One of the most awaited events in Japan during spring is the blooming of cherry blossoms. While many people flock to Tokyo or Kyoto for some of the most popular cherry blossom viewing spots, Miyagi Prefecture’s “Hitome Senbonzakura” does not pale in comparison. If you’re looking for an unforgettable sakura experience, this lesser-known spot has everything that helps create one.
What Hitome Senbonzakura Means
Hitome Senbonzakura—literally a thousand cherry blossom trees at a glance—refers to an area in Funaoka with 1,200 trees unfolding along the banks of Shiroishi River. The row of cherry blossom trees stretches up to 8 kilometers, with a gentle footpath and grassy slopes where you can rest and take in the view. There are several prime viewing spots along the way and below are some of them.
Best Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots
Sakurahodo Bridge
The bridge is a 4-minute walk from Funaoka Station and immediately comes into view. It overlooks the Shiroshi River.
Shibata Sen-ou Bridge
This bridge leads you to Funaoka Castle Ruins Park. Along the way, you will see a view of Shiraishigawa Sen-ou Park as well as train tracks.
Funaoka Castle Ruins Park Observation Deck
Funaoka Castle Ruins Park is a separate cherry blossom spot that you can check out when you walk along Hitome Senbonzakura. You can ride a slope car that runs through a tunnel of cherry blossom trees. At the top is an observation deck where you get a bird’s eye view of Hitome Senbonzakura.
Yakatabune
Yakatabune are traditional Japanese houseboats. Pre-pandemic, yakatabune for cherry blossom viewing cruised down the river and stopped just before Niragamizeki Weir. Should the situation calm down, it is likely that these boats will start operating again.
Niragamizeki Weir
Said to be the most beautiful spot to see Hitomi Senbonzakura, Niragamizeki Weir affords viewers a view of cherry blossom trees with snowcapped mountains in the background.
When to See Cherry Blossoms
The blooming season for cherry blossoms changes every year, but the ones in Funaoka typically bloom from early to mid-April. You can only rely on forecasts to an extent, however, and I find that one of the best ways to check present blooming conditions is by checking the latest photos uploaded on Google Maps.
In addition, cherry blossoms in Tohoku (Northeastern Japan) bloom later than Tokyo and Kyoto, so you can gradually make your way from West to East Japan as you chase cherry blossoms.
Hitome Senbonzakura Video
How to Get to Hitome Senbonzakura
Hitome Senbonzakura (一目千本桜, ひとめ せんぼんざくら)
Open space, no business hours or admission fee
4-minute walk from Funaoka Station, JR Tohoku Line
Google Maps
