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
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
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
At the very top of the hill stands a 24-meter statue of the Buddhist goddess of mercy, Kannon. The statue was commissioned in 1975 by Noguchi Tokusaburo in memory of his wife, Shizu. The statue holds a dove in her hands, which is a symbol of peace.
Hitome Senbonzakura Observation Deck
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
