Funaoka Castle Ruins Park: Ride a Cherry Blossom Slope Car

Funaoka Castle Ruins Park is one of the best places to see cherry blossoms in Miyagi Prefecture. Among the Top 100 Sakura Spots in Japan, the park is known for its retro slope car that runs through cherry blossoms. At the summit of the gentle hill lies a white Kannon statue and an observation deck that overlooks Hitome Senbonzakura.

History of Funaoka Castle

Funaoka Castle dates back to 1200. Originally, the castle was built by the Shibata clan, from which the town takes its name. In the 1600s, the Harada clan took over the castle, but after a political conflict involving personnel from the Edo Shogunate ensued, all the male members of the Harada clan were sentenced to death. Funaoka Castle was also torn down.

Unique Cherry Blossom Experience

Funaoka Castle Ruins Park in spring

The history of Funaoka Castle may be dark, but today it is mostly known as a beloved cherry blossom spot. There are about 1,300 Somei Yoshino cherry blossom trees blooming on the park grounds, along with different seasonal blooms that appear throughout the year.

Slope Car

Slope car station at the summit of Funaoka Castle Ruins Park

One of the unique experiences the Funaoka Castle Ruins Park provides is a slope car ride that takes you through a tunnel of cherry blossoms. The slope car can carry forty people at a time and takes visitors to the hilltop where you can view the city from a height of 305 meters. The ride is about 3 minutes one-way.

Fare: Adult – ¥500 / Child – ¥300

Kannon Peace Statue

Hitome Senbonzakura Observation Deck

View of Hitome Senbonzakura from Funaoka Castle Ruins Park

The top of the hill also serves as an observation deck where visitors can see Hitome Senbonzakura stretching as far as the eye can see. On a clear day, you can also spot Mt. Zao in the distance.

Shibata Cherry Blossom Festival

The Shibata Sakura Matsuri (Shibata Cherry Blossom Festival) is an annual event that takes place in April. The festival has been running for over 60 years and attracts over 200,000 visitors each year. During festival dates, you’ll find food stalls and souvenir shops, at the park. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the festival will not take place in 2022.

When to See Cherry Blossoms

Cherry blossoms usually bloom in Miyagi Prefecture around mid-April. Forecasts vary each year. Your best bet is to check the latest photos on Google Maps.

Funaoka Castle Ruins Park Video

How to Get to Funaoka Castle Ruins Park

Funaoka Castle Ruins Park (船岡城址公園, Funaoka Jōshi Kōen)
9:00 to 17:00, closed on Mondays
Free admission,
Official Website

Mizhelle
Mizhellehttps://www.tokyopast3.com
Digital marketer by day, curator of curious stories by night. Originally from Manila, Philippines.

Related Posts

Comments

Leave a Reply

Stay Connected

569FansLike
700FollowersFollow
10FollowersFollow
278FollowersFollow
140FollowersFollow
1,920SubscribersSubscribe

Recent Stories

Never miss a story.

Sign up for the newsletter to get the latest updates, offers, and special announcements

Discover more from Tokyo Past 3

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading