Kochi Prefecture of Japan is located on the southern coast of Shikoku Island, where you can have a lot of fun by discovering its gorgeous outdoor nature, visiting historic landmarks, and trying delicious local dishes.
Take note one of the interesting roads of Kochi – Yokonami Kuroshio Line (Kochi Prefectural Road Route 47) is famous for a scenic ride, offering riders enjoy the magnificent views of the Pacific Ocean and Shikoku mountains.
It has a reputation for being the first place to see cherry blossoms (somei yoshino variety) – earlier than anywhere else in Japan. Yes, that happens, but not every year though!
Kochi Castle and Makino Botanical Garden are considered the most popular places to see cherry blossoms in Kochi, but there are more iconic spots to admire the beauty of sakura each spring.
In this post, we will highlight those hanami spots, which could get you surprised by!
When is the best time to visit Kochi for sakura?
In general, sakura bloom in Kochi in the third week of March (kaika). And full bloom (mankai) is reached sometime during the fourth week of March.
Anyone planning to travel around Kochi for cherry blossom should come in the third week of March to get the most out of their trip.
Kochi’s weather is not like Hokkaido, the northernmost island of Japan. You don’t have to wear a jacket when visiting sakura spots in and around Kochi as springtime weather is much warmer there.
1. Hyotan Sakura
Enjoy the lovely spring season here by paying a visit to Hyotan Sakura in Niyodogawa town of Kochi. Without a doubt, one of the most memorable experiences for you while travelling around Kochi is going to be this natural landmark.
Located in a park at the upper stream of the Niyodo River, Hyotan sakura is a 500-year-old giant cherry tree, standing with a height of 21m in the middle of many other sakura trees and is designated a Natural Monument by Kochi Prefecture.
This cherry tree variety is called Hyotan (gourd), as it produces gourd-shape sakura buds. The area where it is located is quite hilly, so be sure to walk uphill to experience this old sakura tree and other plants, including shibazakura, canola flowers on the grounds.
Here you will find some pretty amazing spots to photograph the Hyotan Sakura tree and the beautiful surrounding mountains in the distance. You will be impressed by the views of the houses and farmlands of locals too.
The best way to get to the site is by car from Kochi city.
2. Horikawa Canal
There is nothing more beautiful than viewing cherry blossoms when walking along a path lined with sakura trees in Japan. Wish to experience such thing here in Kochi city?
Horikawa Canal in Kochi city offers an impressive 1km row of cherry trees bloom on both sides of the bank. Along with walking under the tunnel of cherry blossoms here, be sure to enjoy a ride on a sightseeing boat that runs along the river.
At night, trees are lit up; giving you opportunity to experience yozakura – viewing sakura at night. I am sure it will not take much time for you to fall in love with this popular hanami spot in downtown Kochi.
It is a 5-minute walk from Harimayabashi tram stop. You may prefer visiting this spot right after the end of your Kochi castle trip.
3. Kochi Castle
Here comes the iconic Kochi Castle!
It is the symbol of Kochi city. With impressive castle’s wooden interior, stone walls, and cherry trees, this is one of the most famous cherry blossom spots in Kochi Prefecture.
Whether you travel to Kochi during the sakura season or not, Kochi Castle is absolutely worth a visit year-round. This historic landmark is one of just 12 original Japanese castles to have survived the wars, fires, and other catastrophes of the post feudal era.
Climb up the top floor of the main castle keep and enjoy a beautiful view of the entire Kochi city and castle grounds filled with cherry blossoms, castle buildings and walls.
Take a stroll around the castle grounds, including Honmaru and Ninomaru, and blessed with the castle’s old building structures and treasures.
The best time to check out the castle grounds for sakura is between late March and early April. About 3 minutes is required to reach the castle from Kochijo-mae tram stop.
4. Kagamino Park
Home to over 600 cherry trees of different varieties, Kagamino Park is one of the top 100 cherry blossom-viewing spots in Japan.
It is located in Kami city of Kochi Prefecture. With a 200-meter long tunnel along the promenade, this gorgeous hanami spot is a perfect arena to enjoy the spring and appreciate the beauty of the cherry blossom trees.
A lot of people visit the park when sakura here are in full bloom. You will find plenty of good spots to enjoy picnicking with your friends and family.
To be honest the parks are at their best during the spring in Kochi. While you can go for sightseeing throughout the year, you’ll want to go in the spring to enjoy the natural beauty it highlights.
The park is not far from the Kochi University of Technology. About a five-minute walk to the park from Igenoki bus stop (JR Shikoku bus).
5. Makino Botanical Garden
If you love exploring different kinds of plants, we recommend you Makino Botanical Garden. Located on Mt. Godai, this spacious botanical garden can be reached within 20 minutes from downtown Kochi by car.
Opened to public in April 1958, Makino Botanical Garden honors the late Kochi-born botanist Dr. Tomitaro Makino – the father of botani in Japan. The garden is divided mainly into the North Garden and the South Garden.
With over 3,000 species of plants, including exotic ones, this botanical garden offers plenty of cherry trees of 30 different types, including early and late blooming sakura trees. Without doubt, this is one of the best botanical gardens Japan that you would like to discover throughout the year.
In addition to the botanical garden, don’t’ forget to visit the greenhouse, conservatory, exhibition hall, and nearby Godaisan Park and Chikurin-ji Temple.
Chikurin-ji is a Buddhist temple, featuring a beautiful five-story pagoda and surrounded by lush greenery. Godaisan Park’s observation platform allows visitors enjoy stunning view of the city and Urado bay.
6. Sakawa Town – Makino Park and Sakawa Town Hall
Kochi is a beautiful city; you just have to get out of the city to truly experience the raw beauty.
Located to the west of Kochi city, Sakawa town is a perfect day trip you can take from Kochi city. The area is famous for its sake brewery, traditional buildings and Makino Park. Sakawa station is a 28-mintue limited express train ride from Kochi Station on the JR Dosan Line.
When you are in the town, be sure to check the stone-paved roads, traditional style Japanese houses, and Tsukasabotan, the oldest sake brewery in Kochi. You must taste it!
Makino Park is a famous cherry blossom spot in Sakawa town and is listed as one of Japan’s top 100 cherry blossom-viewing spots. The cherry trees found there were grown from seedlings provided by Dr. Tomitaro Makino.
It boasts 17 different types of cherry trees with early and late blooming sakura plants. A cherry blossom festival is held here from late March through until early April each year. At that time cherry trees in the park are illuminated by rows of paper lanterns.
The park is a 10-minute walk on from the JR Sakawa Station. Admission is free.
Next notable sakura spot in the town is located adjacent to Sakawa Town Hall called Sakawa Cherry Tree Path. This is the place where cherry trees bloom along the Kasuga River – a truly a nice place to take a stroll. The area also has sakura illuminations in the evening as well.
In Conclusion
Kochi is an amazing destination for tourists who like exploring historical sites, enjoy nature, taste authentic Japanese cuisine, and fond of scenic rides.
Admire the sakura in Kochi at the right time and then head towards Tokyo for the same purpose. In fact, several day trips from Tokyo will allow you to see a lot of things to make your Japan journey a great adventure.
Visit visitkochijapan.com for more information about Kochi’s attractions. Thank you.