Best Cherry Blossom Spots in Toyama
Toyama in Bloom: The Best Cherry Blossom Spots to Brighten Your Spring
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Toyama Prefecture during spring is a season of transformation and quiet charm. Located between the sea and the majestic Tateyama Mountain Range, the region offers a spectacular mix of natural beauty and cultural depth that truly comes alive when the cherry blossoms bloom. Spring in Toyama is something else with the region’s dramatic landscapes, gorgeous rivers, historic parks and breathtaking mountain backdrops, to name a few.
With a more laid-back vibe compared to other busy sakura hotspots, Toyama provides the perfect setting for peaceful hanami outings, where you can take your time savoring the fleeting beauty of the season. Whenever you’re strolling by a canal, hiking a hilltop, or simply sitting beneath a cascade of pink petals, you’ll run into scenes that will look like a perfectly composed photograph. Ready to explore our list? Let’s go!
Check also: Cherry Blossom Forecast in Japan 2025
1. Matsukawa River
Matsukawa River (松川公園) is the ultimate cherry blossom hotspot in Toyama City, and for good reason. Picture this: 530 cherry trees stretching along a scenic 3.9-kilometer path, their pink petals creating a magical canopy. And the best part? You can hop on a small boat cruise and float right under the blossoms for a unique perspective.
It’s no wonder this spot ranks among Japan’s Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots. The area is bustling with locals and visitors snapping photos, picnicking, or just soaking up the spring vibes, especially as petals flutter gently into the river.
Best time to visit: The cherry blossoms typically bloom from early to mid-April, so keep an eye on the forecast to catch them at their peak.
 Access |
10-min walk from Toyama Station |
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2. Takaoka Kojo Park
Takaoka Koyo Park (高岡古城公園) combines history and nature in the most delightful way. Once the site of Takaoka Castle, this park is now a hotspot for cherry blossom enthusiasts. Stroll along the moat and enjoy the blossoms reflected in the water, or find a cozy spot to relax under the trees. With around 1,800 trees in bloom, it’s easy to see why it’s a favorite hanami destination.
The park’s vast area offers plenty of space for picnics, so grab some local treats and enjoy the view. Keep an eye out for the turtles and koi in the water, they’re the park’s unofficial mascots!
Best time to visit: Mid-April is when the blossoms are at their peak, and evening illuminations add an extra touch of magic.
 Official Website |
17-min walk from Takaoka Station |
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3. Funakawa River
Funakawa River (舟川べり) delivers a visual feast known as the “Spring Quartet.” This stunning combination of cherry blossoms, tulips, canola flowers, and the snow-capped Northern Japan Alps is nothing short of breathtaking. The 1.2 km stretch of 280 cherry trees feels like stepping into a painter’s dream.
Bring your camera and prepare for some of the most Instagram-worthy views in the region. It’s a little out of the way, but the reward is well worth the journey.
Best time to visit: The blossoms typically bloom from mid to late April, overlapping beautifully with the tulip and canola fields.
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7-min drive from Tomari Station |
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4. Fugan Canal Kansui Park
For an urban hanami experience, Fugan Canal Kansui Park (富岩運河環水公園) is your spot. This beautifully landscaped park has cherry trees lining the canal and the striking Tenmon Bridge as a centerpiece.Its elegant arches reflect in the canal, adding a touch of drama to an otherwise tranquil scene. When evening falls, the blossoms light up like a fairytale, perfect for those who want to linger after sunset.
The park’s spacious layout makes it family-friendly, and evening illuminations create an entirely different atmosphere once the sun sets.
Best time to visit: Early to mid-April offers the best blooms, with night views adding an extra layer of charm.
| Official Website |
11-min walk from Toyama Station |
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5. Kurikara Prefectural Natural Park
Kurikara Prefectural Natural Park (倶利伽羅県定公園) is one of the most spectacular spots. Here, 6,000 double-flowered sakura trees create a spectacular tunnel of blooms so fluffy and vibrant, they look like something out of a Studio Ghibli movie. The road to Kurikara Fudoji Temple is the main attraction, but there’s more to discover.
This park is a key historical place as the site of a famous Genpei War battle, so you’ll find monuments and a temple adding to the atmosphere.
Best time to visit: Mid-April is the ideal time to catch the double-flowered cherry trees in full bloom.
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8-min drive from Kurikara Station |
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6. Shogawa Water Memorial Park
Shogawa Water Memorial Park (庄川水記念公園), located in Tonami City, feels right out of a painter’s palette. The rare Edo-higan cherry trees here add soft pops of pink to the emerald waters of the Shogawa Dam lake, creating a landscape so perfect it almost feels staged. The park isn’t huge, but it’s a favorite for those who like a quiet hanami. Strolling through the grounds, you’ll find plenty of nooks for a peaceful picnic or a scenic photo session.
Visitors love the way the blossoms reflect on the lake, making it feel like the sakura are blooming twice. The surrounding park is spacious, with scenic pathways ideal for long walks, offering plenty of spots to appreciate the view. It’s a hidden gem that appeals to those looking for a less-crowded hanami experience.
Best time to visit: The cherry trees are at their most beautiful from early to mid-April, with mild weather enhancing the overall experience.
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12-min drive from Fukuno Station |
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7. Asahiyama Park
Himi City’s Asahiyama Park (朝日山公園) offers a delightful mix of history and natural beauty. Established in 1909, this hillside park is famous for its panoramic views of Himi City, the Sea of Japan, and even the Tateyama Mountain Range on clear days. But come spring, the cherry trees here steal the show, framing the landscape with clouds of pink.
Locals love coming here for a bit of light hiking and a lot of blossom-gazing. The vibe is old-school chill, and you’ll often find families setting up picnics while kids run around in the fresh mountain air.
Best time to visit: The sakura here tend to bloom in early April. Head up in the morning for crisp views or stay for sunset to see the blossoms bathed in golden light.
| Official Website |
5-min rive from Himi Station |
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8. Gando River Banks
The Gando River Banks (岸渡川堤) in Takaoka City are a hidden gem for cherry blossom enthusiasts looking for a peaceful escape. Picture a 1,000-tree sakura tunnel stretching alongside the Gando and Sannogawa rivers, creating a dreamy riverside promenade. The overhanging branches form a natural archway, with petals gently falling like confetti onto the paths below. Strolling here feels like stepping into a picture-perfect spring postcard.
Compared to Toyama’s more popular hanami spots, this one offers a quieter, more intimate experience, ideal for those who prefer to savor the blossoms without the hustle and bustle. Bring a picnic blanket, take a slow walk, or simply sit and let the soft rustling of the blossoms recharge your senses.
Best time to visit: The cherry blossoms at the Gando River Banks usually hit their peak in early April. Visit during the morning for a calm start to your day or late afternoon for soft, golden-hour lighting.
| Official Website |
5-min walk from Fukuoka Station |
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9. Toyama Castle Ruins Park
Toyama Castle Ruins Park (富山城址公園) combines history and hanami in a way that feels distinctly Toyama. Built on the site of the original Toyama Castle, the park is home to a collection of cherry trees whose blossoms reflect beautifully on the moat. It’s not just about the flowers here—the reconstructed castle tower adds a touch of historical flair, making it a favorite for both blossom fans and history buffs. On a sunny day, you’ll see locals strolling with their cameras or enjoying snacks under the trees. It’s the perfect mix of urban convenience and springtime charm, all wrapped up in one compact, photogenic package.
Best time to visit: Early to mid-April is prime time for blossoms here. For an extra treat, stop by in the late afternoon when the light softens and the moat reflections are at their best.
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1-min walk from Kokusaikaigijo-Mae Station or Maruno-Uchi Station |
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10. Observatory of Kurehayama Park
The Observatory of Kurehayama Park (呉羽山公園 展望台) offers cherry blossoms with a side of jaw-dropping views. Perched on a hill overlooking Toyama City, this spot is a favorite for locals who love a good stroll among the sakura trees while gazing out at the Tateyama Mountain Range in the distance. The park’s cherry blossoms line its paths, creating an inviting space for picnics, casual walks, or a quiet moment to yourself.
As you wander, you’ll notice how the blossoms perfectly frame the city below, adding a splash of pink to an already stunning view. It’s a little less crowded than the more central hanami spots, giving you the chance to savor spring at your own pace.
Best time to visit: The blossoms at the Observatory of Kurehayama Park are typically in full bloom in early to mid-April. Visit near sunset for a magical combination of golden light, cityscapes, and mountains.
| Access |
4-min drive from Toyama-daigaku-mae Station |
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Written by
Photographer, journalist, and avid urban cyclist, making sense of Japan since 2017. I was born in Caracas and lived for 14 years in Barcelona before moving to Tokyo. Currently working towards my goal of visiting every prefecture in Japan, I hope to share with readers the everlasting joy of discovery and the neverending urge to keep exploring.
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