• Fukushima’s
    Spring Spectacular
    “Hanamiyama”

    Fukushima spring scene“Hanamiyama”

  • Fukushima’s
    Spring Spectacular
    “Hanamiyama”

    Fukushima spring scene“Hanamiyama”

  • Fukushima’s
    Spring Spectacular
    “Hanamiyama”

    Fukushima spring scene“Hanamiyama”

Breath the Spring Air
“Hanamiyama”

Taoyuan Township in Fukushima

“A Utopia in Fukushima”

Spring is the most vibrant season in Fukushima City.

Famed photographer Shotaro Akiyama (1920 ~ 2003) visited Hanamiyama every year and said, “There is a utopia in Fukushima.” It now attracts people from across to Japan and is the premier tourist destination in Fukushima City.

A Utopia in Fukushima
From among the blooming flowers The scenery of Fukushima city area spreads

From among the flowers in full bloom, the view of Fukushima City stretches out before you.

In Spring the forsythia, maples, quince, peaches, plum and cherry blossoms all flowering together. The local farming community tend the mountainsides and fields of flowering trees covering the area in light pink to produce this “utopia.”

When the weather is good you can see the Azuma and Adatara Mountains to the west of the city. In spring when the snow starts to melt on the side of Mt. Azuma-Kofuji, the remaining snow makes the shape of a rabbit. Local residents call it the “Azuma Snow Rabbit.” If you climb to the top of Hanamiyama you can see the view of Fukushima City stretching out before you.

From among the blooming flowers The scenery of Fukushima city area spreads
Loved flowers more than anyone Hanamiyama Park second generation owner, Ichiro Abe

A man who loved flowers more than anyone Ichiro Abe (Hanamiyama Park 2nd Generation Owner)

Not many people know that Hanamiyama Park is actually private property. The 2nd generation owner of Hanamiyama Park Ichiro Abe and his father Isejiro originally raised silkworms, but at the start of the Showa Period (1926 ~ 1989) they decided to start producing flowering trees. The devoted themselves to cultivating new land which was the creation and development of Hanamiyama Park.

Ichiro Abe produced flowering trees and loved flowers more than anyone, “Hanamiyama is my life. I want many visitors to come every year, and have the same feeling for flowers that I have. It makes me very happy to know that my idea was not wrong.” Flowers can raise the spirits of many people.

Loved flowers more than anyone Hanamiyama Park second generation owner, Ichiro Abe Loved flowers more than anyone Hanamiyama Park second generation owner, Ichiro Abe

Flower Varieties & Seasons

Autumnalis (Jugatsu-Zakura)

Autumnalis (Jugatsu-Zakura)Prunus Subhirtella

White to pale red flowers bloom from autumn to spring. A feature of this variety is the double-flowered blossoms, with larger flowers blooming in greater numbers in spring.
Early October ~ Mid-April
Japanese Allspice (Robai)

Japanese Allspice (Robai)Chimonanthus Praecox

Small yellow flowers bloom through the snow from December to February. The petals have a shiny luster and a strong aroma.
Late December ~ Mid-March
Plum (Ume)

Plum (Ume)Prunus Mume

Plum blossoms flower early and signal the coming spring. They have a sweet aroma.
Early March ~ Early April
Sanshuyu

Japanese Cornel (Sanshuyu)Cornus Officinalis

The shape of the flowers resemble fireworks which bloom with small yellow flowers.
Late March ~ Early March
Buttercup Winterhazel (Hyuga-Mizuki)

Buttercup Winterhazel (Hyuga-Mizuki)Corylopsis Pauciflora

1 to 3 light yellow flowers, like ears of grain, bloom from March to April. It is often called 'Hime-Mizuki' by florists.
Early March ~ Early April
Tokai Cherry

Tokai CherryPrunus Takenakae

This is cultivated cherry variety has five-petaled flowers with a dark base that fades to a pale red at the tips. Many flowers bloom along its small branches.
Early ~ Late April
Cluster amaryllis

Higan CherryPrunus Subhirtella

It's flowers bloom in loose groups of 2~3 small flowers. It is also known as a Kohigan Cherry. There are a lot of this variety planted around Hanamiyama.
Early ~ Late April
Forsythia (Rengyo)

Forsythia (Rengyo)Forsythia Suspensa

The branches stand up straight and are full of yellow flowers with 4 petals each.
Early ~ Late April
Japanese Quince (Boke)

Japanese Quince (Boke)Chaenomeles Speciosa

It has been grown in Japanese gardens tree for a long time. It blooms with red or white clumps of flowers.
Early ~ Late April
Yulan Magnolia (Haku-Mokuren)

Yulan Magnolia (Haku-Mokuren)Magnoliaceae Magnolia Denudata

This has large, white, refined flowers and blooms around the same time as the other varieties of magnolia.
Early ~ Late April
Okame Cherry

Okame CherryPrunus Incamp

This variety is hybrid of the Taiwan and Mame Cherries. It was bred in England and named ‘okame’ (representing a traditional beautiful woman) and introduced back to Japan.
Mid ~ Late April
Taiwan Cherry (Kanhi-Zakura)

Taiwan Cherry (Kanhi-Zakura)Prunus Campanulata

Usually found in temperate areas because they don't like the cold. It blooms late and the whole flower pod drops of at the end of spring.
Mid ~ Late April
Somei-Yoshino Cherry

Somei-Yoshino CherryPrunus Cerasus

The Somei-Yoshino Cherry is used to measure the progress of the cherry blossom season across Japan. The faint pink blossoms make this tree an icon of spring in Japan.
Mid ~ Late April
Amanogawa Cherry

Amanogawa CherrySerrulata Erecta

A broom shaped trunk, and large fragrant circular double-flowered blossoms that point towards the sky. The upward flow of the branches resemble the Milky Way (Amanogawa in Japanese).
Mid ~ Late April
Flowering Peach (Hanamomo)

Flowering Peach (Hanamomo)Prunus Persica

A garden variety of peach with beautiful blossoms known as hanamomo. A subvariety called yaguchi peach is especially renowned for its large round double-flowered scarlet blossoms.
Mid-April ~ Early May
Double-Flowered Cherry (Yae-Zakura)

Double-Flowered Cherry (Yae-Zakura)Prunus Lannesiana

Double-flowered cherries bloom soon after the other cherry blossoms have finished. Their flowers come in a variety of colors including pale red, red, and pale yellow.
Mid-April ~ Early May
Ukon Cherry

Ukon CherryPrunus Grandiflora

A rare cultivated variety of Oshima-Zakura that blooms from April to May with light yellow-green double-flowered blossoms.
Mid-April ~ Early May
Pearlbush (Rikyubai)

Pearlbush (Rikyubai)Exochorda Racemosa

This variety was imported from China around the end of the Meiji period. 6~10 4cm white flowers bloom on the end of each branch from April to May.
Mid-April ~ Early May
Deshojo Maple

Deshojo MapleAcer Palmatum

Also called the spring maple because of its bright red spring buds. It turns green in summer before turning red again in autumn.
Mid-April ~ Late May
Satsuki Azalea

Satsuki AzaleaRhododendron Indicium

Commonly found in gardens, this cultivated variety also has a wide range of colors. There are also double-flowered varieties.
Mid-April ~ Late May

Access
to
Hanamiyama

  • Car~ 30 mins from Fukushima-Nishi IC on the Tohoku Expressway via routes 115, 4 and 114.
    ~ 30 mins from Fukushima-Iizaka IC on the Tohoku Expressway via routes 13, 4 and 115.

    Bus~15 mins on Route 05-0 (Watari Minami-mawari) from Fukushima Station East Exit Bus Stop No.8 to Hanamiyama Iriguchi. Additional ~25 min walk.

    TaxiTaxis run from JR Fukushima Station East and West Exits. (Fixed-price 'teigaku' taxis are available during peak periods, and will drop you closer to the Hanamiyama Park entrance than bus services)

Start from Hanamiyama
"Fukushima Flower Gallery"

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Temporary
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Wheelchair Accessible Toilet

Wheelchair
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Baby Chair

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Baby Changing Table

Baby Changing
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Ostomate

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Night-Time Light-Up

Night-Time
Light-Up

Tatenoyama Park / Hanamomo no Sato
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Tatenoyama Park / Hanamomo no Sato

Fukushima-shi, Iizaka-machi, Tatenoyama

Tatenoyama is located west of central Iizaka Onsen, and is a popular spot for walking and cherry blossoms. Hanamomo no Sato is located on a 8,000 m² private property where you can see over 300 flowering peach trees of 40 different varieties that have been collected from around the world.

Train
15~30 mins walk from Iizaka Onsen Station on the Iizaka Line (Fukushima Kotsu)
Car
10 ~ 15 mins from the Fukushima-Iizaka IC.
※ Parking: Tatenoyama Park: 40 Spaces, Hanamomo no Sato: 45 Spaces
Early April ~ Early May
Otowa Park & Hanamomo Park
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Otowa Park & Hanamomo Park

Fukushima-shi, Iizaka-machi, Ginnan

This former test facility for the silk farming industry is close to the Fukushima City Hall Iizaka Office. The rows of cherry trees are all that remain of the former site. This is a popular spot for locals to hold hanami parties, and can be enjoyed by visitors to Iizaka Onsen.

Train
10 mins walk from Hanamizuzaka Station on the Iizaka Line (Fukushima Kotsu)
Car
10 mins from Fukushima-Iizaka IC
Mid-April ~
Mt. Shinobu
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Mt. Shinobu

Fukushima-shi, Taishido 1

The Japanese witch-hazel blooms to signal the coming of spring, and many people come to Mt. Shinobu to see the cherry blossoms in mid-April. The area in front of Fukushima Gokoku Shrine is also lit-up every night during spring. You can also see the row of cherry blossoms in from of the Fukushima Taxation Office and around Iwaya Kannon.

Bus
Take the Momorin City Loop Bus to Fukushima TV. Additional 10 mins walk.
Car
20 mins from Fukushima-Iizaka IC
※Parking: 30 Spaces
Mid-April ~
Arakawa Sakura-Zutsumi Park
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Arakawa Sakura-Zutsumi Park

Fukushima-shi,Yagita, Idogami 13-6

Around 220 cherry trees line the banks of the Arakawa River which flows into the Abukuma River. This popular hanami spot also offers a great view of the Snow Rabbit on Mt. Azuma-Kofuji which is a symbol of the city.

Bus
25 mins walk from Fukushima Station, or Take the bus for Tsuchifune and gett off at Nishi Koko Iriguchi. Additional 10 mins walk.
Car
15 mins from Fukushima-Nishi IC
※Parking: 20 Spaces
Early April ~ Early May
Daizoji Temple Weeping Cherries
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Daizoji Temple Weeping Cherries

Fukushima-shi, Oguraji, Jikkoku 7

Daizoji Temple is home to the 1,000-Armed Senju Kannon that is a national Important Cultural Property. There are 2 trees, a large 300 year old weeping cherry with a fascinating appearance, and a smaller offspring. It peaks in mid-April, and in early April you can see dogtooth violets along the path.

Bus
Take the JR Bus for Kawamata to Oguraji. Additional 20 mins walk.
Car
25 mins from Fukushima-Nishi IC
※ Parking: 25 Spaces
Mid-April~
The Hosui Cherry

The Hosui Cherry

Fukushima-shi, Matsukawa, Kanezawa,Kodeyamaura

The beautiful posture of this wheeping cherry makes it stand out. It peaks from mid to late April. It is located on private property but opened to the public during peak season. It casts a beautiful reflection in the neighboring pond.

Bus
Take the Fukushima Kotsu bus for Matsukawa via Fushiogami/Fukushima Medical University/Misato to Kamimyouchi Bus Stop. Additional 15 mins walk.
Car
30 mins from Fukushima-Nishi IC
Mid-April ~
Hanayashiki Park
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Hanayashiki Park

Fukushima-shi, Iino, Higashi Chinseki

This park features a lot of flowering peach trees, as well as forsythis and camellia, with a total of 7000 flowering trees. The handcrafted path leads up to a stunning view. Every year many photographers come to take photos of the magnificent scenery.

Bus
Take the Fukusima Kotsu bus for Iino. Get off at Iino Bus Stop. Additional 20 mins walk.
Car
30 mins from Fukusima-Nishi IC
※Parking: 30 Spaces
Mid ~ Late April
Omorijoyama Park
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Omorijoyama Park

Fukuhsima-shi, Omori, Hommaru 82

This park is related to the Date Clan. It is built on the former site of Omorijo Castle. Around 700 cherry blossoms bloom here in spring, and it is a popular hanami spot. It has amazing views, and there is a tea stand during peak season.

Bus
Take the Fukushima Kotsu bus for to Hirata. Get off at Shinobu Shicho Iriguchi. Additional 15 mins walk.
Car
15 mins from Fukushima-Nishi IC
※ Parking: 69 Spaces
Mid-April ~
Jorakuen
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Jorakuen

Fukushima-shi, Sakuramoto, Uruihara 30

This traditional Japanese garden is modeled after the style of the Muromachi Period (1336 ~ 1573). It has cherry blossoms in mid-April, and rododendrons and irises in May. It is also known for the flowering Japanese clover in early autumn. Admission is 500 yen for adults, 250 yen for children.

Bus
Take the Fukushima Kotsu Bus for Tsuchifune. Get off at Haranomachi. Additional 10 mins walk.
Car
15 mins from Fukuhsima-Nishi IC or Fukushima-Ozaso IC
※ Parking: 50 Spaces
Mid-April ~ Early September
Jitokuji Temple
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Jitokuji Temple

Fukushima-shi, Sabara, Teramae 9

This weeping cherry is about 450 years old and blooms in mid-April. For many generations this cherry blossom has bloom when local farmers plant their seeds which is why it is also called the 'seed-planting sakura.' It is a registered natural monument of Fukushima City. The area has a good view of the city.

Bus
Take the Fukuhsima Kotsu Bus for Sabara. Get off at Azuma Rikujo Keigijo. Additional 20 mins walk.
Car
20 mins from Fukushima-Nishi IC
※ Parking: 100 Spaces
Mid-April ~
Kumagaiso no Sato (Orchard Village)
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Kumagaiso no Sato (Orchard Village)

Fukushima-shi, Matsukawa, Mizuhara, Kamakurayama

Around 5000 flowers bloom from mid to late May. Such a large scale wild collection of orchards is quite rare in Japan, and there are is protected by local community groups. There is an entrance to fee to help pay for preservation of the area.

Bus
Take the Fukuhsima Kotsu Bus for Mizuhara. Get off at Oigamori Bus Stop. Additional 45 mins walk.
Car
15 mins by taxi from JR Matsukawa Station. 45 mins from Fukushima-Nishi IC.
※ Parking: 30 Spaces (No Large Buses)
Mid ~ Late May
Tsutsujiyama Park
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Tsutsujiyama Park

Fukushima-shi, Tsuchiyu Onsen-machi, Hyuga

This park at the entrance to Menuma Pond was designed to showcase the native azaleas. It usually peaks in late May. The view from Menuma Pond is very beautiful.

Car
50 mins by taxi from JR Fukushima Station, 60 mins walk from Tsuchiyu Onsen, or 25 mins drive from Fukuhsima-Nishi IC
※ Parking: 15 Spaces
Mid-May ~
Tsutsumigataira Lillies
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Tsutsumigataira Lillies

Fukushima-shi, Tsuchiyu Onsen, Tstsumigataira

These Lillies bloom from late May to early June, and create a carpet of light pink flowers. They are beautiful in the sun and rain. There is an entrance fee to pay for preservation of the local environment.

Car
50 mins by taxi from JR Fukushima Station, 40 mins walk from Tsuchiyu Onsen, or 25 mins drive from Fukushima-Nishi IC
※ Parking: 30 Spaces
Late May ~ Early June
Doaidate Park Hydrangeas
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Doaidate Park Hydrangeas

Fukushima-shi, Matsukawa, Doaidate 7

From early to mid-July around 4500 hydrangeas bloom across this 5 hectare park. You can enjoy walking through the park on sunny days, or strolling with an umbrella in the rainy season.

Bus
5 mins by taxi or 30 mins walk from JR Matsukawa Station
Car
40 mins from Fukushima-Nishi IC
※ Parking: 30 Spaces
Early ~ Mid-July
Jododaira
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Jododaira

Fukushima-shi, Tsuchiyu Onsen-machi, Washikurayama

A treasure trove of alpine flora representing Fukushima, including the prefectural flower rhoddendron (brachycarpum f. nemotoanum), iwakagami, aleutian avens, hare's-tail cottongrass and various flora along the hiking trails. ※ Closed during winter (Mid-November ~ Early April)

Bus
90 mins from Fukushima Station West Exit on the Azuma Skyline Tour Bus (Seasonal)
Car
45 mins from Fukushima-Nishi IC via Tsuchiyu Onsen
※ Parking: 300 spaces (Paid Parking)
Late May ~ Mid-September