Spectacular Hanami Petal Dance
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Floral climax on the slopes of Mount Akagi
Akagi is one of the hundred best places in Japan to watch cherry blossoms. This mountain is perfect for coming here in the spring season and admiring the views.
How to get there
The Akagi Cherry Blossom Festival, held in Maebashi in Gunma Prefecture, is easily accessible by public transport.
In Tokyo, take the JR Joetsu Shinkansen to Takasaki Station. There, transfer to the Ryomo Line to Maebashi Station. The trip will only take about an hour.
You can also take the JR Takasaki line from Ueno Station to Maebashi. It will take 1 hour and 45 minutes.
You can get around the city by bus. The circular route starts at the southern exit from Maebashi Station. An unlimited one-day pass costs 1,500 yen for adults and 750 yen for children. The bus stops at the Gumma Flower Park and the German-style village Akagi Kronenburg Yuhodo. The cherry blossom festival is held within a five-minute walk from the village.
Romantic moments
A strip planted with sakura stretches along the slope of Mount Akagi for 3.5 kilometers. Rows of trees form a stunning airy pink tunnel above the trail. When the wind blows, a gentle floral rain falls from them.
Traditional treats
During the flowering season, visitors can buy food and drinks at the numerous stalls. A variety of dishes are prepared here, which are served at Japanese festivals — yakitori, yakisoba, takoyaki. Please note that it is very crowded here during the event.
Cherry Blossom Calendar
The time to observe the cherry blossom depends on the weather. As a rule, sakura blooms sometime in early April, but in different years these dates may shift within two weeks.