When it comes to cherry blossoms, tourists often flock to popular destinations like Tokyo and Kyoto. Meanwhile, Okayama prefecture offers a calmer alternative, particularly if you're looking to combine cherry blossom viewing with art at nearby Naoshima island. With the city of Okayama serving as a major gateway to Naoshima, the prefecture is an ideal base for both nature and art.
According to the latest cherry blossom forecast (as of March 21), Okayama's cherry blossoms are expected to flower on March 31 and reach full bloom on April 7. To help plan your itinerary, here are five of the prefecture's most popular cherry blossom spots.
Okayama Korakuen
Renowned as one of the country’s three most beautiful Japanese gardens, Okayama Korakuen is a must-see spot for cherry blossoms in Okayama city. The garden features around 280 sakura trees, and among them, one tree stands out. Set by a tranquil pond, the yaebeni-shidare has delicate double-layered petals blooming on graceful, weeping branches.
Asahikawa Sakuramichi
Nearby Korakuen is Asahikawa Sakuramichi, where you'll find around 250 somei-yoshino cherry trees lining a 1km stretch on the east bank of Asahikawa River. The Okayama Sakura Carnival (March 28-April 6, 10am-9pm) held here is the liveliest cherry blossom festival in Okayama city, as it features a variety of food and drink stalls. Be sure to stay until nightfall, when the cherry blossoms are illuminated with lanterns and floodlights from sundown until 9pm.
Tsuyama Castle
Tsuyama Castle, along with the surrounding Kakuzan Park, is counted as one of Japan's top 100 cherry blossom spots. It offers a stunning view of 1,000 blooming somei-yoshino trees set against the historic castle. The best vantage point is from the main citadel, where a sea of pink flowers unfolds at peak bloom. Here, the Tsuyama Cherry Blossom Festival takes place from March 29 to April 13, and there will be evening light-ups.
Daigozakura in Maniwa City
One of Japan’s grand dame cherry trees, the city of Maniwa's Daigozakura is estimated to be around 1,000 years old, which is why it has been designated a natural monument of Okayama prefecture. This majestic tree stands 18 metres tall with a base circumference of 9 metres. From March 28 until the end of the flowering period, food stalls will be set up from 9am to 9pm. If you can, visit at night when the tree glows with illumination from 6.30pm to 9pm.
Gaisen Sakura Street in Shinjo Village
The sakura trees in this historic post town were planted in 1906, and today, around 133 somei-yoshino trees create a breathtaking 500m-long tunnel of cherry blossoms come spring. Take the time to also explore the nearby streets of the old Izumo Kaido route that once connected the city of Izumo with Kyoto and Edo (former Tokyo). The annual Gaisen Cherry Blossom Festival will return from April 5 to 13, with a special illumination (6.30pm-9pm) taking place for just three days during peak bloom.
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