By the beginning of May, the last cherry blossoms of Kakunodate have bloomed and are being blown away by the spring breeze. Green shoots have come out from the trees, heralding that winter is truly over, even though you can still see snow on top of the mountains in the horizon. It is also Golden Week, a national holiday and peak tourism season in Japan. Along the Hinokinai River, there are over a thousand trees that line the banks, so you can see cherry blossoms for as far as the eyes can see. You can cycle or stroll under the “tunnel” of cherry blossoms, in the same way that many visitors stroll under the tunnel of Vermillion gates in Fushimi Shrine in Kyoto.
- 1 min read
The Last Blossoms of Kakunodate
A thousand cherry blossoms in Springtime
![Bonson Lam Bonson Lam](https://a2.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/u/9/240x240!/57823ef067ba8136627445e6.jpg)
By Bonson Lam
Community writer
![Even in Golden Week you can enjoy strolling here without the crowds that you will find in Kyoto.](https://a1.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/12648-71991/1000/akita-the-last-blossoms-of-kakunodate-71991.jpg)
Even in Golden Week you can enjoy strolling here without the crowds that you will find in Kyoto.
![During the Edo period, a number of cherry trees were planted here from Kyoto.](https://a2.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/12648-71983/1000/akita-the-last-blossoms-of-kakunodate-71983.jpg)
During the Edo period, a number of cherry trees were planted here from Kyoto.
![Beautiful mature Cherry blossom trees at Kakunodate in Akita Prefecture](https://a1.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/12648-71986/1000/akita-the-last-blossoms-of-kakunodate-71986.jpg)
Beautiful mature Cherry blossom trees at Kakunodate in Akita Prefecture
![Along the Hinokinai River, there are over a thousand trees that line the banks.](https://a3.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/12648-71984/1000/akita-the-last-blossoms-of-kakunodate-71984.jpg)
Along the Hinokinai River, there are over a thousand trees that line the banks.
![The cherry blossom is almost finished in May when Golden Week rolls in ](https://a0.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/12648-71985/1000/akita-the-last-blossoms-of-kakunodate-71985.jpg)
The cherry blossom is almost finished in May when Golden Week rolls in
![A thousand cherry trees line the banks of the river next to Kakunodate](https://a1.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/12648-71982/1000/akita-the-last-blossoms-of-kakunodate-71982.jpg)
A thousand cherry trees line the banks of the river next to Kakunodate
![Cycling along the river is a great way to see Kakunodate](https://a0.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/12648-71990/1000/akita-the-last-blossoms-of-kakunodate-71990.jpg)
Cycling along the river is a great way to see Kakunodate
![Cycling along the river is a great way to see the cherry blossoms.](https://a2.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/12648-71987/1000/akita-the-last-blossoms-of-kakunodate-71987.jpg)
Cycling along the river is a great way to see the cherry blossoms.
![There is another small stream where cherry blossom petals float on the water](https://a3.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/12648-71988/1000/akita-the-last-blossoms-of-kakunodate-71988.jpg)
There is another small stream where cherry blossom petals float on the water
![Cycling along the river is a great way to see the cherry blossoms at Kakunodate](https://a0.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/12648-71989/1000/akita-the-last-blossoms-of-kakunodate-71989.jpg)
Cycling along the river is a great way to see the cherry blossoms at Kakunodate
Join the discussion
This is the best time of the year to see cherry blossoms in Kakunodate. This ancient town has both samurai and merchant houses, giving a beautiful backdrop to the flowers.
Jeradyne Cheong
9 years ago
How I wish I could be there to see it for myself!
Pratiwi
9 years ago
Your photos are amazing. It really reminds me about my trip in Akita several months ago.
3 comments in total
Book your trip
Find a nearby hotel
Explore some of the best nearby hotels and deals for the perfect place to stay in Japan.
Top Articles
-
1
Pokémon Sleep Comes to Grand Hyatt Tokyo
Tokyo -
2
Nintendo Museum Coming Autumn 2024
Kyoto -
3
Baba Ramen: Hands-on Cooking Workshop
Tokyo - Sponsored -
4
Gorgeous Genbudo
Hyogo -
5
Relaxing at the Nomazaki Lighthouse
Aichi -
6
Fantasy Springs at Tokyo DisneySea
Chiba -
7
Exploring the Ryūgashidō Cavern
Shizuoka -
8
Kamakura: A Memorable Summer Getaway
Kanagawa -
9
Minamiboso Tateyama Stay
Chiba -
10
SUSHI Making Experience JOY ASAKUSA
Tokyo
-
1
Gion Matsuri
Kyoto -
2
Guide to Bringing Medicines Into Japan
Planning -
3
Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival
Tokyo -
4
Tenjin Matsuri
Osaka -
5
Adachi Fireworks
Tokyo -
6
A Guide to Japanese Visas
Planning -
7
Your Name: Real-Life Locations in Tokyo
Tokyo -
8
Lantern Festival at Chidorigafuchi
Tokyo -
9
Yodogawa Fireworks Festival
Osaka -
10
The Ultimate Guide to Thrifting in Tokyo
Shopping