Industrial heavyweight Nagoya is best known for being the birthplace of automobile giant Toyota and the awfully addictive pachinko. But there is more to this city than its claim to fame, and, no, despite manufacturing being its main economic driver, this place is nowhere close to a bleak and boring mega-factory.
Come springtime, countless sites in Nagoya burst in tufts of pink as sakura season approaches its peak, and this year, cherry blossoms are expected to bloom sooner than usual. Based on the sixth forecast of the Japan Meteorological Corporation, Nagoya will see the iconic somei-yoshino cherry trees in full bloom by the 19th of March.
If you’re traveling to this dynamic city around that time, here are the most picture-perfect spots to check out for the ultimate hanami (flower viewing) experience:
Nagoya Castle
When it comes to cherry blossom viewing in Nagoya, you mustn’t miss the opportunity to stop by Nagoya Castle, the city’s most revered hanami site. The first castle to be designated a National Treasure in Japan, Nagoya Castle boasts about 1,000 cherry trees across 10 varieties, including somei yoshino and weeping cherry blossoms. The castle also holds an annual cherry blossom festival, when operating hours are extended until after sunset, so guests can enjoy springtime illuminations on the castle grounds.
Address: 1-1 Honmaru, Naka Ward, Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture 460-0031
How to get there: On the subway, make your way to Nagoyajo station on the Meijo Line or Sengencho Station on the Tsurumai Line. Alternatively, you can take the Nagoya Sightseeing Route Bus called Me-guru to the castle.
Tickets: 500 JPY
Operating hours: 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM daily
Meijo Park
From Nagoya Castle, walk towards Meijo Park, where around 200 sakura trees are planted. Although the park doesn’t have a high concentration of cherry trees, it offers a more laid-back atmosphere for those who wish to enjoy a more serene time under the pink trees.
Address: 1 Chome-2 Meijo, Kita Ward, Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture 462-0846
How to get there: Head on over to Meijo Koen Station on the Meijo Subway Line. From Exit 2, cross the road to the park.
Tickets: You can enter Meijo Park free of charge.
Operating hours: Meijo Park is open 24/7.
Tsuruma Park
This historic park in Nagoya is dotted by over 700 somei yoshino cherry trees, making it one of the most popular sakura parks in the city. The park also showcases a unique blend of European-style and Meiji-era structures that add a romantic touch to the general landscape of the area.
Address: 1 Tsurumai, Showa-Ward, Nagoya-City, Aichi Prefecture 〒466-0064
How to get there: On the subway, make your way to Tsurumai Station on the JR Chuo Main Line.
Tickets: You can enter Tsuruma Park free of charge.
Operating hours: Tsuruma Park is open 24/7.
Yamazaki River
As one of Japan’s designated top 100 cherry blossom spots, Yamazaki River does not disappoint! The one-kilometer stretch of the river is lined by flowering cherry trees on both sides, forming a picturesque arch over the flowing water. At the peak of sakura season, twinkly lights illuminate a section of the riverside’s length, allowing people to enjoy the blooms even after dark.
Address: Otodomachi, Mizuho-Ward, Nagoya-City, Aichi Prefecture 〒467-0062
How to get there: Take the subway to Mizuho Kuyakusho Station on the Sakuradori Line. From the exit, the river is a 10-minute walk eastward.
Tickets: Admission tickets are not necessary to visit Yamazaki River
Operating hours: The paths on both sides of Yamazaki River are open 24/7.
Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens
Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens may be home to over 550 species of animals, but once spring comes, the true stars of this attraction in Nagoya are the delicate pink cherry trees. Within the complex, you will find the oldest greenhouse in Japan, where more than 7,000 varieties of plants grow. These include an estimated 1,000 cherry trees across 100 different species.
Address: 3-70 Motomachi, Higashiyama, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture 464-0804
How to get there: Make your way to Higashiyama Koen Station on the Higashiyama Subway Line. Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens is about a 7-minute walk from Exit 3.
Tickets: 500 JPY
Operating hours: Tuesdays to Sundays, from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Arakogawa Park
Arakogawa Park, right next to Arako River, is another popular sakura destination in Nagoya. During sakura season, it holds weekend festivals, complete with food trucks, a children’s fair, and concerts for people of all ages to enjoy.
Address: 2-1-1 Shinagawa-cho, Minato-Ward, Nagoya-City, Aichi Prefecture 〒455-0055
How to get there: Take a subway train on the Aonami Line from Nagoya Station to Arakogawa Station. The park is a three-minute walk from the exit.
Tickets: You can visit Arakogawa Park free of charge.
Operating hours: Arakogawa Park is open 24/7.
Togokusan Fruits Park
Situated at the foot of Togokusan Mountain, this park dresses in pink in spring with the help of about a thousand weeping cherry trees. All year round, however, it is known for its orchard, where over a dozen varieties of fruit plants are cultivated. It also has a tropical fruit greenhouse, where approximately 100 types of rare fruits are grown.
Address: Togoku-2110 Kamishidami, Moriyama Ward, Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture 463-0001
How to get there: On the JR Chuo Train Line, make your way to Kozoji Temple Station. From the south exit, Togokusan Fruits Park is a 25-minute walk.
Tickets: You can visit Togokusan Fruits Park free of charge.
Operating hours: Tuesdays to Sundays, from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Heiwa Koen
The “sakura no en” or “cherry orchard” in Heiwa Koen—also known as Nagoya Peace Park—is a special section for cherry blossom viewing picnics, where a small forest of over 2,500 cherry trees can be found. Those who enjoy fishing can also try to get a catch from the two ponds in the park.
Address: 1-3 Heiwakoen, Chikusa Ward, Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture 〒464-0022
How to get there: Take the Nagoya Subway’s Meijo Line to Jiyugaoka Station and take a local bus to Heiwa Koen. Alternatively, you can take a 20- to 25-minute walk from the north exit of Higashiyama Koen Station on the Higashiyama Subway Line.
Tickets: Admission tickets are not necessary to enter Nagoya Peace Park.
Operating hours: Heiwa Koen is open 24/7.
Agriculture Park Todagawa Greens
The 80 varieties of cherry trees across Agriculture Park Todagawa Greens have slightly different budding schedules, allowing for a lengthier sakura viewing period in the area, where over 1,100 cherry trees are planted. On average, the blooming time here starts in early March and ends towards mid- to late April.
Address: 2-3204 Harutano, Minato-Ward, Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture 〒455-0873
How to get there: Board the Higashiyama Line train bound for Takabata from Nagoya Station and alight at Takabata Station. Take exit 4 and look for Bus Stop No. 5. You will then take the Nagoya City Bus Takabata 16 bound for Kawa-Kobashi. Get off at Nanyo-Shisho. The park is a one-minute walk northward.
Tickets: Admission fees vary, depending on the event being held at the park.
Operating hours: Tuesdays to Sundays, from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Shonai Ryokuchi Park
Witness 28,000 bright yellow rapeseed shrubs flaunt their color along with the blooming of 700 cherry trees in this expansive park in Nagoya. On the weekends of sakura season, flower festivals are held here, featuring local fare, workshops, and mini sporting events.
Address: 3527 Shikichi, Kami-Otai, Yama-cho, Nishi-Ward, Nagoya-City, Aichi Prefecture 〒452-0818
How to get there: On the Tsurumai Subway Line, get off at Shonai Ryokuchi Koen Station. The park is a short walk from Exit 2.
Tickets: You can visit Shonai Ryokuchi Park free of charge.
Operating hours: Tuesdays to Sundays, from 9:00 AM to 4:45 PM
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