Have you ever found yourself standing awestruck under a tunnel of cherry blossoms, with the ocean breeze kissing your face? That was me on Cherry Road in Shimane, where the sakura trees stretch for 5 kilometers, creating a mesmerizing pink-and-blue tapestry against the backdrop of the Sea of Japan.
Honestly, I didn’t expect much when I first decided to visit. I mean, I’ve seen cherry blossoms before, right? But let me tell you, the Cherry Road took my breath away. The sakura here aren’t just trees—they’re a full-on spectacle. I literally gasped when the ocean view peeked through the branches. Imagine strolling along with petals raining down, the scent of cherry blossoms mingling with the salty sea air—it’s pure magic.
Why Cherry Road is Special
Spanning a whole 5 kilometers, this scenic route is lined with about 700 Somei Yoshino cherry trees. It’s no wonder it was chosen as one of the “New Japan Street Tree 100 Views” back in 1994. There’s something so unique about this place: the contrast of the delicate pink blossoms against the deep blue sea is something you just have to see to believe.
I remember telling my mom about it, and now she won’t stop asking when I’ll take her there. And hey, if you’re planning a visit, aim for early April when the blossoms are in full bloom. The timing’s crucial—you don’t want to miss this natural wonder!
Getting There and What to Expect
Reaching Cherry Road isn’t too much of a hassle. It’s about a 35-minute drive from JR Matsue Station, and trust me, the trip is worth every second. The sakura tunnel is like nothing I’ve ever walked through before. It’s free to park at Sakura Park, which has about 50-60 spaces, so no worries about finding a spot.
Oh, and a quick heads-up: bring a snack or two. There aren’t tons of food stalls lining the path, but that’s part of the charm—just you, the blossoms, and the sea. I packed a couple of onigiri and enjoyed a little picnic right there by the ocean. It felt like a scene out of a postcard.
Final Thoughts
Not gonna lie, Cherry Road totally exceeded my expectations. I didn’t just see the blossoms; I felt them, and it was an experience I won’t soon forget. If you’re even remotely considering a trip, do it. And if you go, I’d love to hear what you think—drop me a line!
Oh, and one last thing: don’t forget your camera! You’ll want to capture every moment. Until next time, happy travels!
