Cherry Blossoms · Kansai

Kaizu-Osaki Cherry Blossoms

Takashima, ShigaLake🌸 Typical peak: Early Apr – Mid Apr

Overview

An avenue of about 800 Somei-yoshino trees stretching about 4 km along the lakeshore road in Makino-cho, Takashima, on the northwest shore of Lake Biwa. Selected as one of Japan’s Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots, its blossoms lean out over the water and can be enjoyed both from land and from boats on the lake.

Address: Kaizu to Osaki, Makino-cho, Takashima, Shiga
Official website: https://takashima-kanko.jp/sakura/

Area weather

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Peak Time

When to See the Blossoms

Typical peakUsually around early April

March

April

May

Blooming usually begins in early April, with full bloom 5–6 days later. The trees bloom about a week later than in Kyoto and about 3 days later than in Hikone (Biwako Takashima Tourism Association)

Peak times are typical guides. Blooming and full bloom shift with each year’s temperatures.

Highlights

About 800 Somei-yoshino, including old trees more than 80 years old, line the lakeshore. It is a scenic spot counted among the Eight Views of Lake Biwa (“Morning Mist: the Reefs of Kaizu-Osaki”), with views of Chikubu Island across the lake. “Sakura boats” also run so you can see the avenue from the lake.

📷 Best views

Lakeshore cherry avenue

A tunnel of Somei-yoshino about 4 km long

Sakura boats

Sightseeing boats with views of the lakeshore avenue from the water

Tips

Tips for travelers

✓There are no toilets along the avenue, so use the ones at JR Makino Station before you set off
✓There is a tunnel height limit (3.6 m) and the road is narrow, so it is not suitable for large vehicles

Access

Getting there

Nearest station / bus stop: Makino Station (JR Kosei Line)About 4 km to the cherry avenue, about a 60 min walkCommunity bus (¥220 per ride), rental bicycles and taxis also available
From major stations & airports: Kyoto Station: JR Kosei Line Special Rapid to Makino Station (About 70 min)
By car & traffic restrictions: No dedicated parking around Kaizu-Osaki. Use the parking lot at JR Makino Station (free)

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Crowds

Crowds & best times

Busiest: Traffic restrictions apply on weekends at peak bloom, and the lakeshore road gets crowded

Weather

Temperature & what to wear

Typical temperatures: April normals in Hikone: high 17.4°C, low 8.1°C (JMA). By the lake, the wind tends to make it feel colder
What to wear & bring: The wind off the lake is cold, so bring a windbreaker or heavy jacket

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Rules

Hanami rules & etiquette

!Traffic restrictions on weekends at peak bloom (in 2026: Apr 4 and 5, 9:30–17:00, one-way on the Nishiazai-Makino prefectural road from Kaizu toward Nishiazai)
!Bicycles are exempt from the restrictions, but you are encouraged to get off and walk your bike in the villages

Facilities

Toilets: At JR Makino Station (none along the avenue)

Where to Stay · Agoda

Places to Stay near Kaizu-Osaki Cherry BlossomsPR

PR8.0
奥琵琶湖マキノグランドパークホテル
★★★★
798 reviews
2.5 km from center
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Events

Events & festivals in Lake Biwa

August

Biwako Grand Fireworks Festival

Kansai ・ Lake Biwa

Usually a weekday evening in early August (about 1 hour)

See all events →

Cherry Blossoms

Cherry Blossoms in Kansai