Let's go to Yamagata to see the 1,000 cherry trees of Mount Eboshiyama (Akayu Onsen Cherry Blossom Festival)!

  • Yamagata
  • Sightseeing
Cherry blossoms at night with torii gate of Eboshiyama Hachimangu Shrine
Karasuboshiyama Park in Nanyo City, Yamagata, is called "Karasuboshiyama Senbonzakura (Thousand Cherry Trees)" because about 1,000 cherry trees bloom there in spring. The "Akayu Onsen Cherry Blossom Festival," held in early April every year to coincide with the blooming of the cherry trees, features Japanese drum performances, product exhibitions, a stamp rally, illumination of the cherry blossoms at night, and cherry seedling giveaways. 2024 will be held from April 1 (Monday) to April 30 (Tuesday)! You can even look up at the cherry blossoms from the hot spring resort, making it the perfect springtime hot spring getaway!

The period of the Akayu Onsen Sakura Festival may change depending on the blooming of the cherry blossoms. The festival will end as soon as the cherry blossoms have fallen.
Cherry blossoms at Karaboshiyama Park

What is Akayu Onsen?

Akayu Onsen is a small hot spring town in Nanyo City, Yamagata Prefecture. It is a 5-minute drive from Akayu Station.

It has a long history, and last year (2023) marked the 930th anniversary of the opening of the hot spring. There are 12 hot spring inns and 3 public bathhouses scattered throughout the town. In addition, grape cultivation is thriving, and there are four wineries in the hot spring resort area, so you can enjoy other activities besides hot springs.
Footbath at Akayu Hot Spring

About Mt. Eboshiyama Senbonzakura

Karasuboshiyama Park, located behind Akayu Onsen, is known for its clusters of edohigan, a rare species of cherry tree in the world, and is recognized as one of Japan's "100 Best Cherry Blossom Spots. It is called "Eboshiyama Senbonzakura (Thousand Cherry Trees)" because about 1,000 cherry trees of 25 species, including Someiyoshino, Shidare-zakura, and Edohigan, are planted here.

In the park, there are many magnificent cherry blossom trees, each with its own special meaning, such as "Otogizakura," decorated with the Japanese folk tale Hanasaka Jiisan, and "Yuzakura," standing by the stairs leading down from Karashiyama Park to the Akayu Hot Spring Resort area. This year, due to the mild winter, there was almost no damage from birds eating the flower buds, so you may be able to see the cherry trees in full bloom...!
Otogi cherry blossoms

Eboshiyama Hachimangu Shrine, the largest torii gate in Japan

Karasuboshiyama Hachimangu Shrine, located in Karasuboshiyama Park, is a historic shrine whose deities are Emperor Ojin, Michizane Sugawara, and the god Nararai. The Otorii, which stands in front of the main approach to the shrine, is the largest seamless stone gateway in Japan, made of rock quarried from the mountain behind the Hachiman-gu Shrine. The view of the majestic stone torii gate and pretty cherry blossoms is breathtakingly powerful.

The shimenawa (sacred straw ropes) hung on the Otorii are usually replaced on April 18, when the cherry blossoms are in bloom, as part of the annual Otorii Shimenawa Kakeire Shinji (ritual of replacing the shimenawa).
Torii gate of Karashiyama Hachimangu Shrine

Mikoshi-togyo" (portable shrine procession), which enlivens the cherry blossom festival

The portable shrine is usually associated with summer festivals, and is rarely seen during the Cherry Blossom Festival. During the Akayu Onsen Cherry Blossom Festival, a grand parade of portable shrines will be held in Eboshiyama Park! The lively parade amidst the snowstorm of cherry blossoms enlivens the Cherry Blossom Festival.
Mikoshi procession

Traditional entertainment "Violent lion drumming

The "Violent Shishi Daiko" is a Japanese drum performance that has been passed down in Akayu for many years. The sound of the taiko drum performance by the "Akayu Onsen Rabure Shishi Taiko Promotion Association" echoes in Karasuoboshiyama Park under the cherry trees in full bloom, providing a powerful atmosphere!
Violent lion drumming

Light up the cherry blossoms at night

The cherry blossoms will be illuminated at night for a different view from the daytime. The solemn atmosphere of Eboshiyama Hachimangu Shrine and the nighttime cherry blossoms go well together.

Period: April 1 (Mon.) - May 6 (Mon., national holiday)
Hours: 18:00 - 22:00
Light up the cherry blossoms at night

Other Event Information

Various other events will be held as well, such as Nanyo City Goods Exhibition, Yunomachi Stamp Rally, and cherry tree sapling giveaways. You can enjoy all day long at the "Akayu Hot Springs Cherry Blossom Festival" by seeing, hearing, and tasting the blossoms.

Yunomachi Stamp Rally: Monday, April 1 - Tuesday, April 30
Nanyo City Goods Exhibition: Monday, April 1 - Tuesday, April 30
Cherry blossom sapling giveaway: Sunday, April 14, 9:00 -

*Other events such as a monkey show by the Nikko Monkey Army and a concert by the brass band of Akayu Junior High School will be held as well.
*The schedule is subject to change or cancellation due to weather or other various reasons.
Akayu Onsen Cherry Blossom Festival

Cherry Blossom Blossom Information

Are you wondering when the cherry blossoms will be at their best? Let's plan your trip by referring to the blooming information of previous years.

■2023 bloom date: 4/1, full bloom date: 4/10
■2022 bloom date: 4/12, full bloom date: 4/17
■2021 bloom date: 4/4, full bloom date: 4/15
■2020 bloom date: 4/8, full bloom date: 4/17

Last year, the bloom date was April 1, the fastest ever according to statistical data! It is expected to bloom around the same time this year, but please check the latest blooming information when you visit.
View from Karasuboshiyama Park

Cherry Blossom Festival in Onsen Town

Various events will be held simultaneously at the Akayu Onsen Cherry Blossom Festival! It is just a short walk from the hot spring resort area, so you can take pictures wearing yukata from the ryokan (Japanese-style inn)! You can also view the cherry blossoms while strolling around the hot spring resort, and if you stay overnight, you can take a pleasant morning stroll! Only in spring, please visit the cherry blossom covered Mt.
For train + accommodation "Yamagata Area" reservations, please contact [ JR East View Dynamic Rail Package ]
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