When people think of the sights of spring, many probably think of cherry-blossom viewing.
I moved to Kurashiki from Kanagawa and am experiencing my first spring here, so I wanted to make the most of it by enjoying cherry-blossom viewing at one of Kurashiki’s famous spots. There are many well-known cherry-blossom spots in the city, and after talking it over with the friend I was going with, we headed to Sakazu Park, a popular spot for cherry-blossom viewing.
There are also bakeries and AEON MALL Kurashiki near Sakazu Park, so it was easy to pick up food and drinks.
I’d heard that Sakazu Park was a classic cherry-blossom viewing spot. Here’s a look at the lively cherry-blossom viewing during spring break.
The information in this article was accurate when it was published in April 2024. Please note that it may differ from current information.
About Sakazu Park
Sakazu Park is a comprehensive park developed around the theme of “water and cherry blossoms.”
It was developed on land created by the Takahashi River improvement project in 1951.
About 500 cherry trees bloom in Sakazu Park. It is a popular cherry-blossom spot in Kurashiki City, bustling with visitors from mid-March through late April each year.
The park also has large playground equipment, spots for water play, and open spaces, making it a great place for children to get active and enjoy themselves freely.
The grounds also have sights that evoke the area’s history, including the Western-style wooden building of the Takahashigawa Tozai Yosui Association office, designated a National Important Cultural Property, and a monument commemorating improvements to the Takahashi River.
In spring, you can enjoy a variety of cherry blossoms at Sakazu Park, including Kawazu-zakura, double-flowered cherry blossoms, and weeping cherry blossoms. Among them, the Somei Yoshino stand out in particular. They bloom all around the grounds, so much so that one section is labeled “Cherry Blossom Tunnel” on Google Maps.
In early April, just as the Somei Yoshino were in full bloom, I went to see the cherry blossoms.
The open space and cherry-blossom tunnel
Here’s what Sakazu Park was like on Saturday, April 6, 2024.
It was a warm day, and many people spread out leisure sheets and enjoyed cherry-blossom viewing in the spring sunshine.
The park parking lot was full by 11 a.m., so it’s probably best to arrive early if you’re coming by car.
Cherry-blossom viewing beneath the rows of trees by the reservoir
First, we passed through the lively park grounds and headed for the reservoir.
Even from a distance, we could see the impressive rows of Somei Yoshino cherry trees.
The cherry trees bloomed over the path, and the reservoir promenade was divided into three levels.
First, we headed for the uppermost path, which seemed to offer a view of both the cherry blossoms and the pond.
The Somei Yoshino were blooming close enough to touch. Wherever we stopped, we were captivated by the trees in full bloom.
Some people were enjoying the blossoms with their dogs, and I thought it was lovely that you could enjoy the cherry blossoms while out for a walk.
My friend and I loved this spot, where we could admire the cherry blossoms up close, so we quickly spread out our leisure sheet and got ready to enjoy them. There were several bakeries near Sakazu Park, so we bought different kinds of bread and sampled them.
Since Sakazu Park’s theme is “water and cherry blossoms,” we were able to enjoy the view of the pond and cherry blossoms as we had our picnic.
Looking down at the lower promenade, we spotted newlyweds taking wedding photos and families taking pictures to celebrate a child’s school entrance. The festive atmosphere made us feel as though we were sharing in their happiness.
After eating, we took a walk around the park to help digest our food.
Festival-style food stalls and an open space packed with things to do
There were food stalls set up in the park, in two separate areas. Along with food, there were stalls offering activities such as scooping superballs. They added to the festival atmosphere.
The area around the stalls was especially lively, with children asking, “What’s that?” and high school girls exclaiming, “That’s so cute!”
Next, we took a walk around the open space.
As the largest open space on the grounds, it was enjoyed by many families and groups of visitors for cherry blossom viewing.
The plaza has fountains and water features, offering plenty for children to enjoy.
It was warm that day, so some children took off their shoes and played in the water.
Being able to play in a nature-rich setting feels wonderfully liberating.
Large playground equipment is also installed, so children who have grown bored with cherry blossom viewing can enjoy a change of pace.
Amid the lively atmosphere unique to a holiday, I had a thoroughly enjoyable cherry blossom viewing experience.
Strolling in search of different kinds of cherry blossoms
I visited Sakazu Park again on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, and took a leisurely stroll while admiring the cherry blossoms.
Although it was a weekday, more people were out walking than I had expected.
More blossoms had fallen than when I visited for cherry blossom viewing the previous time, and the ground was beginning to turn pink with petals.
In some places, trees were beginning to leaf out, but the blossoms were still nearly in full bloom.
Double-flowered cherry blossoms and weeping cherry blossoms
As I walked through the plaza, I spotted a tree covered in deep pink blossoms.
When I went closer, I saw a charming, handmade-looking sign that read “Yaezakura.”
While Somei Yoshino cherry blossoms have five petals, double-flowered cherry blossoms are said to have around ten or more. Their large blossoms make them seem especially splendid.
A short walk from the double-flowered cherry tree, I found a weeping cherry tree.
Because even small children can see the blossoms up close, the weeping cherry tree had become a popular photo spot for families.
A wide variety of flowers, including dandelions and tulips, were blooming in the park alongside the cherry blossoms, so you might enjoy strolling around in search of spring flowers.
From the Writer
This was my first time enjoying cherry blossom viewing at Sakazu Park. I enjoyed not only the splendid scenery of water and cherry blossoms, but also the lively atmosphere and pleasantly moderate crowds.
Cherry trees bloom throughout the park, and many people of all ages were enjoying taking photos.
Since it was also the school entrance season, I saw many families taking commemorative photos, and I too got to experience the atmosphere unique to April.
AEON MALL Kurashiki is nearby, making it easy to pick up food and other supplies. A shuttle bus also runs from JR Kurashiki Station to AEON MALL Kurashiki, making the park easy to reach. I think it is a park that is accessible to all kinds of visitors.
The park is said to offer beautiful natural scenery even after spring, so why not visit Sakazu Park to enjoy the changing views throughout the seasons?
Sakazu Park Information
| Name | Sakazu Park |
|---|---|
| Address | 1556 Sakazu, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture 710-0801 |
| Contact | 0864342251 |
| Website | Kurashiki Tourism WEB: Sakazu Park |
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