History, blossoms, and volcanoes: Cherry Blossoms at Takada Castle Park
A once (or more) in a lifetime experience everyone should try
Most foreigners with a passing interest in Japan will know that the spring cherry blossom festival is one of those incredible cultural moments.
Nearly every part of Japan has a “famous” location where cherry trees bloom and locals gather to celebrate the coming of spring. And no matter where that may be, they are lovely and enjoyable. What you may not realize is that there are many different kind of cherry trees with different shapes, sizes, and blooming periods. Temperatures warm up earliest in Okinawa, the far south, and move their way northward forming a cascading pink wave of cherry blossom festivals that begin in March and end in May in Hokkaido, the northernmost point in Japan.
What most might not be aware of is that Takada Park in Joetsu, Niigata is one of the very best spots in all of Japan to see the blooms at night! It is estimated that there are 4,000 cherry trees and 3,000 lanterns to light up Takada castle and its surrounding walkways around the castle moat. Once the sun starts dropping behind the prominent volcanoes of Mount Myoko and Hiuchi, the hundreds of lights pop on to reveal a pink forest against a starlit sky. Each year they change the colour of the lights that shine onto the castle.
Far from the madding crowds of Tokyo, a visitor to Takada Castle Park will find places for their children to play, parking with shuttle buses, a ten minute walk to the Takada train station, and plenty of affordable hotels and restaurants. The castle was built in the 1600’s and for a small entrance fee you can climb up to the top of the tower to enjoy the view of the park.
Neighbouring Joetsu is the city of Myoko where some of Japan’s best and most affordable skiing can be enjoyed. Typically, the area has a chilly and snowy winter paired with a late spring. The temperatures hover near freezing in the winter but the snow piles high and the base at the local ski resorts is very substantial. That said, locals are (very) happy to see the sun and those cherry blossoms that herald the beginning of warmer weather!
Usually there are between 125–300 vendors selling their wares with lines of hungry patrons seeking their obanyaki, takoyaki, yakisoba, choco-bananas, bubble tea, and every other kind of Japanese festival food one might imagine. If you are lucky you might even get some locally made kimchi.
I know it all sounds a little too good to be true. I’m not over-selling it. It is a lot of fun and an experience you will remember year after year as you trot out your photos to impress friends and family.
But, here is the most difficult part of catching this party. Every year the cherries bloom at slightly different times and you will need to have booked your trip well in advance. Aim for the first week of April and give yourself a few days to ensure you can relax and get some sunshine. Take the bullet train from Tokyo, Osaka, Niigata, or Toyama and save yourself the driving. (If you’re from North America be prepared for driving on the opposite side of the road)
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