Northeast Japan Cherry Blossom 1-Day Tour from Sendai | Hitome Senbonzakura & Funaoka Castle Ruins Park
- Easy cherry blossom viewing from Sendai: A private bus connects three major viewing spots, saving you the hassle of transfers.
- Shiroishi Castle cherry blossoms: Admire the cherry blossoms against the wooden three-story keep at Masuoka Park, with a stay of about 1 hour.
- Visit Funaoka Castle Ruins Park: Ascend to overlook the town and the spring scenery of the Shiroishi River surrounded by cherry blossoms.
- Stroll through Hitome Senbonzakura: Walk along the Shiroishi River embankment and immerse yourself in the romance of a vast sea of pink cherry blossoms.
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Product Info
- Hitome Senbonzakura on the Shiroishi River | A Century-Old Cherry Blossom Corridor
The origin of Hitome Senbonzakura dates back to 1923, when local entrepreneur Kaijiro Takayama donated about 1,200 cherry tree saplings to give back to his Furusato. After a century of cultivation and protection by residents, it has formed an 8 km cherry blossom corridor along the Shiroishi River. Stroll along the river in spring to admire the rows of pink blossoms reflecting on the water. On clear days, you may even capture the snow-capped Zao Mountain Range in the background, experiencing the unique spring scenery of Northeast Japan.
* Best viewing period: Early to mid-April each year
- Funaoka Castle Ruins Park | A Blend of Historical Ruins and Hillside Cherry Blossoms
Funaoka Castle Ruins Park was once the site of the castle for the Harada clan and later the Shibata clan, who resided there until the Meiji Restoration. In 1970, it gained national attention due to the NHK Taiga drama 'Mominoki wa Nokotta'. Today, the former castle site has become a park for flower viewing and walking. In spring, you can walk along the paths to enjoy the cherry blossoms on the hillside and overlook the town of Shibata and surrounding mountains. The Funaoka Peace Kannon statue, standing about 24 meters tall at the summit, is also a representative landmark of the area.
* Best viewing period: Early to mid-April each year
- Shiroishi Castle | A Historical Castle Protected by the Katakura Clan
Located in Shiroishi City, Miyagi Prefecture, Shiroishi Castle is a historical castle with deep ties to the Date clan of the Sendai Domain. During the Edo period, it was held by Katakura Kojuro Kagetsuna, a senior retainer of Date Masamune, and his descendants, serving as an important southern stronghold for the Sendai Domain. The three-story keep seen today was reconstructed using traditional wooden methods, and its white walls and Japanese castle silhouette showcase its former glory.
In spring, cherry blossoms bloom in Masuoka Park, where the castle is located. The pink flowers against the white walls create a Japanese-style cherry blossom scene. Travelers can stroll through the park to enjoy the view of the castle and cherry blossoms, and feel the historical atmosphere of the Shiroishi castle town.
* Best viewing period: Early to mid-April each year
The thousand cherry trees along the Shiroishi River bloom, weaving together with the distant Zao Mountain Range to create a picturesque spring scene in Northeast Japan.
The contrast between cherry blossoms and the snow-capped Zao Mountain Range creates a unique spring railway landscape in Northeast Japan.
Spring cherry blossoms decorate Funaoka Castle Ruins Park. Ascend to overlook the cherry blossom corridor along the Shiroishi River and the town scenery, and feel the romance of spring in Northeast Japan.
The mountain slope train travels through a pink cherry blossom tunnel, offering views of the romantic spring scenery of Funaoka Castle Ruins Park. * The mountain train requires an additional fee and its operation depends on official announcements.
Pink cherry blossoms against the white walls of Shiroishi Castle create a romantic Japanese scene of an ancient castle accompanied by spring flowers.
Purchase Notice
[Travel Conditions]
Departure/Destination: Miyagi
Duration: 1-day round trip
Transportation: Chartered bus
Bus Company: Asahi Bus / Dream Kanko
Meals: Breakfast 0, Lunch 0, Dinner 0
Accommodation: None
Min. participants: 10
Tour Leader: 1
Guide: 0
[Travel Planning/Implementation]
Operator: LION TRAVEL JAPAN Co., Ltd.
Address: 7F Toranomon Central Building, 1-7-1 Nishi-Shimbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
License: Japan Tourism Agency Registered Travel Agency No. 1892
Association: Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA) Regular Member
Reminders
A minimum of 10 traveler(s) are required for the tour to depart. If the number of participants does not reach the minimum requirement, the tour will be canceled. An email regarding tour cancellation will be sent 4 day(s) before the departure date
In the event of inclement weather such as typhoons or snowstorms, a decision on whether to cancel the tour will be made 1 day(s) before departure (local time 18:00). Notifications will then be sent via email
Please arrive at the designated location 10 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time
The peak cherry blossom season is subject to weather conditions and may occur earlier or later than expected. Once the tour is confirmed, it will depart as scheduled even if it is not during the peak season. Please be aware that this cannot be used as a reason for free cancellation.
Vehicle type: Assigned based on the number of participants. For small groups, a driver who also acts as a tour assistant will provide services throughout the trip. No additional tour leader will be assigned, and participants are free to explore each location on their own.
During free time, please be mindful of your personal safety and belongings. You are responsible for any accidents or losses resulting from ignoring safety advice.
Bus seating is assigned on-site and cannot be specified. Thank you for your understanding.
As cherry blossom blooming dates vary each year, the itinerary is based on official cherry blossom forecasts. Viewing locations may be adjusted based on actual blooming conditions to ensure you enjoy the best possible scenery. Please understand that no refunds will be provided if weather conditions differ from the forecast.
Please note that departure times and routes for each sightseeing spot may be adjusted based on road conditions on the day of the tour.
