What to know
Kakunodate is one of the most famous cherry blossom spots in the Tohoku region. Each year, around one million visitors come to its cherry blossom festival. The blossoms typically peak during Golden Week, from late April to early May.
During the Edo Period (1603–1868), local samurai families imported several weeping cherry trees from distant Kyoto. They competed to cultivate the most beautiful trees, and their efforts are still visible today in the samurai district, where dozens of weeping cherry trees line the streets.
In addition, hundreds of Somei Yoshino cherry trees were later planted along the Hinokinai River, which flows through Kakunodate. The riverbank is an excellent spot for hanami picnics under the blossoms.
Kakunodate's former samurai district and the cherry-tree-lined Hinokinai River are a 20-minute walk or a short taxi ride from JR Kakunodate Station.
How to get to and around Kakunodate
Visitor information
Practical details to check before planning this stop.
- Hours
- Closed
- Admission
- English name
- Original name
- Cherry Blossom Festival
Verify details before visiting. Currency conversion is indicative and may vary over time.