The Gojo River stretches for 28.2 kilometers, flowing through both Aichi and Gifu Prefectures. In spring, more than 1,300 cherry blossom trees bloom along its banks. Though it may not be as widely known as other cherry blossom spots in Japan, Gojo River has its own charm.
Iwakura Cherry Blossom Festival
Photo by: PIXTA/ yako Nonbori arai along Gojo River
In 2025, the Iwakura Cherry Blossom Festival will be held from March 28 to April. It’s a traditional activity particular to the region. During the festival, dashi (large, elaborately decorated floats) are carried down the roads in a parade for spectators to enjoy. Dashi were originally made to resemble mountains and functioned as a form of mountain spirit worship at their inception. When the cherry blossoms are in bloom, another traditional activity particular to the region is nonbori arai, or the cleaning of giant carp streamers in the Gojo River.
Nagoya Railroad Company Cherry Blossom Photo Contest
Photo by: PIXTA/ 天空のジュピター Give it your best shot
Each spring, Nagoya Railroad Company’s Meitetsu Inuyama Line holds a photo contest where contestants submit photos of trains with cherry blossoms. Winners receive a ¥10,000 gift certificate and have their photos included in Meitetsu’s official photo calendar.
Beyond Cherry Blossoms
Photo by: PIXTA/ jyapa Don’t miss out
From May to October, visit Gojo River to watch traditional cormorant fishing. This over 1,000-year tradition uses birds called cormorants to help catch fish.
In addition to the cherry blossoms, there are many other unique places to visit near the Gojo River. Close by is Inuyama Castle, one of Japan’s oldest wooden castles, surrounded by 400 cherry blossom trees. The city of Inuyama also has Meiji Mura, a giant open-air architectural museum with hundreds of historic structures to enter and see. Just south of Iwakura is the city of Nagoya, which features endless attractions and various other cherry blossom spots as well. Thus, consider adding a few more stops to your trip after you enjoy the cherry blossoms along the river.
