The popular travel guide Lonely Planet chronicles Hiroshima as the city whose name will forever remind tourists of the images from 1945 when the place became the target of a deadly atomic bomb. City landmarks such as the Peace Memorial Park commemorates that day, inviting visitors to listen to its message of peace. Present-day Hiroshima is an ever-thriving cosmopolitan community.
Hiroshima isn’t the number one destination for cherry blossoms, but viewing cherry trees here – with some of them older so they became witness to the bombing – is truly breathtaking. Flying to Hiroshima and wondering where to find the best cherry blossom spots? This guide will tell you!
1. Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
This park is where the atomic bomb dome is, built to memorialize the people who suffered, perished, and died during the atomic bombing. Sure, it is the city’s top spot for history learning, but the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park is also the best place for cherry blossom viewing.
During hanami in spring, the 300 cherry blossom trees standing along the mighty Moyatsu River bloom gracefully, creating a magical view, especially when illuminated at night. Unleash your inner photographer and catch snapshots of cherry blossoms with the dome as their backdrop. Eerily beautiful.
2. Fukuyama Castle
Ed Sheeran’s song will come alive as you visit Fukuyama Castle because this is literally a castle on a hill. It was originally built in the early 1600s, and aside from seeing its grandeur, the grounds around it are filled with blossoming cherry trees. Here, romantic scenery from the past drifts, showcasing a classic Japanese atmosphere.
3. Hiroshima Castle
The other castle that hosts several beautiful cherry blossom trees is Hiroshima Castle. Also known as Carp Castle, this was once the residence of a daimyō, originally constructed during the late 1500s, but the atomic bombing of 1945 largely destroyed it. Today, what you see is the reconstructed Hiroshima Castle.
About 450 cherry trees around the castle grounds will welcome you. For the best cherry blossom viewing party spots, be sure to head over to the castle keep.
4. Shukkein Garden
A few steps from Hiroshima Castle is the charming Shukkeien Garden, commissioned in 1620, so it becomes a nature wonderland featuring mountains, valleys, and rivers. Well, you won’t see mountains in their actual sizes here, though, but downsized to bring nature to your fingertips. Thus, the park transforms into a sea of whites and pinks during peak hanami viewing. Aside from cherry blossoms, there are also plum and peach blossoms here.
Treat yourself to participating in a tea ceremony here to experience cherry blossoms with some drama. But, remember, no food and drinks are allowed inside, except for the café within the garden serving up sumptuous meals.
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5. Yoshinoyama Park
Yoshinoyama Park, also part of Fukuyama, is also referred to as “Bingo Yoshino.” It got this nickname from the hundreds of cherry trees of the Yoshino species, as well as wild cherry blossoms fully blooming around Mount Kobayama. This cherry blossom spot is easy to access via bus, but be prepared for thick crowds every springtime.
6. Hijiyama Park
Also perched on a hilltop, the Hijiyama Park from 1903 is the first-ever park to open in the city of Hiroshima, and since then has offered gorgeous overlooking views of the city. This park is nestled inside a lush, forested area, inviting locals to relax in those areas. Not a hundred cherry blossom trees are here, but over 1,300, making this park an incredibly famous hanami spot for solo travelers, couples, families, and large groups of friends.
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7. Kosanji Temple
Now, when you want to experience cherry blossoms in a space located near the waters of the Seto Inland Sea, travel to Kosanji Temple in Onomichi. This temple belongs to the Honganji Sect of the Jodo Shinshu School of Pure Land Buddhism. It was in the 1930s when it was established by an industrialist who adored French culture.
Cherry blossoms here weave a splendid flower pattern set against a vibrant pagoda. Each time spring arrives, the grounds of the temple are draped in a colorful display of several cherry trees. It’s pure magic. Are you ready for Japanese springtime?
Looking to dive deeper into Hiroshima’s rich culture and history? Join our local tour guides for our Hiroshima Free Walking Tour!
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