Japan’s Top 100 Blossoms: Shukugawa Park (Hyōgo)

The cherry blossom is the official flower of the city of Nishinomiya, whose Plant Research Center has bred two original varieties—nishinomiya-gongendairazakura and the shukugawa-maizakura—that now grow in Shukugawa Park. Although the park’s sakuras are very popular, the city urges visitors to be mindful of the riverbed’s proximity to private homes: They should take their garbage home with them and avoid being too loud; barbecuing and other use of fire are prohibited, and hanami spots cannot reserved using a picnic sheet.

Shukugawa Park (Hyōgo)

• Varieties: Somei yoshino, ōshimazakura, kanzan, etc.
• No. of trees: 1,660
• When: Late March to early April
• Hours: Open 24 hrs.
• Picnic: Yes, but the park is in a residential area, so avoid inconveniencing neighbors
• Admission: Free
• Address: Ōide-chō, Nishinomiya-shi, Hyōgo
• Website: Nishinomiya Tourism Association

Nearby hanami sites

• Himeji Castle
• Akashi Park

Near Shukugawa Park

• Prehistoric Seawater Springs Just Minutes from Kobe: Arima Onsen
• City Hiking: Nunobiki Falls in the Heart of Kobe
• Japan’s Fortress in the Clouds: The Takeda Castle Ruins

Sakura 100: Japan’s Best Blossoms

(Translated from Japanese. Banner photo © Nishinomiya City.)