Kitakami Tenshochi Cherry Blossom Festival

Welcome in spring under a canopy of cherry blossom

The Kitakami Tenshochi Cherry Blossom Festival is held every year from mid-April to early May in Kitakami Tenshochi Park. This festival is considered one of the top three cherry blossom viewing spots in Tohoku, along with Hirosaki in Aomori and Kakunodate in Akita. The park covers 300 hectares and is a visual delight for visitors.

One of the highlights of the festival is strolling through a tunnel of pink. The branches of cherry blossom trees stretch out from both sides of the walkway to form a beautiful canopy. Walking through this tunnel of pink buds is a truly enchanting experience. As dusk sets in, lights flicker on to illuminate the pathway, creating a magical atmosphere for cherry blossom viewing both during the day and at night.

In addition to the cherry blossoms, the festival also features over 300 colorful carp streamers hung from one side of the Kitakami River to the other. Taking a riverboat cruise allows visitors to see the cherry blossoms from a different angle and pass under the fluttering carp streamers.

But the festival isn’t just about the pink petals. Visitors can also enjoy a ride in a horse-drawn carriage along the cherry tree-lined pathways and indulge in festival food. One of the most popular items at the festival is the Kitakami Croquette, which contains beef, pork, taro root, and asparagus. All the ingredients used in the croquette are locally produced in the Kitakami area. There are also many food vendors around the park offering a variety of delicious treats.

For those interested in traditional crafts, the Tenshochi Rest House offers a unique item for sale: thinly sliced wood used to wrap food. In the past, when paper was expensive, people would use thin slices of wood to wrap and carry their food. This traditional practice is still preserved at the festival, and visitors can purchase the thinly sliced wood separately from the food.

Visitors can easily access the park by foot or taxi from the nearest train station, Kitakami Station. It is just a 20-minute walk from the east exit of the station. Alternatively, a taxi ride to the park should cost around 1,000 yen if there is no traffic.

While attending the Kitakami Tenshochi Cherry Blossom Festival, visitors can also explore other attractions in the area. Within walking distance of the park are the Michinoku Folklore Village and the Kitakami City Museum. These cultural sites offer a deeper understanding of the local history and traditions.

It is worth noting that the Kitakami Tenshochi Park was named one of the 100 best cherry blossom viewing spots in japan in 1990. This recognition speaks to the park’s beauty and charm during the cherry blossom season.

In conclusion, the Kitakami Tenshochi Cherry Blossom Festival is a must-visit event for nature lovers and cherry blossom enthusiasts. The festival offers a unique opportunity to experience the beauty of cherry blossoms under a canopy of pink. Whether strolling through the tunnel of pink, admiring the colorful carp streamers, or indulging in festival food, visitors are sure to have a memorable time at this enchanting event. So, mark your calendars and make sure to visit Kitakami Tenshochi Park during the cherry blossom season for a truly unforgettable experience.

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