2025 Shobara Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in March)

#東京櫻花 "If you want to experience the energy of Tokyo’s hanami season, Ueno Park is the place to be! The sheer number of cherry trees creates a breathtaking pink canopy over the walkways. It gets incredibly crowded, but that’s part of the fun—locals and tourists alike gather here for lively picnics. Street food vendors add to the festive atmosphere, making it a great place to grab some yakitori or takoyaki while enjoying the view. However, if you prefer a quiet experience, come early in the morning or opt for another location. Don’t forget to check out the nearby museums and Ueno Zoo while you’re here!"

#magicalxmastrip The aesthetic appeal of Omiya Hachimangu is characterized by its harmonious blend of traditional architecture and serene natural surroundings, creating a picturesque environment that captivates visitors. The shrine's intricate design features ornate wooden structures and meticulously maintained gardens, which reflect the rich cultural heritage and spiritual significance of the site, enhancing its overall beauty. - Visitors to Omiya Hachimangu are often struck by the tranquil atmosphere, where the combination of historical significance and natural beauty fosters a sense of peace and reverence, making it a cherished destination for both locals and tourists.

#magicalxmastrip Winter illuminations have been held every year since the opening of the state-run Bihoku Hill Park in Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture, in 1995. It is characterised by hilly terrain and decorations that make use of trees, and a scene with a sense of depth as if wrapped in light spreads out, and you can enjoy a fantastic world. The area where the illuminations sparkles is developed mainly in the middle square, Hiba no Sato, and the flower square, and the variety of illuminations according to the characteristics of each venue area is also one of the attractions.

#cherryblossom2024 Deep gorges and wide open spaces The Bihoku area in Hiroshima Prefecture is a great place for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Hiking trails here take you through two magnificent gorges, Sandan-ke and Taisaku-ke, with dense forests and hot springs such as Takamiya Yunomori. It is interesting There are about 70 types of flowers in Bihoku Hills Park Sandan-ke and Taisaku-ke are considered two of the most picturesque gorges in Japan How to get there The best way to get to Bihoku is by car from Hiroshima — it will take two hours. The nearest transport interchange is Shobara IC on the Chugoku Expressway. Some of the attractions in the area — for example, Sandan-ke — can be reached by public transport. Flowers and sports in the national Park Bihoku Hills National Park will appeal to both fans of watching blooms and fans of outdoor sports. The park itself is divided into several sections, one of which is called the "Flower Square". Indeed, from spring to autumn, about 70 types of flowers bloom there. In Minori no Sato, more active tourists will enjoy a bicycle trail with a length of almost 7 km, as well as a disc golf course. Tsudoi no Sato is for playing golf and admiring sakura in the spring. And the open space of eight hectares, which is called the "Big Lawn", is great for relaxing in warm weather. Go through the gorge The Sandan-ke runs through the mountains northwest of Hiroshima. Impressive waterfalls and crevices can be found here. This place is just created for those who like to climb rocks through greenery. You can get to the Sandan-ke Gorge by public transport from Hiroshima. In Taisaku-kyo, it is worth getting to the stone arch of natural origin, known as the "Onbashi Bridge". The gorge itself is named after the god Taisaku-ten, and there is a temple dedicated to this deity — Aime-ji. There is a comfortable path from the temple gate along the northern part of the gorge.

#cherryblossom2024 Fireworks, homemade boat races and a training center for professional runners Ueno Park is an extensive green area for recreation, picnics and sports. There is a sports center on site where you can train for a modest fee. It is interesting The small red gate of the temple at Ueno Pond seems to grow out of the water — this is a reference to the floating gate of the Itsukushima Temple The sports center has running tracks for 100 and 350 meters Sakura blossoms in the park in spring How to get there The park is located very close to Bingo Shobara station. There is parking for visitors in cars. Ueno Pond The park is best known for Ueno Pond, surrounded by sakura trees. In spring, during flowering, they are illuminated with paper lanterns. A small sanctuary on the shore of the pond is also illuminated and decorates the evening landscape. Summer entertainment In summer, two spectacular events take place in the park. During the fireworks festival, you can admire how they are beautifully reflected in the water. A race on homemade boats is held between local teams, who first have to build a boat "from scratch". During the race, the teams swim across the pond, trying to overtake each other. A variety of boats are involved: from simple rafts to complex structures decorated with images of famous characters.

#2024wish Ueno Park is great! It’s absolutely worth visiting. There are many interesting museums around, great sidewalks, beautiful landscapes, temples, shrines and, many times, fun events! The Tokyo University is also just around the corner if you want to take a look and/or participate in an event by the university, such as workshops, exhibitions, concerts and else. Make sure to check schedules and have fun! I wish to go back here in 2024

Commonly known as Bihoku Illuminations, this is an annual event. Viewing the illuminations is free, just pay the regular admission fee. We recommend going in the afternoon, strolling around the park, and then viewing the illuminations at night. Usually, when viewing illuminations, the parking lot and the site are very crowded, but this park is located in a large rural area, so there is no need to worry about traffic jams or crowds. This means that even families can visit at their own pace without worry. The familiar illuminations are updated every year with new additions, making it a little more powerful.

Address - Tokyo Ambiance/Facilities - Highlights - Avg. Price per Person - Rating -