This page introduces cherry blossom spots in Takamatsu recommended for visitors from late March to early April. Enjoy a cherry viewing picnic with a lunch and drinks!
Shikanoidesui (Deer well water)
Wander slightly from Sunflower Street in Otashimomachi, Takamatsu City, Kagawa. Away from the hustle and bustle, encounter a stream with quaint stone levees. It is a secret cherry blossom spot that is not even well-known to Takamatsu City residents. In the evening, lights are lit on along the stream, which creates a calm atmosphere. Go down to the riverside to view the cherry blossoms from a different perspective.
There is a folktale about this stream. In 1122, when the land of Sanuki (the former name of Kagawa) suffered a great drought, a deer appeared at Oriishi Shrine and dug up the ground with its front leg. Freshwater began to spring forth from the hole created by the deer.
A 176-meter-long section of the stream was redeveloped as Shikanoidesui, as part of the city's project for creating an attractive rural area. With stone levees and spaces for enjoying water, Shikanoidesui serves as a place for relaxation.
Ryuo Park
Ryuo Park is located in the center of Ryuman Ike (Ryuman Pond) at Kagawacho, Takamatsu City, Kagawa. The park features a long, straight path lined with stone lanterns. Be impressed by the cherry blossoms in the park, which bloom along the stone lanterns, as if coloring the sky.
The cherry blossom path floating on the pond signals the arrival of spring. The environment has been improved with cherry trees planted on the dike, an arbor and other elements. Now this park attracts people as a popular cherry blossom spot.
Megijima
Megijima Island has approx. 2,000 cherry trees. In spring, the road from the port to the cave and the area around the observation deck are colored with cherry blossoms.
Many people travel to this island to enjoy cherry blossoms, with the landscape of islands on the gentle Seto Inland Sea and the birdsong of Japanese bush warblers.
Tamamo Park (Ruins of Takamatsu Castle)
A seaside castle facing the Seto Inland Sea, Takamatsu Castle has been named one of the three major water castles in Japan (together with Imabari Castle and Nakatsu Castle). Tamamo Park was developed on the ruins of Takamatsu Castle and has been designated as a national historic site.
During cherry blossom season, from late March to early April, Sakura No Baba in the park is open to the public at night for free for 10 days. It is known to residents as a place for relaxation.
The park is accessible from JR Takamatsu Station and Takamatsu-Chikko Station on the Kotoden Line and is close to the port. It is recommended for people who wish to enjoy viewing cherry blossoms during a bit of spare time on their travels.
This park also features red sea bream, Japanese flounder and other marine fish swimming in the castle moat, which draws saltwater directly from the sea. Feed red sea bream in the inner moat.
Special Place of Scenic Beauty Ritsurin Garden
Ritsurin Garden has a total of approx. 350 cherry trees, including the sample tree that is observed to define the bloom date for Kagawa.
Takamatsu City of Kagawa is the leading pine Bonsai production area in Japan, with a domestic market share of approx. 80%! Ritsurin Garden, the leading daimyo (feudal lord) garden of Kagawa, also has many beautifully pruned pine trees. The unique point of this cherry blossom spot is the contrast between the robust pine trees and pale cherry blossoms. This may make the familiar view of cherry blossoms look a little different.
This tree with a red tag is the sample cherry tree (Somei-Yoshino) of Kagawa.
Ritsurin Garden is very popular during cherry blossom season. At this time of year, it bustles with people who enjoy viewing the blossoms from mats under the trees, until its closure every day.
To avoid the crowds, it is recommended to visit early in the morning.
Ritsurin Garden opens at sunrise. Get up early and leisurely enjoy the cherry blossoms in the silent morning sun.
Shikanoidesui (Deer well water)
- Address
- 3015 Otashimomachi, Takamatsu City, Kagawa
Approx. a 10-minute walk from Ota Station on the Kotoden Line
Ryuo Park
- Address
- 1865-13 Kagawacho Higashikami, Takamatsu City, Kagawa
Approx. a 5-minute walk from Ryumanike bus stop on the Kotoden Bus Shionoe Line
Megijima
Tamamo Park (Ruins of Takamatsu Castle)
- Address
- 2-1 Tamamocho, Takamatsu City, Kagawa
- URL
- http://www.takamatsujyo.com/
SpecialPlace of Scenic Beauty Ritsurin Garden
- Address
- 1-20-16 Ritsurin-cho, Takamatsu City, Kagawa
- TEL
- 087-833-7411
- URL
- https://www.my-kagawa.jp/ritsuringarden
- Supported languages
- 日本語、English、中文、한국어、Français、Deutsch、Español
Gathering date：2018.3.23 / Shikanoidesui (Deer well water)
PHOTOGRAPHER
-
Yu Sakaguchimore
Yu Sakaguchi is a photographer who photographs the beautiful scenery of the 138 habited islands in the Seto Inland Sea, agricultural, mountain and fishing villages in Shikoku. He makes his living in design work relating to primary industry. His website Monogatari o Todokeru Shigoto (“The Job of Delivering Stories”) introduces the beautiful scenery, culinary culture and various other aspects of Shikoku and the islands of the Seto Inland Sea, and has been accessed by users in over 160 different countries. Feeling that it would be difficult to preserve the scenery in front of him for the next generation by simply distributing information alone, together with his fellow Shikoku-loving companions, he launched Shikoku Taberu (Food) Tsushin magazine, and began his work communicating the food culture and stories of the region. He is a director for the Sanagouchi Village foundation. He was awarded the Japan Ningenryoku (“Human Skill”) Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Award in 2015.
