planted across a wide area with a big pond and lots of space for hanami parties. The park is located just beside the Gunma Prefectural Office Building which has a publicly accessible observation deck on the 32nd floor with nice views over the park and city (admission free).
Shikishima Park
Early to mid April
20 minutes by bus from Maebashi Station (around 300 yen one way). Alternatively, the park is about a 15 minute, 2000-2500 yen taxi ride from the station. It can also be reached from Maebashi Park in a 30 minute walk.
Shikishima Park is a large public park about two kilometers north of Maebashi Park. It is home to many of the prefecture's top sports facilities and offers opportunities for recreational activities such as having barbecues and riding leisure boats at the park's big pond. Each spring, many visitors come to enjoy the park's hundred or so cherry trees in bloom.
Myogi Sakura no Sato•
Mid to late April
From Takasaki Station, take the JR Shinetsu Line to Matsuida Station or the Joshin Railway to Shimonita Stations. From both stations, the park can be reached by taxi in about 30 minutes and for around 5000-6000 yen one way.
This large hillside park lies at the foot of majestic Mount Myogi, and boasts some 5000 cherry trees of many different varieties around its hills. The spacious area makes for a pleasant and hilly place to walk around, and visitors can enjoy the blossoms with the famous craggy mountain featuring as a picturesque backdrop.
Ratings: best of the best
best of Japan
outstanding
best of the best
best of Japan
outstanding
