Imagine a horse-drawn carriage ride through scenic countryside, where colorful carp streamers flutter and cherry blossoms dance in the breeze. This enchanting scene becomes a reality at the Kitakami Tenshochi Cherry Blossom Festival in the heart of Iwate Prefecture. The festival is one of the top 100 spots in Japan for viewing cherry blossoms. It is also known as one of Michinoku’s (Tohoku) Three Great Cherry Blossom Spots, alongside Kakunodate in Akita and Hirosaki Park in Aomori.
Kitakami Tenshochi Cherry Blossom Festival
Photo by: PIXTA/ ゆうた1127 As dusk falls, the cherry blossoms are illuminated.
Kitakami Tenshochi Park is a prime cherry blossom viewing spot in Japan, covering 293 hectares of beautiful landscape. From mid-April to early May, 10,000 cherry trees bloom in vibrant pink and white colors. The park has about 150 types of cherry trees. This stunning display stretches along a 2-kilometer path, perfect for leisurely walks and enjoying picturesque views.
The park opened in 1921, thanks to the efforts of Mayor Koji Sawafuji. Over the years, it has grown into a hanami (cherry blossom viewing) destination. Visitors can take boat rides along the river, carriage rides through the cherry blossom avenue and have picnics beneath the sprawling trees.
Festival Highlights
Photo by: PIXTA/なな Onikenbai resonates with the community’s history and spirit.
One of the festival’s standout features is the celebrated Onikenbai performance. This traditional dance has 1,300 years of history. Dancers clad in elaborate demon-like masks perform the “Demon’s Sword Dance,” representing both strength and cultural pride. The performance embodies the spirit of the region, intertwining the reverence for nature with captivating storytelling. Unlike other places where dance might focus solely on entertainment, Onikenbai resonates with the community’s history and spirit, making it a truly unique experience.
A visit to the Kitakami Tenshochi Sakura Festival wouldn’t be complete without indulging in local culinary delights. Food stalls offering traditional Japanese treats, including creations made from sakura blossoms, fill the air with irresistible aromas.
