HOME > Japan’s Local Treasures > Takada Park Cherry Blossom Festival
Experience the beauty of spring in Niigata Prefecture at a cherry blossom festival held since 1926
Joetsu City, Niigata Prefecture
The Takada Castle Ruins Park Cherry Blossom Festival has been held since 1926 and attracts plenty of visitors who want to experience walking under the pinkish white canopy of flowers created by more than 4,000 cherry trees in bloom. It is considered one of the top three nighttime cherry blossom events in Japan.
This spring tradition dates back to 1909, when the local veterans' association planted 2,200 cherry trees around the castle ruins. In 1926 the first open event with entertainment and food stalls was held, and has become a beloved yearly event in Joetsu City.
Besides the flowers, during the festival you can also enjoy trying various dishes from the food stalls, wandering down the "Sakura Road" cherry tree avenue, or renting kimono, all topped off with bright fireworks displays in the evening. There are special cherry blossom viewing packages at the nearby Kobayashi Kokichi Memorial Museum of Art, along with other events that change yearly.
Festival dates change year to year, depending on blossom predictions, but usually run from late March to mid-April. Be sure to check the website for updates.
How to get there
From JR Tokyo Station, take the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Joetsu Myoko Station. The park is a 10-minute taxi ride or drive away.
Alternatively, from Joetsu Myoko Station, switch to the Echigo Tokimeki Railway or Myoko Haneuma Line and get off at Takada Station, which is 15 minutes on foot from the park. You can also take the Kubiki Bus, getting off at the Takada Joshi Koen bus stop.
44-1 Motoshiro-cho, Joetsu-shi, Niigata-ken
