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The best places to see Cherry Blossoms on Sado Island

The best places to see Cherry Blossoms on Sado Island

Welcome to Sado Island, a hidden gem in Japans landscape that comes alive with a burst of color every spring. Known for its rich cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty, Sado Island is a great place to escape the tourist crowds of larger cities and enjoy Japans Sakura (cherry blossom) season. There are numerous flower spots scattered around the island that you can explore, so get your camera and a picnic ready! In this blog post, well take you on a virtual tour of some of the best cherry blossom viewing sites on Sado.

Spot #1: Sado Gold Mine Park

This historic site is a very popular place to see cherry blossoms. The road up to the Gold Mine and around the grounds is lined with the trees. The blossoms are also lit up at night during the height of the season. This year, the light-up event is planned for March 29th - April 14th, in the evening hours of 19:00 - 21:30.

Address: 1305 Shimoaikawa, Sado, Niigata 952-1501

By Bus: right in front of Kinzanjaya-mae (main line)

Spot #2: Mano Park

Mano Park is the perfect place for a picnic, and with about 2000 sakura trees, this is Sado’s premiere cherry blossom viewing spot! You can also visit Mano Shrine, dedicated to Emperor Juntoku. Come visit after sundown, when the trees are illuminated for night-time cherry blossom viewing, known in Japan as yozakura. This year's light-up at Mano Park will be held from April 1st to April 20th from 17:30 - 21:00.

Address: 655 Mano, Sado, Niigata 952-0313

By Bus: 3 minutes walk from Manomiya-mae (Akadomari Line), 20 minutes walk from Mano Goryo Entrance (Ogi Line), and directly in front of the Sado History and Legend Museum stop (Ogi Line - on Saturdays and Sundays only).

Spot #3: Niibo Dam

Enjoy some 1,500 cherry trees spanning around 20 varieties. Niibo dam is definitely one of Sado’s top cherry blossom viewing destinations. In spring, the area bustles with photographers and picnickers coming to enjoy the flowers.

Address: 1072-1 Kaminiibo, Sado, Niigata 952-0108
By Bus: 30 minute walk from the Ryokomura Uryuya bus stop

Spot #4: Shiroyama Park (Ogi)

Ogi is the southern gateway to Sado Island, and once prospered as a gold and silver shipping port and port of call for Kitamaebune ships during the Edo period. Shiroyama Park is located on a hill where you will find about 500 cherry trees. It is also where the “Kodo: Earth Celebration” was originally held annually in late August.

Address: Ogi, Sado, Niigata 952-0604

By Bus: 15 minutes walk from Ogi (Ogi Line)

Spot #5: Lake Kamo

Just a few minutes walk from Ryotsu Port, Lake Kamo is the biggest lake in Niigata Prefecture, and one of the most picturesque spots in Sado, with sections of the promenade lined with cherry trees. A great way to take in the views is by renting an e-bike in Ryotsu from Sado Outdoor Base and cycling around the circumference of the lake.

For more details on E-bike Rentals: Outdoor Base

For more details on the route: Lake Kamo Course

Spot #6: Tanemaki Sakura (Hojobo temple in Hamochi Osaki)

This beautiful rosebud cherry tree, the Tanemaki Sakura, is about 20m high and 6.9 meters in circumference at its base, and is estimated to be over 250 years old! Legend has it that the former chief priest of Osaki’s Uenobo Temple retired to Hojobo Temple in his later years, and when he traveled around the country as an ascetic, he bought a cherry seedling in Yoshino and brought it back here.

Address: 1167 Hamochi Osaki, Sado, Niigata 952-0252

By Bus: 15 minutes walk from Ogi (Ogi Line)

Spot #7: Shinbo Hachimangu Shrine

Check out the beautiful path up to this shrine lined with cherry blossoms. There is also a festival held here every April 15th where you can see Onidaiko drumming and other traditional arts! Timing your visit with the Taiko Drumming Festival adds an extra layer of cultural richness to your cherry blossom experience.

Address: 1109 Kanai Shinbo, Sado, Niigata 952-1208

By Bus: 3 minutes walk the Undo Koen Mae bus stop (Honsen Line)

Spot #8: Karasaki Shrine (Yoshii)

You’ll notice the bright pink cherry blossoms that line the long path up to this small shrine’s gate, visible all the way from the main highway. Take a moment to reflect as you witness the harmonious blend of natural beauty and spiritual tranquility.

Address: Yoshiihongo, Sado, Niigata 952-1202

By Bus: 3 minutes walk the Yamato bus stop (Honsen Line)

Conclusion

Sado Island's cherry blossom spots are the perfect place for a sensory journey through history, culture, and nature, away from the crowds of the mainland. Whether you're a solo traveler seeking tranquility or a group of friends ready for a picnic party, Sado Island caters to all. So, pack your bags, grab your camera, and explore all the blooming sakura Sado Island has to offer!

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