For many, one of the most wondrous symbols of Japan are the cherry blossoms, dubbed “sakura” in Japanese, as many people know. As temperatures rise and the scenery transitions from white winterscapes to rolling greens and blossoming flowers, the aforementioned sakura season is most anticipated. This isn’t limited to just visitors from abroad, as the locals often engage in “hanami,” literally translating to “flower watching,” which entails a gathering of people engaging in things like picnics and other social activities underneath the cherry blossom trees. Once spring arrives, a bright and energetic atmosphere seems to take over Japan!
But appreciating the sakura isn’t limited to just these specific locations and gatherings. Sakura trees grace the landscape all over the country, be it avenues in major cities, riverbanks in the countryside, or even through the windows of commuting locomotives that move through the landscape.
Hokuriku, the Jewel of the Japan Sea Coast
The Hokuriku region consists of the prefectures of, from south to north, Fukui, Ishikawa, Toyama, and Niigata (though Niigata is often grouped as part of a sub-region). The scenery of Hokuriku as a whole is best witnessed in its most nature-rich locales, with rolling mountains, rice fields, and other landmarks laced throughout the land, including rows and dense concentrations of cherry trees that erupt into a subtle yet lush pink during springtime!
Even in more rural areas like Hokuriku, train travel is a prominent part of life, taking residents and travelers across the region quickly and efficiently. But aside from this practical role, these trains are also ideal for taking in the beautiful scenery from large, clear glass windows. Let’s take a look at some of the best train lines in Hokuriku for viewing the sakura during springtime!
The Echizen Railway in Fukui Prefecture
Fukui Prefecture is the most southern prefecture in Hokuriku and borders Kyoto, Shiga, Gifu, and Ishikawa. This is a prefecture known for its cliff-laden, rocky coasts and sleepy seaside towns, and the Echizen Railway is one of the most significant train lines in the prefecture.
One of the most prominent cities that the Echizen Railway services is Katsuyama City, high up north near the border of Ishikawa. Hokuriku is a region that sees prominent snowfall due to its high elevation amongst the Japanese Alps, and Katsuyama City sees some of the most snowfall in Japan. During spring, much of the area is taken over by greenery and pink sakura, but the mountain peaks in the background serve as the last spots for white snow. The Echizen Railway train passing through the area from early-to-mid April provides a moving panorama of this unique site, and as the train passes at Hota Station, the cherry trees in full bloom line up near the train tracks, their branches reaching out, adorned with blissful shades of pink and white.
The Hokuriku Railway Ishikawa Line
Ishikawa is one of the most culturally and geographically diverse prefectures in all of Japan. Its capital, Kanazawa, is a gorgeous boutique city with its historic districts perfectly preserved. Getting to Ishikawa Prefecture is done easily thanks to the direct Hokuriku Shinkansen line from Tokyo to Kanazawa, getting you there in as little as 2 hours and 30 minutes. Near central Kanazawa is Nomachi Station, one of the terminal stops for the Hokuriku Railway Ishikawa Line, a 17 stop local railway.
Nomachi Station is the nearest station to one of the main cherry blossom-viewing locations on the Saigawa River, a favorite for local residents during springtime. On the other end of the railway is Tsurugi Station in Hakusan City. This station is not far from Shirayama Hime Shrine, another prominent hanami spot where the cherry trees are often illuminated at night. If the chance arises, the festival to celebrate the blooming of the flowers (kaika matsuri) is a standout event for the springtime. Between the two stations, the Ishikawa Line presents great views of the local scenery with pockets of gorgeous cherry trees laced alongside the route.
The Shiden Tram Cars in Toyama Prefecture
Toyama Prefecture’s name translates to “rich mountain,” and it fully lives up to its moniker, sandwiched between a wall of mountains from the Japanese Alps and the venerable Toyama Bay.
The capital city, Toyama City, is often home to clear views of the mountains in the background. Throughout the city’s layout, there are bastions of sakura cherry trees, especially along the Matsukawa River that runs through the city, Toyama Castle, and the adjacent castle park. One of Toyama’s most famous features is its retro-style tram cars that traverse throughout the city, taking passengers around the city and passing by these famous sakura sites. The cherry blossom trees by Toyama Castle that hang above the neighboring pond provide a one-of-a-kind view, and the flurry of sakura blossoms along the rivers is an especially beautiful scene as the trams cross over bridges.
The Echigo Line in Niigata Prefecture
Head up directly to one prefecture above Toyama and arrive at Niigata Prefecture, famous for its long winters that proliferate the region with rich soil for agriculture and beautiful foliage during the warmer months. Niigata is a geographically long prefecture, extending to the border of five different prefectures: Toyama, Nagano, Gunma, Fukushima, and Yamagata.
The Echigo Line extends for a portion of the prefecture’s long sea coast, but the sakura blossoms take center stage at what is otherwise a rather modest station: Bunsui Station in Tsubame City. There, cherry blossom trees line the tracks and create a magical funnel of pink flowers around the railway. The scene is especially beautiful during the golden hour at sunset, but at night, the sakura trees are illuminated. A staple of Bunsui Station is the once-annual Yozakura Shu*Kura Train, which takes passengers and takes them along the tracks to see the sakura. The festivities continue off the train with set-up food stalls and other fanfare right outside the station!
How to get around the Hokuriku region
If you can get to the Hokuriku region easily thanks to the direct Shinkansen line from Tokyo, regional passes are your key to exploring this gorgeous natural treasure of Japan. The Hokuriku Arch Pass, valid for 7 consecutive days, includes the direct Hokuriku Shinkansen as well as many local trains, including two of the scenic lines mentioned above! In fact, the JR Echigo Line as well as other picturesque and practical local lines are covered by this convenient pass that encapsulates all your travel needs within a single ticket.
Otherwise, you can also purchase a ticket for the Tokyo to Kanazawa Hokuriku Shinkansen and then pay as you go on each of the local lines through the area.
Head north to Tohoku and check out these great railways for sakura viewing!
Heading up north from Hokuriku and the greater Chubu Region is Tohoku, also rich in diverse natural landscapes with great railway lines to check out the cherry blossoms! Of note, the Aizu Railway in Fukushima passes by Yunokami Onsen Station, with its distinct thatched roof surrounded by cherry blossom trees.
In Miyagi Prefecture, Hitome Senbonzakura is traversed by the Tohoku Main Line. The name itself means “view of 1,000 cherry trees,” and it truly lives up to its name. Nearby at Funaoka Castle Park, the sloped train tracks take passengers up and down the mountain that is the centerpiece of the grounds, which is flooded with cherry trees, creating a sea of blush pink and ivory white during spring.
If you wish to see more of the beautiful gems of Tohoku, a widely underrated area of Japan that boasts some of the country’s most beautiful landscapes and most traditional arts, crafts, and locations to visit, embark on an awe-inspiring adventure across the region by train! This 5-day excursion through the region’s highlights, such as Morioka, Akita, Aomori, Sendai, and many onsen hot spring towns, relies on Tohoku’s extensive local rail network, full of bucolic trains traversing picturesque natural landscapes.
