Japan’s Top Cherry Blossom Spot: Kōzen Castle’s “Best Cherry Blossoms Under Heaven” Paint the Sky Pink

▲ Kōzen Castle’s popular photo spot: The Sakura Cloud Bridge. (Photo / Provided by Ina City Tourism Association, Nagano Prefecture, Japan)

Reported and photographed by Cai Wenjun, HowToTrip correspondent in Nagano, Japan

When it comes to famous cherry blossom spots in Japan, what’s the first place that comes to mind? If you’re looking to step into a world blanketed in pink, Kōzen Castle Ruins Park — renowned as the “Best Cherry Blossoms Under Heaven” — is an unmissable spring destination.

Located in Ina City, Nagano Prefecture, Kōzen Castle Ruins Park became a famed cherry blossom destination through the shifts of political power over generations. According to local volunteer guide Kaneko Kikuzō, during Japan’s Warring States period (approximately 1500–1600 AD), regional lords began constructing their own fortified castles, leading to the rise of iconic castles featuring stone walls, moats, and keeps over the span of a hundred years. Kōzen Castle was built in 1547 by Takeda Shingen.

▲ The former entrance gate of the original Kōzen Castle, now only a pathway remains.

▲ The current entrance to Kōzen Castle Ruins Park.

However, with the Meiji Restoration and the end of the Tokugawa shogunate, the Meiji government implemented the “abolition of the han system and establishment of the prefecture system” (i.e., abolishing the traditional feudal lord system). Many ancient castles were demolished during this period, and Kōzen Castle was no exception. After its demolition, the government planted a large number of cherry trees within the castle grounds — currently totaling 1,500 trees. In 1960, it was designated as a Natural Monument of Nagano Prefecture, and Kōzen Castle was also selected as one of Japan’s Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots and one of Japan’s Top 100 Castles.

▲ The Oshioi cherry blossoms planted in Kōzen Castle are the only place in Japan where you can admire this view. (Photo / Provided by Ina City Tourism Association, Nagano Prefecture, Japan)

Compared to other cherry blossom spots, Kōzen Castle has its own irreplaceable uniqueness. Kaneko Kikuzō explains that while most regions in Japan mainly plant Yoshino cherry trees, Kōzen Castle is home to Oshioi cherry blossoms — unique to this location and arguably the only place in all of Japan where you can see them. Compared to the more white-toned Yoshino cherry blossoms, Oshioi cherry blossoms are a softer shade of pink. Kaneko also notes that Oshioi cherry blossoms have a short blooming period of about a week, but just before they fall, their colors become even more vibrant and delicate, showcasing their most beautiful form right before their finale.

▲ The stately Kōzen Pavilion in winter.

▲ Cherry blossoms blooming around Kōzen Pavilion, enhanced by evening lighting, create a different kind of beauty.

The reporter visited in winter when only bare cherry trees — symbols of winter’s quiet — could be seen. But it wasn’t hard to imagine the sea of pink blossoms that will blanket the sky when spring arrives, softening the views and gently coloring the historic stone structures. Kaneko also recommends Kōzen Pavilion and the Sakura Cloud Bridge as popular photo spots.

▲ As a “Best Cherry Blossoms Under Heaven” destination, even the park’s streetlights feature cherry blossom designs.

Ueda Ina City Tourism Association Deputy Bureau Chief Uchiyama Takayuki also mentioned that in 2015 alone, nearly 160,000 visitors came during the cherry blossom season. Therefore, special cherry blossom shuttle buses are arranged each year, and Kōzen Castle only charges an admission fee during the cherry blossom season.

Kōzen Castle
Address: Higashi-Kōzen, Kōzen-chō, Ina City
Cherry Blossom Season: During April
Admission: Adults ¥500, Children ¥200

▲ During cherry blossom season, a view from above shows Kōzen Castle blanketed in a sky of vibrant pink blooms. (Photo / Provided by Ina City Tourism Association, Nagano Prefecture, Japan)