Breathtaking view of Mt. Zao and 1,000 cherry trees along Shiroishi River seen from an observation deck at Funaoka Castle Park during Shibata Sakura Festival (Photo: Takako Sakamoto)

Shibata Sakura Festa - Castle Park

Great view of 1000 cherry trees & Mt. Zao from hilltop

Takako Sakamoto   - 1 min read

Every year in cherry blossom season, they hold the Shibata Sakura Festival' at the Funaoka Castle Park in Miyagi prefecture. Located 30 min. from JR Sendai station, this park is famous for its abundant cherry trees (over 1000 trees!), great view of Mt. Zao and the two endless lines of '1,000 cherry trees at a glance' along Shiroishi River. The park is a 10-minute walk from JR Funaoka station. From the bottom of the hill, it's an easy and scenic 100 meter-hike to the top of the hill where the Funaoka Castle Park is located. During Sakura Festival, a free shuttle bus service is available between the parking lot and the park.

Takako Sakamoto

Takako Sakamoto @takako.sakamoto

I was born in and grew up in Tokushima prefecture, and have lived in many places since then: Nishinomiya, Kyoto, Nara, Mie, Tokyo, Kanagawa, Saitama, Chiba, Fukuoka and Fukui. I am currently living in Yokohama City. All the places I lived, all the places I visited, I have loved dearly. The histor...