Kinugawa Onsen Cherry Blossom Festival 鬼怒川温泉 夜桜まつり

One of the best ways to enjoy hanami, or cherry blossom viewing, is at night. The Kinugawa Onsen Cherry Blossom Festival is held in mid-April at Gokoku-jinja Shrine in Kinugawa Onsen . The cherry blossoms are lit from below, highlighting their vibrant colors against the dark sky.

Gokoku-jinja Shrine is about a 15-minute walk from Kinugawa-Koen Station or a 30-minute walk from Kinugawa Onsen Station.

To get to Kinugawa-Koen, take the train to Shimo-imaichi. From there transfer to Tobu Kinugawa Local line. Kinugawa-Koen Station is about 30 minutes away.

At this nighttime festival, visitors can enjoy traditional food and drinks under the cherry trees. Plank seats are available for relaxing.

There are also live music and traditional dance performances to accompany small personal parties. The cherry blossoms are typically illuminated for more than a week.