A Long Cherry Blossom Season
A Succession of Different Cherry Varieties
One of Sakura no Sato’s greatest attractions is the wide variety of cherry trees, which bloom at different times throughout spring.
The most numerous variety is Somei Yoshino, which generally reaches peak bloom from early to mid-April. Afterward, wild and native varieties such as Yamazakura, Oyamazakura, and Edohigan begin to bloom.
From approximately mid-April through early May, later-blooming double-flowered varieties such as Kanzan, Fugenzo, and Sanozakura add vivid color to the park.
Because different varieties flower successively, the cherry blossom season can be enjoyed for approximately one month, from early April to early May.
Rare Cherry Varieties
Visitors may also encounter less common varieties such as Mishimazakura, Yokihi, and Kotohira.
The diversity of trees means that the scenery changes from week to week, giving repeat visitors a chance to experience a different side of the park each time they return.
Walking beneath the Cherry Blossoms
Walking trails wind through the park, allowing visitors to explore the grounds while looking toward the rugged rock peaks of Mount Myogi.
The terrain includes numerous small hills and valleys, so comfortable walking shoes and clothing suitable for uneven ground are recommended.
Picnics and Scenic Viewpoints
Six traditional gazebos and open spaces are provided throughout the park, offering pleasant places to rest or enjoy a picnic lunch.
The park is also an excellent location for photography. Cherry blossoms framing the unusual rock formations of Mount Myogi create a distinctive landscape that is difficult to find elsewhere.
Families, friends, and photographers can all enjoy a leisurely spring day surrounded by flowers and mountain scenery.
Kinoko-kan and Other Park Facilities
The park is home to Kinoko-kan, or the Mushroom Hall, which was built to commemorate International Year of the Forest in 1985.
Admission is free, and exhibitions introduce visitors to forests and mushrooms, providing an opportunity to learn more about the natural environment.
An outdoor stage is also located within the park and is used for events, bringing additional activity to the area on special occasions.
Mount Myogi – A Mountain of Extraordinary Rock Formations
Mount Myogi refers to a mountain area extending across the boundaries of Shimonita Town, Tomioka City, and Annaka City in Gunma Prefecture.
Along with Mount Akagi and Mount Haruna, it forms the famous Three Mountains of Jomo. Mount Myogi is also counted among Japan’s Three Great Places of Unusual Scenic Beauty.
Its dramatic cliffs, towers, pinnacles, and other unusual rock formations have attracted visitors for centuries.
Omote-Myogi and Ura-Myogi
Mount Myogi is broadly divided into Omote-Myogi, the front or eastern area, and Ura-Myogi, the back or western area.
Omote-Myogi includes peaks such as Mount Hakuun, at 1,104 meters, Mount Kinkei, and Mount Kongo. Mount Soma, at 1,103.8 meters, is another representative peak.
The area is characterized by sheer rock walls, pillar-like formations, and unusual towers that give the mountain its distinctive appearance.
Ura-Myogi is centered around Mount Yakyu, at 1,162.1 meters, and features steep rocky ridges and rugged mountain terrain.
Both areas are known for challenging hiking routes and numerous sections equipped with fixed chains. Hikers should have appropriate equipment and sufficient mountain experience, particularly when attempting the more demanding routes.
Ishimon Meguri – Exploring the Stone Gates
One of the most famous attractions of Omote-Myogi is Ishimon Meguri, or the Stone Gate Circuit.
The route passes through a series of enormous natural rock formations known as the First through Fourth Stone Gates. Created by geological processes over vast periods of time, these formations resemble monumental works of natural architecture.
The area also has a long connection with Japanese mountain worship. Myogi Shrine stands on the slopes of Mount Hakuun, while Nakanotake Shrine is located on the Mount Kongo side.
A National Place of Scenic Beauty
Mount Myogi was designated a National Place of Scenic Beauty in 1923, and 2023 marked the 100th anniversary of the designation.
The mountain is also famous for its autumn foliage. Its seasonal beauty is celebrated in Jomo Karuta, Gunma’s traditional regional card game, in the phrase referring to Mount Myogi shining with autumn colors.
Access to Sakura no Sato
By Car
From the Shimonita Interchange of the Joshin-etsu Expressway, it takes approximately 30 minutes via National Route 254.
From the Matsuida-Myogi Interchange, the drive takes approximately 20 minutes.
The park can become very crowded on weekends during the peak cherry blossom season, from approximately early April through early May. Traffic congestion is particularly common on the Matsuida-Myogi Interchange side.
Travelers may find it more convenient to approach from the Shimonita Interchange and use parking areas such as Nakanotake Parking Area or the Outdoor Stage Parking Area.
By Train
From JR Takasaki Station, take the Joshin Electric Railway to Shimonita Station, followed by approximately 25 minutes by taxi.
Alternatively, take the Shin-etsu Line from Takasaki to Matsuida Station, followed by approximately 25 minutes by taxi.
Discover Mount Myogi Throughout the Year
Although spring cherry blossoms are one of the area’s major attractions, Mount Myogi offers beautiful scenery throughout the year.
Fresh green foliage appears in spring, the mountains become deeply green in summer, brilliant autumn colors cover the slopes in fall, and winter brings a stark, clear landscape.
At the foot of the mountain, Roadside Station Myogi provides a tourist information center and local products center, making it a convenient stop before or after exploring the area.
Scenic driving routes such as the Myogi Autumn Foliage Line also allow visitors to enjoy the mountain landscape from the road.
A Spring Landscape of Flowers and Rocks
Myogi-san Sakura no Sato is a place where delicate cherry blossoms meet one of Gunma’s most dramatic mountain landscapes.
By combining a visit to the park with Myogi Shrine, the Ishimon Meguri trail, or other attractions around Mount Myogi, travelers can experience the area’s natural beauty, history, and traditions in a single journey.
Walk beneath thousands of cherry trees, admire the unusual rock formations, and take in the changing colors of Mount Myogi. In spring, the contrast between the rugged mountains and soft pink blossoms creates an unforgettable landscape.