Let's enjoy spring in Akita in Yuzawa City, the hometown of [Ono Komachi, one of the three most beautiful women in the world] in 2026!

  • Akita
  • Sightseeing
Oshira-sama's weeping cherry blossoms 【Photo courtesy of Yuzawa City Tourism and Products Association
From "Roadside Station Ogachi" in Ogatsu, the hometown of Ono no Komachi, the legendary Ono no Komachi, head toward Yamagata on National Route 13, and after passing through a tunnel, you will see a single weeping cherry tree on your left. This weeping cherry tree is called the Hakusan Shrine weeping cherry tree, after the adjacent Hakusan Shrine. It is nicknamed "Oshira-sama no edaharezakura" (weeping cherry blossom of Oshira-sama) because in the Tohoku region, Hakusan worship has been referred to as "Oshira-sama. It is approximately 210 years old and was designated as a natural monument of Yuzawa City in 2007. The branches, the color of the blossoms, and the condition of the trunk all reflect its age, making it a famous cherry tree that cannot be found anywhere else in the region. Oshira-sama is illuminated at night and has become one of the most famous cherry blossom viewing spots in Akita Prefecture, attracting visitors from all over the country.

Cherry trees along the Yakuuchi River

The Yakunai River flows along the west side of National Route 108 (Chiaki Line), which passes near Oshira-sama's weeping cherry trees, and someiyoshino cherry trees are planted along the 3.3 km stretch of the road. When the cherry trees are in full bloom, the road is a spectacular sight to behold for those who pass by. The cherry trees were planted in 1935 by a local youth group to commemorate the construction of a road along the Yakunai River, which often causes severe flooding. 1947 typhoon damage caused the road to collapse, but the cherry trees held off the water and minimized the damage. This damage temporarily eliminated the rows of cherry trees, but the local community was able to replant them and restore them to their current state.
Yakuuchi River lined with cherry trees 【Photo provided by Yuzawa City Tourism and Products Association

Ono Komachi Hall dedicated to Ono Komachi, one of the three most beautiful women in the world

The "Komachi-do" was built in 1953 and rebuilt in 1995 to honor the spirit of Ono no Komachi, a poet of great talent and beauty, and the lustrous vermilion-lacquered hall is now decorated with cherry blossoms. Ono no Komachi was born about 1200 years ago in Kirikida, Ono, Yuzawa City. From a young age, she excelled in appearance and talent, and is considered one of the three most beautiful women in the world. At the age of 13, Komachi went to Kyoto to serve in the court at the age of 16, and is said to have been favored by the emperor, but she returned to her hometown at the age of 36 to miss her hometown. In his later years, he avoided the world and lived alone in Iwayado, where he read poetry, lit incense, and carved a statue of himself, before passing away at the age of 92.
Komachi-do Hall 【Photo courtesy of Yuzawa City Tourism and Products Association
The best time to view the cherry blossoms is from late April to early May, but the blooming time may vary depending on the weather and other factors. Please contact the Yuzawa City Tourism and Products Association before you visit. Please visit Ono no Komachi no Sato in spring in Akita.
Yuzawa City Tourism and Products Association Web site

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For reservations for JR East + accommodations "Akita Area", please contact [JR East View Dynamic Rail Package].

Combine your favorite train with lodging or a day trip plan for a great travel experience!

You can make your own original trip!

JR East View Dynamic Rail Package is a variable price individual travel product available only on the web. Depending on the timing and conditions of your application, you may be able to get a discount as early as the day of departure. We also offer one-day trip plans! Enjoy your own unique trip according to your schedule and purpose.
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