HOME > Japan’s Local Treasures > Cherry Blossom Tree on Mount Tengu
A lone wonder of nature in rural Japan
Otaru City, Hokkaido
Mount Tengu, reaching an altitude of 534 meters, is a scenic lookout point in Otaru City. It takes about 4 minutes by ropeway to reach the summit, where there is a cherry blossom tree, popularly known as Tengu Sakura.
Over 100 years old, Tengu Sakura is an Ezoyama cherry tree, a variety often seen in Hokkaido, and characterized as having a darker color than the Somei Yoshino cherry trees. The tree comes into full bloom around mid-May, the same time as the Nemuro cherry blossoms known to be the last to bloom in Japan.
There are five observatories at the summit, including one named after the cherry blossom tree. When the tree blossoms, there is still snow on the summit, but you can enjoy the colorful and vivid scenery of green leaves, pink cherry blossoms, and blue skies. Additionally, the heart-shaped frame with string lights is a popular spot to take photos. If you’re lucky, a sea of clouds may also appear outside of the early morning hours and a rainbow may form toward Mount Tengu after the rain.
How to get there
From Sapporo Station, take the train to Otaru Station (about 32 minutes by express service), then take the local bus to the Tenguyama Ropeway stop (about 20 minutes).
2-16-15 Mogami, Otaru-shi, Hokkaido
