Spring in Sendai brings with it sakura, the delicate cherry blossoms celebrated for their fleeting beauty. Cherry blossoms in Sendai are usually in full bloom around the first week of April and exhibit a gorgeous pink color. Listed below are some of the best places to view sakura in Sendai.

Aobayama Park
Aobayama Park is enriched with history and tradition and is a popular spot to sit and relax on a quiet day. A short distance away at the site of Sendai Castle are sweeping views of the city center. This sprawling park is dotted with places to view sakura in the spring, like the trees blossoming around Date Masamune's statue.

Sakura trees also line the road and moats leading from Sendai Castle's tower and the path leading to the nearby high school, transforming the entire area as the trees reach full bloom.

Access: Directly next to the Sendai Loople Bus Sendai Castle stop

Nishi Park
Founded in 1876, Nishi Park lies along the western edge of Sendai. As the preeminent cherry blossom viewing area in Sendai, it always attracts large crowds. At night, the park's trees are illuminated by paper lanterns, enhancing the atmosphere of the park.

Access: Directly next to Omachi Nishi Koen-mae or Tamachi Shogakko-mae bus stops

Tsutsujigaoka Park
Over 1,000 trees were brought to this park by the fourth lord of the Sendai domain. The trees of Tsutsujigaoka Park blossom slightly later than other Sendai areas, but feature an impressive array of unusual plants like the ukon sakura, which blossoms in a pale gold.

Access: A 5-minute walk from Tsutsujigaoka Station on the JR Senseki Line (one stop from Sendai Station)

Osaki Hachimangu Shrine
Osaki Hachimangu Shrine is a designated national treasure with over 400 years of history. The stone torii gate, light pink sakura blossoms, and lush green Japanese cedars stand in perfect harmony on the pathway leading to the shrine.

Access: A 5-minute walk from Osaki Hachimangu-mae bus stop

Photos: (C) City of Sendai