Fukushima: Full Bloom

With the Somei Yoshino cherry blossoms beyond peak in major cities west of Tokyo, we at the Japan Guide team are moving to higher elevations and northwards. So today I traveled to Fukushima to visit the beautiful Hanamiyama where the cherry blossoms were at full bloom.

Some rain is predicted for tomorrow, but I expect the cherry blossoms to still be at their best viewing until around this weekend. With sunshine in the forecast for Saturday and Sunday, Hanamiyama is likely to be a lively, busy spot if today's midweek crowds are anything to go by.

I started my trip from Fukushima Station where there are currently buses (15 minutes, 700 yen round trip) running to and from Hanamiyama multiple times an hour until April 14. As soon as I alighted at the park, it was clear that one of the main highlights is the sheer variety of flowering trees and bushes. The hills were awash with colour, with the Somei Yoshino and many other cherry tree varieties in full bloom.

From the bus stop, it takes around 10 minutes to walk to the park entrance. There are three different courses that loop around the mountain, taking 30, 40, and 60 minutes respectively. You gain elevation quite quickly, so even if you don't make it all the way to the top on the 60-minute course, you'll still get great views over the flowering hills. One of the other highlights for me was the cherry blossoms against the snowy background of the Azuma Mountains.

Back near the bus stop, there are a few different stores selling snacks, drinks and local produce with seating nearby so you can enjoy the colorful, rural views.