Probably not, and that's why it's one of the best places to go to see the cherry blossoms.

Located in western Japan, the Setouchi Region consists of the Seto Inland Sea, which is the largest inland sea in Japan, and the surrounding seven prefectures: Ehime, Hiroshima, Hyogo, Kagawa, Okayama, Tokushima, and Yamaguchi. It is known around the world for its beautiful scenery with calm waters and islands that look as if they are floating. The appeal of this area is that you can enjoy an authentic trip to Japan. In this article, we will introduce information on things you can enjoy in Setouchi during the popular cherry blossom season in Japan.

Daigo Cherry Tree: A thousand-year-old cherry blossom tree with an overwhelming presence
In Japan, cherry blossom trees usually stand side by side, but "Daigozakura" or “Daigo Cherry Tree” in Maniwa City, Okayama Prefecture stands alone on a hill of a mountain village and has an overwhelming presence. This gigantic cherry tree gives off an overwhelming aura, and the sight of a lone pink cherry tree standing among the green trees is a sight to behold.

According to a historical story, in 1332, when the defeated Emperor Godaigo (96th Emperor, around the 1300s) was exiled to the Okinoshima Islands, he passed by and admired the cherry blossom tree, hence the name Daigozakura (Daigo Cherry Tree).

Cherry blossoms are often mistaken to all be the same, but there are various types of cherry blossoms. There were originally about 10 wild species of cherry blossoms in Japan, such as Yamazakura, Oshimazakura, Kasumizakura, and more. Now there are more than 300 varieties that have been created through natural and artificial crossbreeding. The flowers come in a variety of colours, from white to shades of red, and the number and size of the petals also vary.
The best time to see the cherry blossoms is usually from early to mid-April.

Daigo Cherry Tree Information
Address: 2277, Bessho, Maniwa City, Okayama Prefecture
Website: https://www.okayama-japan.jp/en/spot/18137
Access: 30 min. by taxi from JR Mimasaka Ochiai Station, Okayama

Hagi Castle Ruins (Shizuki Park) - Contrasting the beauty of pink and white cherry blossoms

The next cherry blossom spot is Shizuki Park in the ruins of Hagi Castle.
Hagi Castle was built in 1604 on Mt. Shizuki. In 2015, along with the castle town, the area was registered as part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the "Sites of Japan's Meiji Industrial Revolution". Additionally in the spring, you can see beautiful pink and white cherry blossoms, including the only Midori Yoshino cherry tree in Japan that blooms with pure white flowers, and more than 600 pink Somei Yoshino cherry trees. Midori Yoshino is a precious cherry tree with the only place it can be seen in the world is Hagi, Yamaguchi Prefecture and is designated as a natural monument of Yamaguchi Prefecture. The sepals are green, and the contrast between the pure whiteness of the cherry blossoms and the green colour is spectacular.

After viewing the cherry blossoms, it is recommended that you enjoy the old townscape of the castle town or visit places such as Tokoji Temple and Kikugahama Beach.

The best time to see cherry blossoms is usually from late March to early April.

Hagi Castle Ruins Shizuki Park Information
Address: Horiuchi 1-1, Hagi City, Yamaguchi Prefecture
Website: https://www.visit-jy.com/en/spots/14022
Access: 30 minutes' walk from JR Higashi-Hagi station

Mt. Shiude in spring: Enjoy the cherry blossoms and the Seto Inland Sea together

Another recommendation is hiking Mt. Shiude, also known as Shiudeyama, located on the Shonai Peninsula in Mitoyo City, Kagawa Prefecture. This mountain with an altitude of 352m is said to be the setting of a Japanese fairy tale. If you walk along the nature-rich promenade and head for the summit, you will be greeted with a breathtakingly beautiful view of the Seto Inland Sea, one of the most beautiful spots in Japan.  In spring, it is a place where you can enjoy the cherry blossoms together with the Seto Inland Sea, the contrast between the pink cherry blossoms and the blue sea is an amazing view and refreshes your mind.

Along the way, Mt. Shiude Ruins Museum has an exhibition of earthenware and stoneware from over 2,000 years from the Yayoi period (around BC 300), and you can see the history of old Japan. There is a cafe inside the building, where you can enjoy Japanese sweets while looking out at the spectacular view of the Seto Inland Sea.  It has been gaining attention from well-known media around the world, including the United States and France.

For those who want to enjoy hiking, it takes about 90 minutes from the Mt. Shiude trailhead. In addition, there is a sightseeing bus that covers this hiking route, so it is possible to use the bus to reach the top of the mountain instead.

The best time to see cherry blossoms is usually from early to mid-April.

Mt.Shiude Information
Address: 451-1 Ohama, Takuma-cho, Mitoyo, Kagawa Prefecture
Website: https://www.mitoyo-kanko.com/eng/mt-shiude/
Access: Take a bus at JR Takuma Station to Shiudeyama Tozanguchi Bus Stop. 90 mins walk from the bus stop to the summit.
Business hours: The walking trail is closed at night (after 4 pm)

Rurikoji Temple Five-Storied Pagoda

There are five-storied pagodas all across Japan, but the five-storied pagoda at Rurikoji Temple is the tenth oldest among the existing five-storied pagodas of Japan, and its beauty is counted as one of Japan's top three pagodas. Regarded as the most outstanding building from the mid-Muromachi period (running from approximately 1336-1573), it is registered as a national treasure. This five-storied pagoda is always beautiful, but the juxtaposition with the cherry blossoms is breathtaking. Another highlight is that it is also lit up at night from sunset until ten PM.

This pagoda is located in Kozan Park, Yamaguchi where you can walk around the Japanese garden and have a relaxing time. Have fun, relax, and enjoy your holiday.

The best time to see cherry blossoms is usually late March to early April.

Rurikoji Temple Pagoda Information
Address: 7-1 Kozan-cho, Yamaguchi city, Yamaguchi Prefecture
Website: https://yamaguchi-city.jp/kozantop/topen.html
Access: Take a shuttle bus from JR Yamaguchi Station to Kozan Park Mae stop. You can also walk in 40 mins or rent a bicycle.

Setouchi e-learning courses
E-learning courses by Setouchi DMO to learn more about the Setouchi area are now available!

Plus new intermediate and advanced courses have been added.
It's a great way to get more information about the wider Setouchi area, including the latest food, art and activities through quick, 10 minutes sessions.

https://www.onlinetraveltraining.com/free-courses/providers/setouchitourism-uk-23/

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About Setouchi, Japan

Located in western Japan, the Setouchi Region is the area around the Seto Inland Sea, which is the largest sea in Japan, surrounded by seven prefectures: Ehime, Hiroshima, Hyogo, Kagawa, Okayama, Tokushima, and Yamaguchi. It is known around the world for its beautiful scenery with no waves and islands that look as if they are floating. The region has fostered a history and culture that has been influenced by the sea and as a result have great attractions that are appealing to any visitor. Here are three examples of what you can experience in Setouchi to stay inspired and relaxed in a different kind of way.

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