Nestled at the foot of Mount Omuro in Ito City, Shizuoka Prefecture, Sakura no Sato (Cherry Blossom Village) is a renowned cherry blossom destination. Spanning 40,000 square meters, the park is home to approximately 1,000 cherry trees representing 40 different varieties. Unlike most hanami spots in Japan, Sakura no Sato offers visitors the rare opportunity to enjoy cherry blossoms from late September to May, thanks to its diverse collection of seasonal and year-round blooming cherry trees.

Why Sakura no Sato is Worth Visiting

• Year-Round Cherry Blossoms – Unique varieties like Shikizakura, Fuyuzakura, and Jugatsuzakura bloom beyond the traditional spring season.
• Rare Cherry Species – Features uncommon varieties such as Ooyamazakura, Takanezakura, and Miyamazakura, offering a unique sakura experience.
• Nighttime Illumination – During peak bloom, the park’s cherry blossoms are illuminated, creating a breathtaking evening display.
• Scenic Backdrop – Located at the base of Mount Omuro, the park offers stunning natural landscapes.
• Spacious Viewing Areas – With vast lawns and well-maintained walking paths, the park is ideal for hanami picnics and leisurely strolls.

Sakura no Sato Cherry Blossoms

Sakura no Sato is a haven for cherry blossom enthusiasts, boasting a remarkable diversity of sakura varieties. The park is home to approximately 1,500 cherry trees of 40 different species, ensuring a prolonged and varied blooming season. Some of the standout varieties include:

• Somei Yoshino – The most common cherry blossom in Japan, with numerous trees in the park.
• Yamazakura – A wild cherry variety known for its soft pink flowers, with 112 trees in the park.
• Oshima Zakura – Recognizable for its fragrant, large white blossoms, with 207 trees.
• Kanzan – Notable for its deep pink, double-layered petals, with 502 trees.
• Gyoiko & Fugenzou – Rare varieties showcasing unique yellowish-green and late-blooming double-layered blossoms, respectively.

The park’s cherry blossoms can be enjoyed both during the day and at night. A special nighttime illumination event takes place during peak bloom, transforming the park into a magical spectacle of glowing petals and enchanting scenery. The central lawn area, walking trails, and an observation deck near Mount Omuro provide prime viewing spots for visitors.

Sakura no Sato Facilities & Amenities

Sakura no Sato offers amenities such as a dog run, allowing visitors to enjoy cherry blossoms with their pets. Two public restrooms, including an accessible facility, are available on-site. Free parking is offered at the entrance, and bicycle rentals are available nearby for those who wish to explore the area. While the park itself does not offer free Wi-Fi, some nearby accommodations provide internet access.

Dining Options

Although Sakura no Sato lacks on-site dining facilities, visitors can find delicious local food options nearby. Washi no Sato is home to the Washi and Food Shop Kami no Hana, which serves traditional soba buckwheat noodles and gohei mochi, a grilled rice cake skewer coated in sweet walnut miso paste. At the nearby Art and Crafts Center, visitors can try dorayaki (sweet pancakes) made with cherry tree leaves in the bean paste filling. Additionally, during peak bloom, seasonal food stalls appear near the park, offering snacks and drinks for hanami picnics. For a more substantial meal, visitors can explore dining options in Ito City.

Travel Tips

• Plan your visit according to bloom forecasts – Somei Yoshino trees peak in early April, while other varieties bloom from late September to May.
• Arrive early during peak season – To secure parking and the best viewing spots, visit early in the morning.
• Bring a picnic – The park is perfect for a hanami picnic, so pack your favorite Japanese snacks. Note that open flames are prohibited.
• Take advantage of the nighttime illumination – Visit in the evening for a unique sakura experience.
• Explore nearby attractions – Consider visiting Mount Omuro or enjoying water activities on the Miyagawa River to enhance your trip.

How to Get to Sakura no Sato

From Tokyo, take the Tokaido Shinkansen to Atami Station, then transfer to the Izu Kyuko Line and get off at Izu-Kogen Station. From there, board a Tokai Bus bound for Izu Shaboten Park and get off at the Shaboten Park bus stop. Sakura no Sato is a short 5-minute walk from the bus stop. For those traveling by car, the park is approximately two hours from the Tomei Expressway’s Atsugi IC via the Odawara Atsugi Road and National Highway 135. Free parking is available at the park entrance.

Nearby Attractions

Mount Omuro

A short distance from Sakura no Sato, Mount Omuro is a dormant volcano known for its symmetrical shape and scenic summit views. Visitors can take a chairlift to the top for panoramic vistas of the Izu Peninsula and the Pacific Ocean.

Izu Shaboten Zoo

Located near the park, this zoo features a wide variety of animals, including capybaras, as well as an impressive collection of cacti and succulents. The capybara hot spring bath is a must-see attraction during winter months.

Jogasaki Coast

For nature lovers, the Jogasaki Coast offers a breathtaking hiking experience along rugged cliffs, with stunning views of the ocean and the Kadowaki Suspension Bridge providing an adventurous touch to the scenic trail.

Nearby Cherry Blossom Spots

Matsukawa River Cherry Blossoms

Located in Ito City, this picturesque riverside promenade features rows of cherry trees lining the water, creating a mesmerizing pink tunnel during peak bloom.

Atami Plum Garden

Although famous for its early-blooming plum blossoms, this garden also boasts beautiful cherry trees that bloom in early spring, offering another fantastic floral viewing experience.

Izu Highland Cherry Blossom Tunnel

A famous cherry blossom road in the Izu Highland area, this tunnel of cherry blossom trees creates a spectacular drive-through hanami experience, perfect for photography enthusiasts.

Top Image Source: Photos of Japan, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons