This is a cherry tree-lined path along Route 353 leading from the southern slope of Akagi Mountain to Chuji Onsen. Some 1,400 Someiyoshino cherry trees are planted along the 3.5-kilometer section. The blooming season is from early to mid-April, and when the trees are in full bloom, a magnificent tunnel of cherry blossoms can be seen.
It is a representative cherry blossom viewing spot in Maebashi City, selected as one of the “100 best cherry blossom viewing spots in Japan,” and visited by many tourists every year.
The cherry tree-lined avenue was originally developed as part of a three-year greening promotion project that began in 1956, and its beauty was recognized in 1990 when it was selected as one of the 100 most famous cherry blossom viewing spots in Japan. Since then, the cherry trees have been cared for mainly by a local residents’ group, which maintains the park and the adjacent Miyagi Senbonzakura no Mori (Forest of 1,000 Cherry Trees).
A cherry blossom festival is held every April, attracting more than 100,000 visitors. Due to the difference in elevation, the cherry blossom viewing period is long, and after the cherry blossoms have fallen, visitors can enjoy the beautiful scenery of mountain azaleas and higanbana.
The Akagi Minamimen Senbonzakura (Thousand Cherry Trees) is a wonderful row of approximately 1,400 Someiyoshino cherry trees planted by local residents along a 3.5-kilometer stretch of road from National Route 353 to Chuji Onsen as part of a three-year greening promotion project that began in 1956.
Miyagi Thousand Cherry Trees Forest
The “Miyagi Senbonzakura no Mori” (forest of 1,000 cherry trees) has been established adjacent to the park in order to continue to protect this area as a famous cherry blossom viewing spot. In this forest, there are about 500 cherry trees of 37 varieties, as well as mossy lawn cherry trees planted through the “Shiba-zakura spreading campaign,” creating a beautiful scene together with the cherry blossom tunnel of Akagi Minami-Men Senbon-Cherry Blossom Festival.
Akagi Minami-Men Senbon Cherry Blossom Festival
During the Cherry Blossom Festival, various events are held, such as a fureai product market where visitors can enjoy local gourmet foods and specialties, and stage performances. At night, the cherry blossoms are lit up, creating a fantastic view of the cherry blossoms that differs from that of the daytime.
30 minutes by car from Isesaki IC on Kita-Kanto Expressway
35 minutes by car from the Akagi IC of the Kanetsu Expressway