Shikoku is often highly regarded for having some incredible nature to enjoy, and that extends to cherry blossoms, too! The region has a number of fantastic spots to soak up the best of sakura season, and these five parks are at the top of the list.
Kagamino Park, Kōchi
Kagamino Park is a destination that feels wonderfully romantic in spring, thanks to a 200 meter-long cherry tree tunnel which naturally ends up as quite the popular photo spot. A festival is held here when the blooms are at their best, which typically tends to be around the late March to early April timeframe.
Miyanokuchi, Tosayamada Cho, Kami City, Kochi Prefecture 782-0003
Matsuyama Shiroyama Park, Ehime
Ehime's Matsuyama Shiroyama Park is dotted with around 200 cherry trees, and is one of the prefecture's top spots for enjoying the beauty of the season. You'll often see people setting up their hanami picnics here, and who can blame them - the combination of the pretty pink blooms and the backdrop of Matsuyama Castle makes this an incredibly memorable spot.
3 Chome-2-46 Okaido, Matsuyama, Ehime 790-0004
Seibu Park, Tokushima
Seibu Park in Tokushima is home to around 500 Somei Yoshino cherry trees, and it draws in numerous visitors from within and outside the prefecture during blooming season. A little later in spring, the park is also known for its numerous azalea bushes that adorn the grounds with even more springtime color.
Shoyama Kamonacho, Tokushima, 770-0048
Kotohiki Park, Kagawa
Kagawa's Kotohiki Park is one of the destinations on Japan's Top 100 Cherry Blossom viewing sites list, and it's filled to the brim with springtime beauty. Several hundred Somei Yoshino cherry trees can be found on the grounds here, and they're even illuminated after dark during the blooming season.
13 Ariakecho, Kanonji, Kagawa 768-0062
Makino Park, Kochi
The cherry trees at Kochi's Makino Park have quite an interesting story behind them. They were grown from seedlings provided by Dr. Tomitaro Makino, a revered botanist who was famous for classifying an extensive range of Japanese plants. Dr. Makino was born in Kochi Prefecture, and the park was named in honor of him.
2458 Ko, Sakawa, Takaoka District, Kochi 789-1201
