Guide
Sakurayama Park is a beautiful park situated near the summit of a mountain at an altitude of 591m in Fujioka City, Gunma Prefecture. Designated as a National Scenic Spot and a Natural Monument, it is also officially recognized as one of the 'Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots in Japan.' The most distinctive feature of this park is the 'Fuyu-zakura' (Winter Cherry Blossoms), which bloom at a time different from the typical spring season. The vast grounds are home to approximately 7,000 cherry trees, including both the classic spring Yoshino varieties and the rare winter-blooming varieties, providing a constantly changing landscape throughout the year.
The area was once known as Kokuozan. The development of the park began in 1908 (Meiji 41) when the local village head and residents planted cherry and maple trees to commemorate the victory of the Russo-Japanese War. Around 1916 (Taisho 5), some of these planted cherry trees began to exhibit the unique trait of blooming in winter. In 1937 (Showa 12), the site was designated as a National Scenic Spot and Natural Monument. Furthermore, the winter blossoms of this area are even featured in the 'Sa' verse of the Jomo Karuta, a traditional local poem set.
The park is divided into three main areas: the 1st Plaza (Japanese Garden), the 2nd Plaza (Exemplary Garden), and the 3rd Plaza (Event Plaza). The most spectacular sight is the winter cherry blossoms visible from late November to early December. During this period, visitors can witness the incredibly rare sight of cherry blossoms blooming simultaneously with the autumn colors. Due to its high altitude, there are also several vantage points scattered throughout the park offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
The scenery changes beautifully with the seasons. In spring, the Yoshino cherry blossoms bloom in full glory, while from early summer through autumn, you can enjoy the lush greenery and vibrant autumn foliage. The absolute highlight is the winter cherry blossom season from late November to early December. These blossoms are quite rare for such a cold season and pair beautifully with the autumn leaves. We recommend visiting during bright daylight hours to enjoy the changing light across the Japanese gardens and lawns.
The park features several well-maintained walking paths and hiking trails. You can choose a route based on your fitness level: for example, a roughly 35-minute walk from the 1st parking lot via the summit to the 3rd Plaza, or a short 6-minute stroll to the observation deck. Additionally, the surrounding area offers seasonal fruit-picking experiences, such as mandarin orange orchards at the foot of the mountain and apple orchards on the mid-slope.
There are various nature-oriented spots surrounding the park. At the base of the mountain, you can enjoy seasonal fruit picking at mandarin orange orchards, while apple orchards can be found on the mid-slope. For those looking to extend their trip, a hiking route leads toward the Yashio Onsen area, allowing you to combine a refreshing hike with a relaxing soak in a hot spring.
If you plan to use the hiking trails, comfortable walking shoes and activewear are essential. We highly recommend sneakers or hiking boots, as some paths near the summit can be uneven. Since temperatures can drop significantly during the winter blossom season, please bring warm clothing. As this is a public natural space, please follow local etiquette by taking all trash home with you and respecting the local flora and wildlife.