{"id":9138,"date":"2026-04-21T05:41:34","date_gmt":"2026-04-21T05:41:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/japan\/9138\/"},"modified":"2026-04-21T05:41:34","modified_gmt":"2026-04-21T05:41:34","slug":"20km-cherry-blossom-tunnel-japans-mt-iwaki-has-the-worlds-longest-cherry-lined-road","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/japan\/9138\/","title":{"rendered":"20km Cherry blossom tunnel! Japan\u2019s Mt. Iwaki has \u2018the world\u2019s longest cherry-lined road\u2019"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"mb2-plus4\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/japan\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Cherry Blossom_Lined Road06_Photo courtesy of Iwakisan Tourist Association.jpeg\" alt=\"Cherry blossom lined road\"\/><\/p>\n<p class=\"default-font lh-default ma0 mh3 mt0 pb3\">\n\t\t\t\t (Photo courtesy of Iwakisan Tourist Association)<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n<p class=\"storyline-p f4 \">Hop to the northeast and you can find an incredible cherry blossom tunnel in Japan! The Iwaki district is west of Hirosaki City in Aomori Prefecture, and located at the foot of beautiful Mt. Iwaki is \u201cThe World\u2019s Longest Cherry Blossom-Lined Road.\u201d&#13;<\/p>\n<p class=\"storyline-p f4 \">There, about 6,500 cherry trees line a 20km stretch of road and are in full bloom from late April to early May. In addition to this superb cherry blossom tunnel in Japan, there are even some great sightseeing spots like shrines and hot springs nearby, making for the perfect Japan trip.<\/p>\n<p>\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"mb2-plus4\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/japan\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Aomori.jpg\" alt=\"Aomori Pref. map with notable locations.\"\/><\/p>\n<p class=\"default-font lh-default ma0 mh3 mt0 pb3\">\n\t\t\t\tAomori Pref. map (Map by Stripes Japan)<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n<p> What is \u201cThe world\u2019s longest cherry blossom-lined road\u201d? <\/p>\n<p class=\"storyline-p f4 \">After a 40-minute bus ride from JR Hirosaki Station to Komoriyama-iriguchi bus stop, you\u2019ll arrive at a fantastic row of sakura cherry blossom trees that extends for about 20km along the prefectural roads in the Hyakuzawa-Dake area.&#13;<\/p>\n<p class=\"storyline-p f4 \">Started in 1985 with the planting of about 1,000 Oyamazakura cherry trees, it has become one of Aomori\u2019s leading sightseeing spots.&#13;<\/p>\n<p class=\"storyline-p f4 \">Inspired by local residents\u2019 desires to create the longest sakura-lined road in the world, tree planting continued annually with about 6,500 planted by 1995. This sakura tunnel now seems to continue on forever and is beloved by locals and tourists alike.<\/p>\n<p>\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"mb2-plus4\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/japan\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Cherry Blossom_Lined Road08_Photo courtesy of Iwakisan Tourist Association.jpeg\" alt=\"Cherry blossom lined road and Iwakisan\"\/><\/p>\n<p class=\"default-font lh-default ma0 mh3 mt0 pb3\">\n\t\t\t\t (Photo courtesy of Iwakisan Tourist Association)<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n<p>\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"mb2-plus4\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/japan\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Cherry Blossom_Lined Road01_Photo courtesy of Iwakisan Tourist Association.jpeg\" alt=\"Cherry blossom trees and statues; Iwakisan in the background.\"\/><\/p>\n<p class=\"default-font lh-default ma0 mh3 mt0 pb3\">\n\t\t\t\t (Photo courtesy of Iwakisan Tourist Association)<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n<p> Mornings are best! Enjoy different areas along this cherry blossom tunnel in Japan <\/p>\n<p class=\"storyline-p f4 \">To learn more about the best locations for photography along the sakura tunnel, we talked to Mr. Shinkichi Koyama of the Iwakisan Tourist Association, who has long been an admirer of the area\u2019s cherry blossoms.&#13;<\/p>\n<p class=\"storyline-p f4 \">Mr. Koyama noted: \u201cThe first thing you need to know is that this row of cherry trees is at an altitude of 200 &#8211; 450m at the foot of Mt. Iwaki, with a maximum height difference of about 250m.&#13;<\/p>\n<p class=\"storyline-p f4 \">\u201cFlowering is slower here than in the Hirosaki City area. It is difficult to predict exactly when the cherry blossoms will bloom, and there are gaps in each area. But those at low altitudes usually bloom around the end of April every year, with the higher-altitude ones blooming about 7 to 10 days later. You can enjoy the blossoms for more than 10 days.\u201d&#13;<\/p>\n<p class=\"storyline-p f4 \">It\u2019s exciting to monitor how each area is flowering while searching for the best spot at the best time!&#13;<\/p>\n<p class=\"storyline-p f4 \">If you\u2019re looking for photos with early blooming sakura, the Hyakuzawa area is a prime location. On both sides of the Tsugaru Country Club\u2019s backroads and the straightaway near Moriyama, the bright pink Oyama cherry blossoms display a different beauty from that of the Somei Yoshino variety.&#13;<\/p>\n<p class=\"storyline-p f4 \">The next best spot is also in the Hyakuzawa area. The road near Iwakisan Sogo Park has a gentle curve, offering a cherry blossom view with depth. It\u2019s usually best seen from the beginning of May, and many tourists park their cars on the roadside to set up their cameras.&#13;<\/p>\n<p class=\"storyline-p f4 \">Mr. Koyama says, \u201cAny time of day is beautiful, but the morning my recommendation.\u201d&#13;<\/p>\n<p class=\"storyline-p f4 \">In the high-altitude morning sunlight, the pink blossoms and the greenery of the trees create a beautiful contrast that can only be captured at that moment.&#13;<\/p>\n<p class=\"storyline-p f4 \">Karekidaira, the endpoint of the sakura tunnel, is in full bloom in early May. Because of its proximity, it\u2019s a recommended spot for closer shots of Mt. Iwaki and on a clear days, the scenery is truly dynamic.&#13;<\/p>\n<p class=\"storyline-p f4 \">Mr. Koyama admitted, \u201cI actually hope to go out the day after some bad weather.\u201d&#13;<\/p>\n<p class=\"storyline-p f4 \">Puddles on the road reflect the cherry blossoms like a watery mirror, and if taken from a low position, you can get a fantastic shot. So even if rainy weather seems disappointing during cherry blossom season, worry not! You can still get take your camera to Karekidaira the next morning.&#13;<\/p>\n<p class=\"storyline-p f4 \">As the blooming period approaches, the Iwakisan Tourist Association checks the state of the blossoms every morning and sends out flowering information earlier than anywhere else. You can check that information on their official website or by phone, with certainty that you have reliable local information before going out.&#13;<\/p>\n<p class=\"storyline-p f4 \">Finish your trip to The World\u2019s Longest Cherry Blossom-Lined Road by visiting a few of the area\u2019s other tourist spots.&#13;<\/p>\n<p class=\"storyline-p f4 \">Hirosaki City has plenty of restaurants and hot springs, but here are a few in the Iwaki district you should definitely check out!<\/p>\n<p class=\"storyline-p f4 \">The world\u2019s longest cherry blossom-lined road \u4e16\u754c\u4e00\u306e\u685c\u4e26\u6728<\/p>\n<p class=\"storyline-p f4 \">Address: Susono Hyakuzawa, Hirosaki, Aomori 036-1343<\/p>\n<p class=\"storyline-p f4 \">Nearest Station: Access to The World\u2019s Longest Cherry Blossom-Lined Road<\/p>\n<p class=\"storyline-p f4 \">\u2022 Hyakuzawa area: About 40 minutes by Konan bus from JR Hirosaki Station to Komoriyama-iriguchi Bus Stop<\/p>\n<p class=\"storyline-p f4 \">\u2022 Karekidaira area: About 60 minutes by Konan Bus from JR Hirosaki Station, get off at Karekidaira Bus Stop<\/p>\n<p class=\"storyline-p f4 \">* The row of cherry trees near Iwakisan Sogo Park is easily walkable.&#13;<\/p>\n<p class=\"storyline-p f4 \">* Taking a bus or car is recommended for easier access to areas far from bus stops.&#13;<\/p>\n<p class=\"storyline-p f4 \">PHONE: 0172-83-3000 (Iwakisan Tourist Association)<\/p>\n<p class=\"storyline-p f4 \"><a href=\"https:\/\/livejapan.com\/en\/reserve\/transportation\/cars\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Car Rental Reservation<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"storyline-p f4 \"><a href=\"https:\/\/livejapan.com\/public\/operation\/coupon\/nipponrentacar\/en.html?sc_lid=lj_article_a3000100\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Get 10% off! Rent a car<\/a><\/p>\n<p> Iwakiyama Shrine: Boasting a history of over 1,200 years <\/p>\n<p>\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"mb2-plus4\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/japan\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Iwakiyama Shrine01_Photo courtesy of Iwakisan Tourist Association.jpeg\" alt=\"Iwakiyama Shrine torii gates\"\/><\/p>\n<p class=\"default-font lh-default ma0 mh3 mt0 pb3\">\n\t\t\t\tIwakiyama Shrine (Photo courtesy of Iwakisan Tourist Association)<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n<p>\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"mb2-plus4\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/japan\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Iwakiyama Shrine04_Photo courtesy of Iwakisan Tourist Association.jpeg\" alt=\"Iwakiyama Shrine\"\/><\/p>\n<p class=\"default-font lh-default ma0 mh3 mt0 pb3\">\n\t\t\t\tIwakiyama Shrine (Photo courtesy of Iwakisan Tourist Association)<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n<p>\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"mb2-plus4\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/japan\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Iwakiyama Shrine03_Photo courtesy of Iwakisan Tourist Association.jpeg\" alt=\"Statues named \u201cTamagaki Komainu\u201d\"\/><\/p>\n<p class=\"default-font lh-default ma0 mh3 mt0 pb3\">\n\t\t\t\tTamagaki Komainu (hoto courtesy of Iwakisan Tourist Association)<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n<p class=\"storyline-p f4 \">Iwakiyama Shrine, located in Hyakuzawa about 2 km from the cherry blossom trees, enshrines Mt. Iwaki and has been a powerful site for worshippers since ancient times.&#13;<\/p>\n<p class=\"storyline-p f4 \">Originally dedicated to a god of agricultural and marine products, the shrine is now said to bring health, education, business, and marriage benefits, and is crowded with visitors on New Year\u2019s Day.&#13;<\/p>\n<p class=\"storyline-p f4 \">Mt. Iwaki has long been called \u201cO-Iwaki-sama\u201d and \u201cO-Yama\u201d by local people in terms of familiarity and respect. On August 1st, prayers for a good harvest and household security are held along with a pilgrimage to Mt. Iwaki, further illustrating the mountain\u2019s importance as a symbol of the Tsugaru region and a source of pride for local residents.&#13;<\/p>\n<p class=\"storyline-p f4 \">One of the main deities enshrined at Iwakiyama Shrine is Tatsubihime no Kami, a goddess of water. Drinking from the spring waters of the shrine\u2019s ritual hand washing fountain is said to remove evil from the body.&#13;<\/p>\n<p class=\"storyline-p f4 \">Statues called \u201cTamagaki Komainu\u201d are part of a stone fence on the shrine\u2019s grounds. The upward-facing Komainu is believed to bring monetary fortune, while the downward facing one provides good fortune in love, so many visitors take photos with both.&#13;<\/p>\n<p class=\"storyline-p f4 \">The main shrine and hall of worship, built in the middle of the Edo period, are designated as important national cultural properties. The cleverly built exterior and the vivid patterns adorning the pillars are of particular interest. In spring, Iwakiyama Shrine is a place of new beginnings and hope for progress and success.<\/p>\n<p class=\"storyline-p f4 \">Iwakiyama-jinja Shrine \u5ca9\u6728\u5c71\u795e\u793e<\/p>\n<p class=\"storyline-p f4 \">Address: 27, Terasawa, Hyakuzawa, Hirosaki-shi, Aomori, 036-1343<\/p>\n<p class=\"storyline-p f4 \">Nearest Station: Hirosaki Station (Ou Line), 40 minutes by bus<\/p>\n<p class=\"storyline-p f4 \">Phone: 0172-83-2135<\/p>\n<p> Hyakuzawa Onsen: Enjoy a soak before heading back! <\/p>\n<p>\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"mb2-plus4\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/japan\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Hyakuzama Onsen03.jpeg\" alt=\"Hyakuzama Onsen bath\"\/><\/p>\n<p class=\"default-font lh-default ma0 mh3 mt0 pb3\">\n\t\t\t\tHyakuzama Onsen (Photo by Live Japan)<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n<p class=\"storyline-p f4 \">The area around Mt. Iwaki has a wealth of hot springs, so after enjoying sakura viewing and a visit to the shrine, you can stop by the baths of Dake Onsen, Hyakuzawa Onsen, or one of ten other local hot springs to relieve the fatigue of your trip.&#13;<\/p>\n<p class=\"storyline-p f4 \">Hyakuzawa Onsen a popular drop-in hot spring located about a 10-minute walk from Iwakiyama Shrine.&#13;<\/p>\n<p class=\"storyline-p f4 \">The spring\u2019s most notable quality is its iron content, which oxidizes when exposed to air. The concentration is high enough to discolor the surrounding ground and baths themselves an ocher hue. Hyakuzawa Onsen\u2019s unique iron scent is also popular among hot spring enthusiasts, and with abundant hot water, you can enjoy this spring to your heart\u2019s content.&#13;<\/p>\n<p class=\"storyline-p f4 \">(* Note that white towels will be discolored by the iron.)&#13;<\/p>\n<p class=\"storyline-p f4 \">Hyakuzawa Onsen\u2019s spring is considered to be very hot with its 46\u00b0C temperature. However, lukewarm water is also available for those who don\u2019t enjoy such long, hot baths. The waters seem to have positive effects on neuralgia and rheumatism.&#13;<\/p>\n<p class=\"storyline-p f4 \">While Hirosaki is known for severe fluctuations between morning and evening temperatures, which can be chilly even in spring and summer, there\u2019s no need for concern about the cooling of Hyakuzawa Onsen\u2019s baths.&#13;<\/p>\n<p class=\"storyline-p f4 \">A place for relaxation where many locals visit, you\u2019ll have the opportunity to hear the Tsugaru dialect. After bathing, you can have a cup of coffee with milk as you finish your trip at this hot spring that will warm you inside and out.<\/p>\n<p class=\"storyline-p f4 \">Hyakuzawa Onsen \u767e\u6ca2\u6e29\u6cc9<\/p>\n<p class=\"storyline-p f4 \">Address: 290-0 Terasawa, Hyakuzawa, Hirosaki, Aomori<\/p>\n<p class=\"storyline-p f4 \">Phone: 0172-83-2226<\/p>\n<p class=\"storyline-p f4 \">Hours: 10 a.m. &#8211; 10 p.m. (closed 4th Wednesday each month)<\/p>\n<p class=\"storyline-p f4 \">Admission: Adults (high school and older), 320 yen; elementary school students, 150 yen; kindergarten students, 60 yen; 3 years old and under, free; (all tax-included)<\/p>\n<p class=\"storyline-p f4 \">A final note concerning cherry blossoms: Hirosaki Park, home to Hirosaki Castle, is also known for its famous Hirosaki Sakura Festival but The World\u2019s Longest Cherry-Lined Road is still the winner.&#13;<\/p>\n<p class=\"storyline-p f4 \">Flowering tends to be earlier in urban areas, and with the right timing, you may be able to see both. If you\u2019re that lucky, by all means, take plenty of photos of both, visit the hot springs in the Iwaki district and Iwakiyama Shrine, and enjoy your Hirosaki trip!<\/p>\n<p class=\"storyline-p f4 \">Via <a href=\"https:\/\/livejapan.com\/en\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Live Japan<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"(Photo courtesy of Iwakisan Tourist Association) Hop to the northeast and you can find an incredible cherry blossom&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":9139,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[7480,7863,2573,7859,7857,7856,7865,1373,7862,7860,8,7858,7864,33,1519,2821,7861,7855,7854],"class_list":["post-9138","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-japan","tag-aomori","tag-aomori-attractions","tag-cherry-blossom","tag-cherry-blossom-tunnel","tag-cherry-blossom-viewing","tag-hanami","tag-hirosaki","tag-hot-springs","tag-hyakuzawa-onsen","tag-iwakiyama-shrine","tag-japan","tag-longest-cherry-blossom-lined-road","tag-mt-iwaki","tag-nihon","tag-onsen","tag-sakura","tag-shinto-shrine","tag-spring-flowers","tag-spring-in-japan"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/japan\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9138","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/japan\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/japan\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/japan\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/japan\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9138"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/japan\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9138\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/japan\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/9139"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/japan\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9138"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/japan\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=9138"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/japan\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=9138"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}