Atago Park (Photos by Yoshihito Morita) ()
The Tohoku region in the northeastern parts of mainland Japan finally reached peak cherry blossom season.
Unfortunately, recent stormy weather and strong winds have made enjoying the temporary blooms difficult. Don’t despair, you still have a chance to catch the last of the blossoms near Misawa Air Base before they’re gone for the year!
Atago Park is about a 50-minute drive from Misawa and boasts 700 cherry blossom trees to enjoy. Make sure to walk up the stone-paved promenade for a view of Noheji Town and the Mutsu Gulf in the distance.
For Yoshihito Morita, an employee at Misawa’s Commissary, the view was spectacular. “The impressive view was as if I were looking down a vast pinkish carpet of cherry blossoms against the backdrop of deep blue ocean,” Morita said.
From the promenade, visitors can also stop at Atago Jinja, a historic Shinto shrine on the premises.
Another park worth stopping by is Chuo Park in Shichinohe Town, a short 35-minute drive from Misawa. The large park has many cherry blossom trees, a playground, campground and barbecue field.
The lovely sakura season is about to end, so get out and catch them before they’re gone!
Atago Park in Noheji Town
Location: 56 Teranosawa, Noheji Town, Aomori Prefecture
Chuo Park in Shichinohe Town
Location: 16-1 Nakano, Shichinohe Town, Aomori Prefecture
