When it comes to spring traditions, many people probably think of cherry blossom viewing.
Since I am experiencing my first spring after moving from Kanagawa to Kurashiki, I wanted to enjoy cherry blossom viewing at a famous cherry blossom spot in Kurashiki.
There are various cherry blossom spots in the city, but after consulting with my friend who came with me, we decided to go to Sakatsu Park, which is famous as a cherry blossom viewing spot.
Around Sakatsu Park, there are bakeries and Aeon Mall Kurashiki, making it easy to procure food and drinks.
Sakatsu Park is said to be a classic cherry blossom viewing spot. I will introduce the lively atmosphere of cherry blossom viewing during the spring break season.
About Sakatsu Park
Sakatsu Park is a comprehensive park developed with the theme of "water and cherry blossoms."
It was developed from land created by the Takahashi River improvement project in 1951.
There are about 500 cherry trees blooming in Sakatsu Park. It is popular as a cherry blossom viewing spot in Kurashiki City, bustling with people enjoying cherry blossom viewing from mid-March to late April.
With large playground equipment, spots for water play, and open squares, it is also attractive for children to enjoy moving around freely.
Within the park, there are historical highlights such as the Western-style wooden building of the Takahashi River East-West Water Association, which is designated as an important cultural property by the national government, and a monument commemorating the Takahashi River improvement project, allowing visitors to feel the history.
In spring, Sakatsu Park offers various cherry blossoms such as Kawazu cherry, Yaezakura, and Shidarezakura, but the most prominent among them is the Somei Yoshino. The Somei Yoshino, blooming magnificently around the park, is even referred to as the "cherry blossom tunnel" on Google Maps.
In early April, when the Somei Yoshino was in full bloom, I also went to see the cherry blossoms.
The Square and the Cherry Blossom Tunnel
I will introduce the state of Sakatsu Park on April 6, 2024 (Saturday).
On this day, the temperature was high, and many people were enjoying cherry blossom viewing while laying out leisure sheets in the pleasant spring weather.
The park's parking lot was full by 11 a.m., so it seems better for those coming by car to arrive early.
Cherry Blossom Viewing Under the Cherry Blossom Trees by the Reservoir
First, I passed through the lively square of the park and headed towards the reservoir.
From a distance, I could see the impressive row of Somei Yoshino cherry trees.
The cherry blossom trees bloom in a way that covers the path, and the walkway by the reservoir is divided into three levels.
First, I will head to the top path where I can overlook both the cherry blossoms and the pond.
The Somei Yoshino cherry trees are blooming within reach. No matter where you stop, you can't help but admire their full bloom.
There were also people enjoying cherry blossom viewing with their dogs, and I thought it was wonderful to enjoy the cherry blossoms while taking a walk.
My friend and I both liked this spot where we could admire the cherry blossoms up close, so we quickly laid out our leisure sheet and prepared for cherry blossom viewing.
There were several bakeries near Sakatsu Park, so we bought various types of bread to compare.
Since Sakatsu Park has the theme of "water and cherry blossoms," I was able to enjoy cherry blossom viewing while appreciating the scenery of the pond and the cherry blossoms.
While looking at the lower walkway, I noticed newlyweds taking wedding photos and families taking pictures to celebrate school entrance ceremonies, and I felt like I was sharing in the happy atmosphere.
After eating, I took a walk around the park to digest.
Festival Atmosphere with Food Stalls and Plenty of Play Areas
There were also food stalls set up in the park.
The stalls were divided into two areas, offering not only food but also games like super ball scooping, creating a festive atmosphere.
With children eagerly asking, "What is that?" and high school girls excitedly exclaiming, "This is cute!" the area around the stalls was particularly lively.
Next, I will walk through the square.
Since this is the largest space on the premises, many families and groups were enjoying cherry blossom viewing.
The square has fountains and water areas, making it full of elements that children can enjoy.
It was warm that day, so some children were playing in the water barefoot.
Playing in a nature-filled environment is refreshing and nice.
Large playground equipment was also installed, so children who got bored with cherry blossom viewing could refresh themselves.
Amid the lively atmosphere unique to holidays, we had a very satisfying cherry blossom viewing experience.
Exploring Various Cherry Blossoms
On April 10, 2024 (Wednesday), I visited Sakatsu Park again and took a leisurely stroll while viewing the cherry blossoms.
Although it was a weekday, there were more people walking around than I expected.
Compared to my last visit for cherry blossom viewing, the cherry blossoms had fallen more, and the ground was starting to turn pink.
In some places, there were trees that were starting to turn into leaf cherry blossoms, but there were still enough blooms to say they were in full bloom.
Yaezakura and Shidarezakura
As I walked through the square, I found a tree blooming with deep pink cherry blossoms.
When I got closer, there was a cute handmade sign that read "Yaezakura."
While the Somei Yoshino cherry blossoms have five petals, Yaezakura has about ten or more petals. The large Yaezakura feels even more glamorous.
A little walk from the location of the Yaezakura, I found a Shidarezakura.
The Shidarezakura is a popular photo spot for families as small children can see the cherry blossoms up close.
In addition to cherry blossoms, there were also a variety of flowers such as dandelions and tulips blooming in the park, so it might be enjoyable to stroll around looking for spring flowers.
Conclusion
This was my first time enjoying cherry blossom viewing at Sakatsu Park, and I was able to enjoy not only the beautiful scenery of water and cherry blossoms but also the pleasant crowd.
With cherry blossoms blooming everywhere, there were many people of all ages enjoying taking photos.
Since it was the school entrance season, I also saw many families taking commemorative photos, and I was able to experience the unique atmosphere of April.
Since Aeon Mall Kurashiki is nearby, it is easy to procure food and other items, and there is a shuttle bus running from JR Kurashiki Station to Aeon Mall Kurashiki, making it convenient to visit. I think it is a park that is easy for various people to use.
It seems that the rich natural scenery can be enjoyed even after spring, so why not visit Sakatsu Park to enjoy the seasonal views throughout the year?
Data on Sakatsu Park
| Name | Sakatsu Park |
|---|---|
| Address | 〒710-0801 Okayama Prefecture, Kurashiki City, Sakatsu 1556 |
| Contact | 0864342251 |
| Website | Kurashiki Tourism WEB Sakatsu Park |
