The Kitakami Cherry Blossom Festival 北上展勝地さくらまつり
Cherry Blossoms and Koinobori
Head to northern Tohoku, Kitakami, for a festival that combines cherry blossoms and Koinobori, to vie the flying carp and pink petals soaring in the spring air!
Kitakami, a small town in northern Tohoku, is very accessible thanks to its shinkansen station. It reveals itself in its best light every year from mid-April to the beginning of May.
cherry blossoms
It is one of the three best places to enjoy sakura in Michinoku (this region of northern Tohoku), along with the other famous spots of Kakunodate and Hirosaki. In Kitakami, you will appreciate the beauty of a huge "tunnel of cherry blossoms" two kilometers long on the banks of the Kitakami River, with the waves swollen by the freshwater coming from the surrounding mountains which, very often, are still snow-capped in this season. Also plan a little wool because the air is quite fresh.
Sakura tunnel in Kitakami
Jerome Laborde
In the 1920s, 10,000 cherry trees of 150 different varieties were planted to create this incredible space of delight for the eyes of all, but especially those of photography enthusiasts, in the heart of Tenshôchi Park. You will finish your walk with food stands, to rest and savor all the tasty specialties of the region, hot or cold. It is also the very nice side of this kind of well-organized festival. At nightfall, illuminations take over for a completely different atmosphere, from 6 pm to 9 pm, with reflections on the water.
Note that there are far fewer people in Kitakami than in the big cities further south ( Tokyo, Kyoto, etc.) and that you will appreciate being (almost) alone with the flowers.
- Also discover: The culinary specialties of Iwate Prefecture
Koinobori
To make the party even more beautiful, Kitakami sets the time for the children's party with the "Koinobori ". These carp in fabrics flying in the wind, mouths wide open and very colorful, unfold above the Kitakami River, yet very wide. It is, therefore, necessary to have very long cables stretched between the two banks on which about 300 koinobori move. All these carp swimming in the sky are a magnificent sight, almost hypnotizing!
There's also an eel that's all black and longer than its colored pals, which you'll have to find, much like a game, "where's the unagi ?".
Boat trip on the Kitakami River
Jerome Laborde
The mix of koinobori waving at the tops of cherry blossoms is very original and quite specific to Kitakami. In one place, you can see two very strong aspects of traditional Japanese culture, so take a day break to Kitakami to experience it.
- To discover: Kodomo no hi, carp, and children's festival
On land or water
There are several possibilities to best appreciate this beautiful show combining sakura and koinobori.
- First of all on foot, of course, to have your eyes full and smell all the flavors of life.
- It is also possible to take a horse-drawn carriage ride under the cherry blossom tunnel. 500 yen ($4.25/4€) per adult, 300 yen ($2.50/2.25€) per child (6 to 12 years old), from 10 am to 4 pm daily during the festival.
- To go faster, Kitakami offers a river crossing by boat from the station. Fast, but above all very pleasant, on a covered boat in case of bad weather. 400 yen ($3.25/3€) per adult, 300 yen (2.50/2.25€) per child (6 to 12 years old).
- But you can do even better with the 20-minute ride on the Kitakami River. To have an original point of view on these marvels and pass below all the flying carp. 1300 yen ($11/10.50€) per adult, 500 yen ($4.25/4€) per child (6 to 12 years old).
Address, timetable & access
Address
Timetable
By shinkansen from Tokyo, 2h30. From Kitakami Station, 15 min by bus, or 10 min on foot to the banks of the Kitakami River.
