Cherry blossoms in full bloom in Iwate Prefecture at the end of April   “Cherry Blossom Corridor,” one of Japan’s Top 100, is stunningly beautiful

Reported by Reporter You... / Comprehensive report

Located in Japan’s Tohoku region, Iwate Prefecture is the hometown of the protagonist in the popular Japanese drama “Amachan.” It boasts magnificent natural scenery, fresh seafood, and distinctive local cuisine. By late April to May, it enters spring with cherry blossoms in full bloom, alongside the enchanting beauty of the Snow Corridor.


▲ Iwate’s “Cherry Blossom Corridor.” (Photo / Provided by Iwate Prefecture)

Visiting Iwate in spring, two must-see attractions are the “Cherry Blossom Corridor” and the “Snow Corridor.” The former refers to the breathtaking cherry blossoms at Kitakami Kashimadai, which is listed among Japan’s Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots, and is ranked alongside Hirosaki City in Aomori Prefecture and Kakunodate Town in Akita Prefecture as one of the “Three Great Cherry Blossom Spots of Mutsu.” Along the approximately 2-kilometer stretch of the Kitakami River, cherry trees form a beautiful tunnel. During the cherry blossom festival, visitors can also enjoy rides on sightseeing carriages. Visiting the Cherry Blossom Corridor at night offers a dreamy view of illuminated cherry blossoms.

The “Snow Corridor” refers to the Aspite Line (shield volcano road) between Iwate Prefecture and Akita Prefecture’s Mount Hachimantai. After the road opens in April, snow walls about 20 kilometers long line both sides of the road, making it arguably Japan’s longest “Snow Corridor.” The snow walls can reach up to three stories high (approximately 10 meters).


▲ Deer Dance. (Photo / Provided by Iwate Prefecture)

This coming Saturday and Sunday (March 28 and 29), at Taipei Railway Station’s North Gate 2, a traditional festival from Iwate making its first visit to Taiwan, the “Deer Dance,” will be performed. Performers wear giant deer horn headdresses and dance energetically to the rhythm of taiko drums. Those interested in traveling to Iwate may want to check it out.