*Information for the year 2026* Let's go to Yamagata to see the thousand cherry blossoms of Mount Eboshiyama [Akayu Onsen Sakura Festival].

  • Yamagata
  • Sightseeing
Cherry blossoms at night with torii gate of Eboshiyama Hachimangu Shrine
Eboshiyama Park in Nanyo City, Yamagata Prefecture, is called "Eboshiyama Senbonzakura (Thousand Cherry Trees)" because about 1,000 cherry trees bloom there in spring. In 2026, the festival will be held from Friday, April 3 to Thursday, April 30. The cherry blossoms can be viewed from the hot spring resort area, making it a 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.

Akayu Onsen, which has been in operation for more than 930 years, is dotted with 11 hot spring inns and 3 public bathhouses. 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 Hanasakajiji-san, and "Yuzakura," standing by the stairs leading down from Karashiyama Park to the Akayu Hot Spring Resort. 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 them in full bloom...!
Otogi cherry blossoms

The largest torii in Japan, "Eboshiyama Hachimangu Shrine

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 sacred straw ropes).
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 drumming performed under the cherry trees in full bloom echoes through Karasuoboshiyama Park and is a powerful sight to behold!
Violent lion drumming

Light up the cherry blossoms at night

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

Period: April 3 (Fri.) - May 6 (Wed., national holiday)
Hours: 18:00 - 22:00 (18:00 - 24:00 on Fri. and Sat.)
Light up the cherry blossoms at night

Other event information

For details, please refer to the Nanyo City Tourist Association website.
Nanyo City Tourism Association HP
Akayu Onsen Cherry Blossom Festival

Cherry Blossom Blossom Information

You may be wondering when the cherry blossoms are at their best! Let's plan your trip by referring to the blooming information of previous years.

■2025 bloom date: 4/12, full bloom: 4/19
■2024 bloom date: 4/8, full bloom: 4/13
■2023 bloom date: 4/1, full bloom: 4/10
■2022 bloom date: 4/12, full bloom: 4/17
■2021 bloom date: 4/4, full bloom: 4/15
■2020 bloom date: 4/8, full bloom: 4/17

Last year, the statistical data shows a late bloom on April 12! This year, the bloom time is expected to be earlier, but please check the latest bloom 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 inns)! 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! Visit the cherry blossom-covered Mt. Eboshiyama only in spring!
JR East View Dynamic Rail Package" for train + accommodation in Yamagata area.
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