January–FebruaryShirakawa-go Winter Light-up
Chubu & Hokuriku ・ Shirakawa-go
Usually a few days in January–February (fully reservation-only)
2027 (41st): 4 days, Jan 11 (Mon, holiday), Jan 17 (Sun), Jan 24 (Sun) & Jan 31 (Sun)
Cherry Blossoms · Chubu & Hokuriku
Shokawa-zakura
Shokawa, GifuFamous single tree🌸 Typical peak: Late Apr – Early May
Overview
Overview
Two Azuma-higan cherry trees said to be more than 500 years old, standing on the shore of the Miboro Dam lake. They were transplanted from temples that were to be submerged by the dam’s construction, and are known for “the great transplanting of giant cherry trees, unprecedented in the world history of tree planting.” Because they are high in the mountains, they reach full bloom around Golden Week.
- Address
- Nakano, Shokawa-cho, Takayama, Gifu
- Time needed
- About 30 min–1 hour
- Official website
- https://www.jpower.co.jp/sakura/access.html
Tours & tickets for this areaPR
Peak Time
When to See the Blossoms
Typical peakUsually late April to early May
March
April
May
They usually begin blooming in late April and reach full bloom around Golden Week. The best viewing lasts about a week from full bloom
Peak times are typical guides. Blooming and full bloom shift with each year’s temperatures.
Highlights
Highlights
Two giant cherry trees, designated Natural Monuments of Gifu Prefecture, spread their branches against the lake. They originally stood on the grounds of Shorenji and Korinji temples, now beneath the lake, and their story is passed down together with the history of the transplanting. They are also selected as one of the 33 Cherry Blossom Spots of Hida and Mino.
📷 Best views
Shore of Lake Miboro
Two giant cherry trees side by side against the lake
Hours
Opening hours
Shokawa-zakura ParkOpen all day
Hours can change during the cherry blossom season and for events. Check the official website before you go.
Admission
Admission
ViewingFree
Prices may change. Check the official website before you go.
Tips
Tips for travelers
- ✓It’s convenient to combine with Shirakawa-go on a road trip
Access
Getting there
- From major stations & airports
- Shokawa IC (Tokai-Hokuriku Expressway): By car via National Routes 158 and 156 (About 15 min)
- Shirakawa-go: By car (About 40 min)
- By car & traffic restrictions
- Free parking (76 regular cars, 7 large buses). For park visitors only
Crowds
Crowds & best times
- Busiest
- The parking lot gets crowded during Golden Week when it coincides with full bloom
- Quieter times
- Early mornings on weekdays
Weather
Temperature & what to wear
- Typical temperatures
- Shirakawa (AMeDAS) normals: April high 15.6°C, low 2.7°C; May high 21.8°C, low 8.6°C (JMA)
- What to wear & bring
- It’s in the mountains and mornings and evenings get cold, so bring a warm jacket such as a down jacket
Facilities
Facilities
- Toilets
- Bio-toilets in the parking lot
Events
Events & festivals in Shirakawa-go
January–FebruaryCherry 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
