The 101st Takada Castle Site Park Cherry Blossom Festival

Session period

Date April 3th (Friday) to April 19th (Sunday) , 2026* Depending on the flower situation, it may be moved forward or extended.

Venue

Takada Castle Site Park, Joetsu City, Niigata Prefecture

Best time to see cherry blossoms

Early to mid-April

Cherry blossom viewing information

Takada Castle Ruins Park is the ruins park of Takada Castle. In 1909 (Meiji 42), the veterans' association celebrated the entry of the 13th Division into the castle and planted 2,200 cherry trees on the ruins of the castle.
After that, in 1914 (Taisho 3), flowers were in full bloom, and in 1917 (Taisho 6), citizens were permitted to enter the premises.
Hoshokai was established in 1925 (Taisho 14), and along with publicizing its beauty nationwide, the first cherry blossom viewing party was held in April 1926 (Taisho 15) with permission from shops and performances. it was done.
Most of the cherry trees planted in Takada Castle Ruins Park are "Somei Yoshino". Starting with the vast inner moat and outer moat that surrounds the park, about 4,000 cherry blossom trees are in full bloom, and the beauty of the cherry blossoms illuminated by about 3,000 paper lanterns is known as one of the best in Japan. It is counted as one of the three major night cherry blossoms.
As one of the highlights, the scenery reflected on the water surface of the inner moat of Takada Castle's three-storied turret is fantastic, and it is so beautiful that it steals the hearts of those who see it.

Highlight

  • The illuminated Takada Castle Three-Story Turret and the inner moat lit up with cherry blossoms
  • The illuminated cherry blossom tunnel "Sakura Road"
  • The illuminated Nishibori Bridge reflected in the moat
  • The view of cherry blossoms and snow-capped mountains from the south moat

What are Japan's top three night cherry blossoms?

Takada Castle Ruins Park (Niigata Prefecture),
Hirosaki Park (Aomori Prefecture),
Ueno Park (Tokyo)

Others

  • 5 Selected "Flower Scenery" in the World Selected by US Media CNN in 2012
  • 2013 Japan Night View Heritage Illumination Night View Heritage Certification
  • 2014 Certified as one of Japan's top three night castles

Access

JR Joetsu Myoko Station - Echigo Tokimeki Railway Takada Station - About 15 minutes on foot

Prefecture

Address 44-1 Honjocho, Joetsu City, Niigata