Sakura in Nagano: 10 Top Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots

Located in the center of Honshu, Japan’s main island, Nagano Prefecture is a landlocked region renowned for its stunning mountains that form part of the Japanese Alps. 

While Nagano has long been a haven for history buffs exploring its ruins and winter sports enthusiasts drawn to its snow-capped mountain ranges, Nagano also offers some of the most picturesque cherry blossom viewing spots in Japan. 

In spring, as cherry blossoms burst into bloom, the sight of delicate pink petals framing the traditional structures creates a scene straight out of a postcard.

Curious about where to find sakura in Nagano? Read on to discover the best locations for cherry blossoms, from the majestic backdrop of ancient castles to serene parks.

Find out more: How to Celebrate Cherry Blossom Season in Japan

Cherry blossom seasons in Japan typically start from warmer southern areas and gradually move north to colder regions like Hokkaido.

Because Nagano is located in the central area of Japan’s main island, the prefecture’s cherry blossoms typically begin to appear in early April, reaching full bloom by mid-April — slightly later than Tokyo, where the flowers start blossoming as early as mid-March and peak by the end of the month.

If you miss Tokyo’s cherry blossom season, Nagano offers a second chance to enjoy hanami (cherry blossom viewing). The prefectural capital, Nagano City, is about a three-hour drive from Tokyo or just 90 minutes by shinkansen.

Keep in mind that cherry blossom season in Japan varies each year depending on the region and climate. If you want to catch the blooms at their peak, we recommend checking Japan’s cherry blossom forecast published by the Japan Meteorological Corporation (JMC) before planning your trip.

Until April 30, 2025, how would you like the chance to win some cherry blossom-themed treats!

Here's how: Book a restaurant or food tour and we'll send you a free e-book packed with tips for the cherry blossom season in Japan.

Even more importantly, you'll also be entered into an exclusive prize draw for a premium Japanese cooking kit, complete with kitchen essentials and a cookbook.

Pro tip: Want a second chance to win? Leave a review after your meal or experience! 

Get sakura season offers and explore cherry blossom tours!

Originally known as Fukashi Castle, Matsumoto Castle is one of Nagano’s most majestic landmarks and Japan’s oldest surviving castle tower. A five-tiered, six-story structure with a striking ebony-dark wooden facade, this moated fortress, later designated a National Treasure, was built in the late 16th century.

In April, around 300 cherry trees surrounding the outer moat burst into bloom, transforming the grounds into a breathtaking hanami spot. The scene becomes even more magical at night when the illuminated sakura against the night sky and the castle reflect on the water. 

Many places claim to be the best cherry blossom spots, but Takato Castle holds an official distinction as one of Japan’s three most famous cherry blossom sites.

Perched on a hill in Ina City, Takato Castle Ruins Park is home to around 1,500 Kohigan cherry trees, first planted in 1875 when the park opened to the public. Some of these trees are over 130 years old, and their small, red-tinted petals are considered among the most beautiful in Japan. 

Each spring, Takato Castle Ruins Park hosts a vibrant cherry blossom festival. Festival stalls sell local treats and souvenirs, while the park also offers breathtaking views of the Japanese Alps.

Though little remains of the original castle beyond its stone foundations, the park preserves its legacy with a few later-era additions. Among them is Takatokaku, the largest building in the park, constructed in the 1930s as a community center.

Find out more: History, Culture & Types of Cherry Blossoms

In the southeast corner of central Matsumoto lies Koboyama Koen, a gently sloping hill that also serves as the site of a 3rd-century burial mound, making it one of the oldest tombs in the region.

In spring, around 4,000 sakura trees bloom, creating a thick, pink canopy that is stunning from afar or from within. From the top, visitors can take in panoramic views of Matsumoto City and the snow-peaked Japanese Alps.

This under-the-radar spot, lesser-known among international travelers, has many walking trails. For those keen to learn more about the area’s history, the nearby Nakayama Cultural History Museum offers further insight into the region’s rich past.

Built in Hakuba Village to commemorate Nagano’s 1988 Winter Olympics, Oide Park beautifully blends the region’s natural beauty with traditional kominka architecture and stunning views of the Japanese Alps, especially in spring when bursts of cherry blossom pink add to the charm.

While the number of sakura trees in the park is limited, the real highlight lies in the panoramic view of the snowcapped Alps in the background, with the Hime River flowing gracefully in the foreground. Visitors can take in the picturesque landscape, which includes the stone windmill, the majestic Shirouma Sanzan and the tranquil countryside.

For a deeper experience of the region, take the train one stop to Shinano-Moriue and explore Shinden, Hakuba’s traditional area, where sturdy cherry blossom trees and old-school ryokan inns line the road.

Komoro Castle was built in 1554 during the Sengoku Warring States Period. Unlike most Japanese castles, which were constructed on hilltops, Komoro Castle was uniquely set in a natural depression, surrounded by cliffs, a steep valley and the Chikuma River for protection. 

Though the main structure no longer remains, visitors can still explore its labyrinthine stone walls and several well-preserved gates. Much of the castle was lost after the Meiji Restoration in the late 19th century, but the surviving gates and stone walls have been nationally designated as Important Cultural Properties.

The park is particularly stunning in spring when cherry blossoms bloom from mid to late April. The annual Cherry Blossom Festival at the Komoro Castle Ruins features yozakura — nighttime sakura viewing illuminated by lanterns — as well as a traditional Japanese tea ceremony where tea masters dressed in Sengoku-era armor serve matcha and sweets.

Find out more: What is Matcha? The Ultimate Guide to Japan’s Most Famous Tea

Garyu Park is renowned for its stunning cherry blossoms. It has around 600 trees from 14 varieties, predominantly Somei Yoshino. The park centers around Ryugaike Pond, where approximately 160 trees bloom along the water’s edge, creating a breathtaking reflection. 

Adding to the scenery, visitors can admire the snow-capped peaks of Hokushin Gogaku, a mountain range with five summits in northern Nagano. The contrast between the delicate pink blossoms and the lingering winter snow makes for an unforgettable spring view.

Takashima Castle, known as “The Floating Castle of Suwa,” overlooks one of Japan’s top three castle lakes. Constructed by Lord Hineno roughly 400 years ago, the castle once stood on a peninsula jutting into Lake Suwa. 

Upon completion, the lake’s waters reached the castle’s edges, making it appear as if it were suspended above the water. The lake itself acted as a natural moat on three sides.

Today, the lakeshore does not reach the sides of the castle, and the former main citadel site has been transformed into a park, home to about 90 cherry trees, including Somei Yoshino, weeping cherry and double-flowered varieties. 

During peak bloom, the castle tower and soft pink blossoms create a picturesque reflection on the moat’s surface.

Located in the eastern Nagano castle town of Ueda, Ueda Castle is a 400-year-old landmark with flowing water in its moat. The park features a hidden water well, said to be connected to a secret tunnel under the castle grounds. 

During spring, visitors gather to take a stroll around the site while enjoying the beautiful cherry blossoms planted during the Showa Period around 100 years ago. 

Kozenji Temple, one of Nagano Prefecture’s largest and oldest temples, is revered for its tranquil forested setting and striking architecture, including a dozen pagoda towers. The course to the temple is lined with towering Japanese cedar trees, leading visitors along a moss-covered path past a triple-tiered pagoda.

Unlike many cherry blossom sites that emphasize sheer numbers, Kozenji stands out for its cherry blossom variant — over 70 weeping cherry trees dramatically bend to the ground with their drooping branches. 

Just outside Obuse Town, along the Chikuma River, lies Chikumagawa Riverside Park — a breathtaking spring destination where golden mustard blossoms and peach-hued petals blanket the riverbanks.

Stretching for four kilometers, the park is home to over 600 yaezakura cherry trees, known for their lush, multi-layered blossoms. A scenic walking and biking path winds through the rows of cherry trees, offering a peaceful way to take in the view.

Visiting Japan during the spring? Read our full spring in Japan guide to learn more about festivals, cherry blossoms and things to do — along with the best cherry blossom spots in Osaka and Kyoto!

If you’re also traveling around Japan during the sakura season, check out the:

• Best places to see sakura in Chiba

• Best places to see sakura in Fukuoka

• Best places to see sakura in Hiroshima

• Best places to see sakura in Hokkaido

• Best places to see sakura in Nara

• Best places to see sakura in Toyama