Japan's Cherry Blossom Paradise - Shiroishi Riverbank's Hitome Senbonzakura

Having seen cherry blossoms in many places across Japan, the Hitome Senbonzakura at Shiroishi Riverbank in Miyagi Prefecture is, in my opinion, the ultimate cherry blossom viewing spot in Japan! 1️⃣ Fewer Crowds: This is incredibly important. Famous cherry blossom spots in Tokyo and Kyoto are often overcrowded, but Shiroishi Riverbank is much less crowded. You can find a quiet spot on the grassy slope to sit, enjoy a leisurely picnic, and occasionally encounter someone playing guitar on the slope—it's truly relaxing. 2️⃣ Large Scale: The Shiroishi Riverbank is quite long. For comparison, Kyoto's Sewari-tei is about 1.5 kilometers long and only has cherry trees on one side of the river. In contrast, Shiroishi Riverbank stretches over 3 kilometers, with cherry trees planted on both sides of the river. When viewed from the mountain, the cherry blossoms against the backdrop of distant snow-capped mountains are absolutely breathtaking. 📍 Transportation: Take the JR train to Funaoka Station. From there, you can walk to the riverbank. I also recommend visiting Funaoka Castle Ruins Park, which features a charming cherry blossom cable car on the mountain. There's also an observation deck on the mountain where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the cherry blossoms along the riverbank. ⏰ Timing: I visited around April 12th, which was the peak bloom period. The peak bloom time varies each year, so it's best to check in advance.