Shiroyama Park, surrounding Matsue Castle, a National Treasure and one of Japan’s 12 surviving original castle keeps, is one of the top cherry blossom spots in the San’in region and is listed among Japan’s Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots. The contrast between the keep’s black clapboard walls and the cherry blossoms is beautiful, and during the “Castle Festival” in cherry blossom season you can enjoy night sakura lit by paper lanterns (bonbori) and illuminations.
PRKlookMatsue Castle Keep Admission TicketTicket for entry to the keep of Matsue Castle, a National Treasure. A 3-site ticket for Matsue Castle, the Lafcadio Hearn Memorial Museum and the Samurai Residence is also availableView on KlookPRKlookMatsue Castle, Yuushien & Mizuki Shigeru Road Day Tour from SakaiminatoTour meeting in Sakaiminato with a Chinese/Japanese guide. Visit Matsue Castle and nearby sites, Yuushien Garden and Mizuki Shigeru Road (admission fees extra)View on KlookThe first bloom date in 2026 was Mar 27 (Matsue Tourism Association). Check the Matsue Tourism Association’s cherry blossom spot information for the latest conditions
Peak times are typical guides. Blooming and full bloom shift with each year’s temperatures.
About 200 cherry trees, mostly Somei-yoshino, color Shiroyama hill. About 60 bonbori lanterns light the night sakura, making it a beloved spot for night cherry blossom viewing with the National Treasure keep as a backdrop.
Cherry blossoms with the National Treasure keep looming up close
A square where you can fit the keep and the blossoms in one shot
In 2026: Mar 25–Apr 8, 18:00–21:00, with the cherry trees illuminated, bonbori lanterns and large warrior lanterns lit, and the Honmaru open until 21:00
Reception until 17:30
Reception until 16:30
Free entry. Hours extended during the Castle Festival
Hours can change during the cherry blossom season and for events. Check the official website before you go.
Prices may change. Check the official website before you go.
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PR8.2Prices and availability are shown on Agoda.
NovemberChugoku & Shikoku ・ Izumo & Matsue
Every year on the 10th to 17th days of the 10th lunar month (varies by year on the modern calendar, usually around November)
2026: Nov 18 (Wed) Kamimukaesai – Nov 25 (Wed) Karasadesai
ZooChugoku & Shikoku ・ Izumo & Matsue
A flower and bird themed park spread over hills on the shore of Lake Shinji. Its 320,000㎡ grounds include display greenhouses totaling 12,000㎡, and the main facilities are linked by covered walkways, so you can get around without an umbrella even on rainy days. The Ichibata Electric Railway station connects directly to the park.
Famous single treeChugoku & Shikoku ・ Maniwa, Okayama
🌸 Typical peak: Late Mar – Early Apr
CastleChugoku & Shikoku ・ Matsuyama & Dogo Onsen
🌸 Typical peak: Late Mar – Early Apr
Castle
ParkPeak 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
