Hitome Senbonzakura Cherry Blossoms 一目千本桜

Each mid to late April, the Ogawara Town section of the Shiroishi River turns pink. The Hitome Senbonzakura, or “1000 Cherry Blossoms at a Glance” is a famous cherry blossom viewing spot in the Tohoku region, attracting more than 300,000 visitors each year.

The line of cherry trees is between Funaoka and Ogawara stations on the Tohoku Line, a short walk from the train station.

From Tokyo, take the Tohoku Shinkansen to Sendai station which takes one and a half hours. Then take a 35-minute train ride south using the Tohoku Line from Sendai Station.

There are closer to 1,200 trees lining both sides of the eight-kilometer stretch of river. There are many kinds of cherry trees, such as white mountain cherry, double-flowers, and an abundance of Yoshino cherry, the most common type in Japan. About a third of the Yoshino trees are over 90 years old, meaning not all the trees here will look exactly the same.

Seek out food and drinks at the festival food stalls or nearby supermarkets and convenience stores for your own flower viewing party. Park yourself along the river, or continue on to nearby Funaoka Joshi Park, a cherry blossom hill with a giant Buddhist statue on top. It is a 15-minute walk from Funaoka Station.