Sakura-un Bridge One of the best places for cherry blossom viewing in Nagano is "Takato Joshi Park" in Ina. The park is one of the three most famous cherry blossom viewing spots in Japan, following Hirosaki Park in Aomori Prefecture and Yoshinoyama in Nara Prefecture, and the approximately 1,500 cherry trees, Takato's own species, are in full bloom in the park. The "Takato Joshi Park Cherry Blossom Festival" is usually held from early to mid-April, when the cherry trees are in full bloom, and includes stalls and entertainment events. In this article, we will introduce the highlights of the Takato Joshi Park Cherry Blossom Festival and the blooming conditions of the cherry blossoms in a typical year!
Takato Joshi Park and Cherry Blossoms
The date of construction of Takato Castle is unknown, but it is believed that the castle was originally the base of the Takato clan during the Warring States period. Takato Yoritsugu, the head of the Takato clan, was destroyed by Takeda Shingen during the Warring States period, and Takato Castle underwent major renovations in 1547.
Later, Nishina Goro Morinobu, the fifth son of Takeda Shingen, fought against Oda Nobunaga's eldest son, Nobutada Nobutada, and died a spectacular death at Takato Castle, which was demolished and left in ruins after the abolition of the domain in 1871, and the old feudal warriors of the Takato domain once hid their horses buried under the cherry blossoms. The former feudal warriors transplanted the cherry trees of Baba to the castle ruins, and the area is now one of the most famous cherry blossom viewing spots in Japan. Takato Pavilion and Takatookohiganzakura (Cherry Blossoms) The old trees in the Honmaru were planted at this time, and during the cherry blossom season, approximately 1,500 Takato-okohigan-zakura trees fill the branches with blossoms. The Takatookohigan-zakura, registered as a natural monument of Nagano Prefecture, is slightly smaller than Someiyoshino, and produces deep pink flowers. The tree is called "the best cherry tree in the world" for its loveliness and size, and the grove has been designated a natural monument by the prefecture. In 1990, it was selected as one of the 100 best cherry blossom viewing spots by the Japan Cherry Blossom Society. The two shots of the cherry blossoms and the Koenkaku Pavilion, which has been designated as a registered tangible cultural property, are a must-see.
Takato Joshi Park Cherry Blossom Festival 2025
The "Takato Joshi Park Cherry Blossom Festival" is held from the beginning of the blooming season to the end of the waning season. In addition to admiring the cherry blossoms in full bloom in the park, there are many events to make the cherry blossom viewing even more exciting, including a photo spot only available during this season and a parade of "Takato-bayashi," an intangible cultural heritage of Ina City! Sakura-un Bridge
Details of "Takato Joshi Park Sakura Festival 2025
■Period From the beginning of blooming to the end of falling *Approximately from early April to mid-April ■Opening hours 8:00-17:00 *6:00-22:00 (last admission 21:00) during the peak cherry blossom season ■Paying period From the day after the blooming is declared to the end of falling ■Entrance fees Adults (high school students and above): 600 yen, Children (elementary and junior high school students): 300 yen ■Parking ・Toll parking lot around the park: approx. 350 cars (standard passenger car: 1,000 yen) *Parking fee is required from the day after the declaration of blooming until April 29 (subject to change depending on blooming conditions) *Toll parking lot opens according to the opening hours of Joshi Park ・Free temporary parking lot Free temporary parking lot: max. 2,550 cars *During the Sakura Festival Temporary parking lots will be scattered throughout the town of Takato. *This parking lot may be closed due to blooming or weather conditions. Please note the latest information Please check the official website for details and the latest information. Takato Joshi Park Cherry Blossom Festival "Parking Information"
Limited time photo spot
During the event, heart-shaped photo frames "SAKU ♡ Frame" will be set up in front of the Koenkaku in the park, and SNS-style frames with dates will be set up in the south curving area of the park. Why not take a picture with the frame as a memory of Hanami?SAKU♡Frame SNS style frame This year, a panel of "The Folding Screen of Takato Castle" left by Hidesho Ikegami, a painter born in a merchant family in Takato Town (present-day Ina City), will also be installed. The panel is based on a bird's-eye view of Takato Castle at the end of the Edo period, called "Old Takato Castle, a true view" painted in the Meiji era (1868-1912), which is also a must-see. Ikegami Shuun's "Takato Castle" panel
Takato-bayashi parade
The "Takato-bayashi," a traditional performing art of the Takato area, parades through the park, making the nighttime cherry blossoms even more enchanting. It is said that the "Takato-bayashi" is a variation of the Noh play of the Genroku period (1688-1704), and is designated as an Intangible Cultural Asset of Ina City.
Cherry blossom viewing can be enjoyed not only during the daytime, but also at night when the cherry blossoms are in their third to full bloom and beginning to fall, when some areas of the park are illuminated with projection mapping. The collaboration of the cherry blossoms with the night view and starry sky is one of the best parts of the cherry blossom viewing at night.
■Hours 18:00-22:00 (last admission until 21:00) *Period and hours subject to change depending on conditions. Cherry blossoms at night at Takato Pavilion
Blooming in the past
When enjoying cherry blossom viewing at the Sakura Festival, you may be wondering when the cherry blossoms will be in full bloom. Here are the blooming dates for the past two years for your reference.
■Flowering Period in 2024 Beginning of bloom: April 5 Half bloom: April 9 Best to full bloom: April 11 - April 15 Beginning of fall: April 16 End of fall: April 18
■Flowering Period in 2023 Beginning of bloom: March 25 Half bloom: March 30 Best to full bloom: April 1 - April 5 Beginning of fall: April 6 End of fall: April 10
*Flowering forecast is subject to change depending on the weather and temperature in the future. Please refer to the forecast as a reference only. The average bloom date over the past 10 years has been around April 2, and the best time to view the flowers is approximately one week after blooming.
You can also enjoy other activities besides cherry blossom viewing! Events around Takato Joshi Park
Events in conjunction with the Cherry Blossom Festival will be held at dams, museums, temples, and other facilities in the vicinity of Takato Joshi Park. If you visit Takato Joshi Park, why not stop by and learn more about the area?
Shinshu Takato Museum of Art "Genealogy of Beauty in Ina" March 8 (Sat) - May 18 (Sun) 9:00 - 17:00 (last admission at 16:30) ■Takato Town Museum of History "The Aesthetic Sense of Moriya Teiji, Takato Ishikori" March 1 (Sat) - June 15 (Sun) 9:00 - 17:00 (last admission at 16:30) ■Kenpukuji Stone Buddha Light up Date to be determined
Takato Dam illuminated in cherry blossom colors
The Takato Dam, located on the south side of Takato Joshi Park, will be illuminated in cherry blossom colors for a limited time! You can see the dam in spring-like colors with a different atmosphere from usual. Why not drop by after viewing the cherry blossoms at night?
■Hours 18:00-22:00 Takato Dam illuminated in cherry blossom colors
About 7 minutes walk from Takato Joshi Park South Exit
*The contents and services in this article are subject to change.
*All images are for reference only.
Let's go to "Takato Joshi Park Cherry Blossom Festival 2025"! Recommended Model Course
How about enjoying a trip to Shinshu while feeling the warmth of spring after the severe cold weather? Here is a model course to enjoy cherry blossoms and hot springs in Takato!
Departing from Shinjuku Station on the Azusa limited express train!
It takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes from Shinjuku Station to Chino Station by express train! From Chino Station, we recommend you to rent a car. From Chino Station to Takato Joshi Park takes about 40 minutes by car. How about having lunch in Ina City where Takato Joshi Park is located? There are many gourmet foods unique to Shinshu, such as Shinshu soba noodles, lo mein, and Ina gyoza (dumplings).
While returning from Ina City toward Chino Station, it takes about 50 minutes by car to Kamisuwa Onsen, one of the best hot spring resorts in Shinshu. Please stay at Kami-suwa Onsen! The next day, we recommend a visit to Lake Suwa, the largest lake in Shinshu, and Tateishi Park, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of Lake Suwa.
We introduced the highlights of the "Takato Joshi Park Cherry Blossom Festival 2025," the history of Takato Castle, and a recommended model course. Cherry blossoms are said to be the best in the world, and you must see them at least once in your life. Why not make a trip to Ina this spring and enjoy viewing the cherry blossoms? Beautiful cherry blossoms in Ina and Takato[Official Website] Takato Joshi Park Cherry Blossom Festival 2025
Location
810-1 Nishitakato, Takato-machi, Ina City, Nagano Prefecture
Access
Take a 25-minute bus ride from the Ina Bus Terminal, about a 2-minute walk from Ina City Station, and get off at the Takato Station bus stop. After getting off the bus, walk about 20 minutes.
Image courtesy of Ina City Tourism Association
*The contents and services in this article are subject to change.
*All images are for reference only.
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