AprilSpring Takayama Festival (Sanno Matsuri)
Chubu & Hokuriku ・ Takayama
Every year April 14 and 15
2027: Apr 14 (Wed) – Apr 15 (Thu), 2 days
Cherry Blossoms · Chubu & Hokuriku
Garyu-zakura
Hida-IchinomiyaFamous single tree🌸 Typical peak: Mid Apr – Late Apr
Overview
Overview
A great Edohigan cherry tree more than 1,100 years old, standing in Garyu Park in Ichinomiya-machi, Takayama. Its name (“reclining dragon cherry”) comes from the way its branches spread out like a dragon lying down, and it is designated a National Natural Monument. Just next to JR Hida-Ichinomiya Station, it is a single cherry tree that’s easy to reach by train.
- Address
- 275-1 Ichinomiya-machi, Takayama, Gifu (Garyu Park)
- Time needed
- About 30 min–1 hour
- Official website
- https://www.kankou-gifu.jp/spot/detail_9159.html
Area weather
TakayamaWeather and what to wear in Takayama →Tours & tickets for this areaPR
Peak Time
When to See the Blossoms
Typical peakUsually mid to late April
March
April
May
Bloom dates shift with each year’s temperatures. Blooming can be a little later than in central Takayama
Peak times are typical guides. Blooming and full bloom shift with each year’s temperatures.
Highlights
Highlights
This giant tree, about 20 m tall with branches spreading about 30 m, blooms in the shape of a crouching dragon. A cherry blossom festival is usually held in the park in mid-April, with stalls selling local specialties and “Seishu Garyu-zakura,” a limited-edition sake brewed with water from Mt. Kurai. At night, paper lanterns (bonbori) in the park light up the night sakura.
📷 Best views
Garyu Park
See the giant tree, its branches spread like a crouching dragon, up close
Admission
Admission
ViewingFree
Prices may change. Check the official website before you go.
Tips
Tips for travelers
- ✓Being right by the station, this single cherry tree is easy to visit by train along with sightseeing in Takayama
Access
Getting there
- Nearest station / bus stop
- Hida-Ichinomiya Station (JR Takayama Main Line)1 min walk
- By car & traffic restrictions
- Parking for regular cars (about 250 spaces). No large buses
- Getting back
- Trains are infrequent, so check the time of your return train in advance
Crowds
Crowds & best times
- Busiest
- Crowded on weekends when peak bloom and the cherry blossom festival coincide
- Quieter times
- Weekday mornings
Weather
Temperature & what to wear
- Typical temperatures
- April normals in Takayama: high 17.0°C, low 3.4°C (JMA)
- What to wear & bring
- Mornings and evenings get cold, so bring a warm jacket such as a down jacket or fleece
Events
Events & festivals in Takayama
April
OctoberAutumn Takayama Festival (Hachiman Matsuri)
Chubu & Hokuriku ・ Takayama
Every year October 9 and 10
2026: Oct 9 (Fri) – Oct 10 (Sat), 2 days
Attractions
Attractions in Takayama
ExperienceHida Folk Village (Hida no Sato)
Chubu & Hokuriku ・ Takayama
An open-air museum in Takayama where more than 30 buildings, including thatched- and shingle-roofed farmhouses relocated from across the Hida region, are arranged like a village. It's about 9 minutes by Sarubobo Bus from the Takayama Nohi Bus Center, making it easy to combine with sightseeing in Takayama's old town.
Cherry Blossoms
Cherry Blossoms in Chubu & Hokuriku
RiversideMatsukawa River Cherry Blossoms
Chubu & Hokuriku ・ Toyama / Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route
🌸 Typical peak: Late Mar – Early Apr
✦ Night sakura
Castle
Garden
CastleMatsumoto Castle (National Treasure)
Chubu & Hokuriku ・ Matsumoto / Kamikochi
🌸 Typical peak: Early Apr – Mid Apr
✦ Night sakura
Park
CastleTakato Castle Ruins Park
Chubu & Hokuriku ・ Ina, Nagano
🌸 Typical peak: Early Apr – Mid Apr
✦ Night sakura
Famous single treePeak periods, hours, prices and access are based on official sources such as the spot’s own website, local governments and tourism associations. Bloom conditions and event details can change, so check the official website before you go.
Last checked: 2026-10-06
