Japan’s Top 100 Blossoms: Nagatoro (Saitama)

The best time to visit is between early and mid-April, when rows of sakuras appear all over town—along the Arakawa River on Kitasakura-dōri and Minamisakura-dōri, as well as on the approach to Hodosan Shrine. A must-see is the hundred-year-old shidarezakura on the grounds of the temple Hōzen-ji with a spread of 16 meters. Nagatoro is also noted for its boat ride down the rapids of the Arakawa River, which pass along layered rock formations (iwadatami) that have been designated a special natural monument. The boat ride is also a great way to enjoy the riverside sakuras during the blossom season.

Nagatoro (Saitama)

• Varieties: Somei yoshino, shidarezakura, yaezakura
• No. of trees: 3,000
• When: Late March to late April
• Hours: Open 24 hrs. (“walk through” hours 9:00–17:00)
• Admission: Free (“walk through” fee ¥200)
• Address: Nagatoro, Nagatoromachi, Chichibu-gun, Saitama
• Website: Nagatoromachi Tourist Association

Nearby hanami sites

• Ōmiya Park
• Kumagaya Sakura Tsutsumi

Near Nagatoro

• Moomin Theme Park Opens at Lakeside in Eastern Japan
• Keeping Ancient Mountain Worship Alive at Saitama’s Kanasana Shrine
• Tokyo’s New Restaurant Train Offers Haute Cuisine on Wheels

Sakura 100: Japan’s Best Blossoms

(Translated from Japanese. Banner photo © Nagatoromachi Tourist Association.)