Urabandai Lake ResortA trip around famous cherry blossom spots– by car from the hotel –

The Ooyamazakura cherry tree blooms in a secluded field on the north side of Lake Hibara. Its single pink blossoms stand out beautifully against the fresh green foliage, making it a little-known photography spot. Because it's difficult to set a car navigation system using the address, a small sign is erected along the Lake Hibara lakeside road during the peak blooming season.

■Typical best time to see it
Mid-May

■ Access
20 minutes by car from our hotel
Hibara, Kitashiobara Village, Yama District, Fukushima Prefecture

Sakura Pass, where cherry blossoms fill the landscape as far as the eye can see, is a park where 2,001 cherry trees were planted on the site of a former ranch to celebrate the birth of Her Imperial Highness Princess Aiko. Cherry tree owners have gathered from all over Japan, and they themselves are responsible for the maintenance of the trees.

■Typical best time to see it
Late April to early May

■ Access
20 minutes by car from our hotel
Sakura Pass, Oaza Oshio, Kitashiobara Village, Yama District, Fukushima Prefecture

The Miharu Takizakura, considered one of Japan's three greatest cherry trees, is a giant weeping cherry tree that was designated a national natural monument in 1922. It is said to have been named Takizakura (waterfall cherry tree) because the countless cherry blossoms resemble a waterfall.

■Typical best time to see it
Mid-April


■ Access
Approximately 70 minutes by car from our hotel.
296 Sakurakubo, Taki, Miharu-machi, Tamura-gun, Fukushima Prefecture

It has also been selected as one of Japan's Top 100 Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots.
At night, the area is illuminated, and its vivid reflection on the moat's surface creates a fantastical scene.

■Typical best time to see it
Mid-April to late April

■ Access
Approximately 60 minutes by car from our hotel.
1-1 Otemachi, Aizuwakamatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture

This famous cherry blossom viewing spot features approximately 2,000 Somei Yoshino cherry trees planted along both banks of the Kannonji River for about 1 kilometer. It was awarded by the Japan Cherry Blossom Association in 1997. The trees are breathtakingly beautiful when illuminated at night. It is also a certified spot among the New Eight Scenic Views of Inawashiro.

■Typical best time to see it
Mid-April to late April

■ Access
Approximately 30 minutes by car from our hotel.
Kawageta Kannonji Riverbank, Inawashiro Town, Yama District, Fukushima Prefecture

This park, opened to the public by a flowering tree farmer, is a scenic spot so beautiful that it's said to be "Togen in Fukushima." The sight of approximately 70 different kinds of flowers blooming all at once, like a riot of blossoms, is truly breathtaking.

■Typical best time to see it
Early April to late April

■ Access
Approximately 80 minutes by car from our hotel.
Watari, Fukushima City, Fukushima Prefecture

Approximately 1,000 weeping cherry trees bloom along a 3-kilometer stretch, creating a magnificent cherry blossom avenue unlike any other in Fukushima Prefecture. A steam locomotive is also on display amidst the blooming cherry blossoms, making it an excellent photo spot.

■Typical best time to see it
Mid-April to late April

■ Access
Approximately 50 minutes by car from our hotel.
Oshikiri-Higashi and Suwa, Kitakata City, Fukushima Prefecture, and other locations.