You know that feeling when you stumble upon something unexpectedly magical? That’s exactly what happened to me last weekend in Tohoku. It was one of those spur-of-the-moment trips I love to take, especially when Tokyo’s April showers are just too gloomy to handle. I decided to chase the last of the cherry blossoms north, and boy, was it worth it!
Discovering Tohoku’s Cherry Blossom Gems
First stop: Miharu Takizakura in Fukushima. This isn’t just any cherry tree; it’s a legendary weeping cherry that’s over a thousand years old! Standing beneath its cascading pink blooms, I felt like I was in a fairy tale. The tree was fully lit up at night, adding a mystical glow that I honestly didn’t expect. And it’s free to visit, though if you want to donate a bit to help preserve this beauty, it’s always appreciated.
Then, off to Shibata Town Funaoka Castle Site Park in Miyagi. The view from the top, where a giant peace statue stands, is nothing short of breathtaking. Imagine looking out over 1,300 cherry trees, with the landscape painted in soft pink hues. It was like a sea of petals swaying in the breeze. I shared a few snaps on WhatsApp before I’d even left. The park’s entry is also free, but you might want to grab a local snack from the stalls that pop up during the season – they’re irresistible!
Unexpected Surprises and Handy Tips
Not gonna lie, I underestimated how chilly it would be up north. Layer up, especially if you’re planning to stay for the evening illuminations. Renting a car was a game-changer for hopping between these spots since public transport can be a bit of a puzzle in rural areas. Cost-wise, think about ¥5,000 (around $35 USD) for a day’s rental, plus some fuel.
Oh, and a little quirk: I ended up at the Hiraizumi World Heritage Site in Iwate by complete accident. I was just looking for a place to grab a coffee and stumbled into this historical gem. The cherry blossoms here were just coming into bloom, offering a serene contrast to the buzzing tourist spots.
A Weekend to Remember
Heading back to Tokyo, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I’d just experienced something really special. The sakura season might be short, but these memories will last a lifetime. If chasing cherry blossoms sounds like your kind of adventure, do it! And if you go, let me know what you think. I’m already planning my next trip, maybe somewhere even more off the beaten path.
