Shinsakaigawa Levee Cherry Blossoms | Complete Guide to Hyakujuro Sakura in Kakamigahara, Gifu Prefecture 2026
The rows of cherry blossoms lining both banks of the Shinsakaigawa River flowing through Kakamigahara City, Gifu Prefecture, are one of the representative cherry blossom spots in the Tokai region, selected for “Japan’s 100 Best Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots” and “Hida and Mino 33 Selected Cherry Blossoms.” Affectionately called “Hyakujuro Sakura” after being donated by local-born Kabuki actor Ichikawa Hyakujuro, over 1,000 Somei Yoshino cherry trees bloom magnificently each spring, covering the water’s surface.
This article comprehensively introduces information you should know before visiting, including the charm of the Shinsakaigawa Levee cherry blossoms, peak viewing season, access methods, and nearby tourist attractions.
Shinsakaigawa Levee Hyakujuro Sakura
History and Origins
The history of the cherry blossom rows at Shinsakaigawa Levee dates back to 1930. When the diversion canal (Shinsakaigawa) of the Sakaigawa River, which runs through Kakamigahara in the northern part of the Nobi Plain, was completed, cherry trees were planted on both levees as a memorial to this occasion.
The cherry trees were donated by Ichikawa Hyakujuro (second generation), a Kabuki actor from the local area. Hyakujuro returned his fame to his hometown by participating in cherry tree planting activities with residents, developing the Shinsakaigawa Levee into a beautiful cherry blossom viewing spot. For this reason, it is known locally as “Hyakujuro Sakura.”
Scale and Characteristics
Approximately 1,000 or more Somei Yoshino cherry trees form cherry blossom rows extending about 4 kilometers along both banks of the Shinsakaigawa River. In recent years, with the cooperation of citizen volunteers from Kakamigahara City, tree planting has continued, expanding the cherry trees along the river to a total length of 13 kilometers with approximately 2,500 trees in total.
The greatest characteristic of the cherry blossom rows is the spectacular landscape of blossoms covering the water’s surface. Branches extending from cherry trees on both banks of the river reflect in the water, creating a fantastical space like a cherry blossom tunnel. The area around Kakamigahara Civic Park, in particular, has a high density of cherry trees and serves as the main viewing area.
Cherry Blossom Peak Season and Blooming Information
Typical Peak Viewing Season
The peak viewing season for cherry blossoms at Shinsakaigawa Levee is typically from late March to early April. Since it is located in the plains of Gifu Prefecture, it experiences relatively early blooming compared to other areas in the prefecture.
While the timing varies depending on weather conditions, the general schedule is as follows:
- Blooming period: Late March
- Full bloom period: Early April
- Peak viewing period: Approximately 1 to 10 days
2026 Bloom Forecast
The 2026 bloom forecast will be released by the Japan Meteorological Agency and private meteorological companies from late February through early March. Blooming tends to occur earlier in warm winters and later in cold winters.
The latest blooming information is available on the official website of the Kakamigahara City Tourism and Exchange Division and various cherry blossom blooming information websites. We recommend checking the latest information before your visit to avoid missing the full bloom timing.
Weather and Best Viewing Timing
The optimal time for cherry blossom viewing is morning to daytime. In direct sunlight, the pale pink color of the cherry blossoms appears beautiful, and you can enjoy the contrast with the blue sky.
From evening to night during the Kakamigahara Cherry Blossom Festival period, illumination is provided. You can enjoy nighttime cherry blossoms with a different fantastical atmosphere than daytime, so if time permits, visiting both day and night is recommended.
Kakamigahara Cherry Blossom Festival
Event Overview
Coinciding with the cherry blossom peak season, the “Kakamigahara Cherry Blossom Festival” is held every year. The main venue is Kakamigahara Civic Park and the surrounding area of the Learning Forest, with many flower viewing visitors gathering for this region’s largest spring event.
Main Events
The following events are held during the festival period:
- Illumination: Enjoy the fantastical nighttime cherry blossom landscape
- Food stalls and vendors: Enjoy local cuisine and festival favorites
- Stage events: Performances by local organizations, etc.
- Cherry blossom promenade: Leisurely stroll through the approximately 4km cherry blossom rows
Detailed opening dates and times will be announced on the Kakamigahara City official website around February each year, so please check in advance.
Access Information
Access by Train
When using the Meitetsu Kakamigahara Line:
- Shimin Koen-mae Station: The station closest to the cherry blossom rows around Kakamigahara Civic Park. It takes about 5 minutes on foot from the station to reach the cherry blossom rows.
- Kakamigahara City Hall Station: From here, you can also access the Shinsakaigawa Levee on foot in about 5 minutes.
From the Nagoya area, it takes about 40 minutes via Meitetsu Nagoya Station using the Inuyama and Kakamigahara Lines. From the Gifu area, it takes about 20 minutes from Meitetsu Gifu Station via the Kakamigahara Line.
Access by Car
Access from major roads:
- Tokai-Hokuriku Expressway: About 10 minutes from Gifu Kakamigahara IC
- Meishin Expressway: About 30 minutes from Ichinomiya IC
- National Route 21: Toward Kakamigahara city center
Setting “Kakamigahara Civic Park” (3-1-3 Naka Monzen-cho, Kakamigahara City, Gifu Prefecture) in your navigation system is convenient.
Parking Information
Temporary parking areas are set up around Kakamigahara Civic Park during the cherry blossom festival period:
- Kakamigahara Civic Park parking lot: Free to use normally
- Temporary parking lots: Parking lots at nearby facilities are opened during the festival period
Parking lots become very congested on weekends and during peak bloom times. We recommend arriving early in the morning or using public transportation. For detailed parking information, please contact the Kakamigahara City Tourism and Exchange Division (TEL: 058-383-1426).
Highlights and Recommended Viewing Spots
Around Kakamigahara Civic Park
Among the cherry blossom rows at Shinsakaigawa Levee, the area around Kakamigahara Civic Park is the most impressive. Branches extending from cherry trees on both banks of the river reflect in the water, creating a landscape like a cherry blossom tunnel.
There is also a grass plaza within the park where you can spread out a leisure sheet and enjoy flower viewing in a picnic-like atmosphere. It is particularly popular with families.
Around the Learning Forest
The area around the “Learning Forest” to the north of Kakamigahara Civic Park also bustles as a sub-venue for the cherry blossom festival. This is a relatively quiet and secluded area where you can view cherry blossoms at a leisurely pace.
The expansive grounds have well-maintained walking trails, making it ideal for flower viewing while taking a stroll.
Riverside Walking Trail
Walking trails are maintained on both banks of the Shinsakaigawa River, allowing you to enjoy the approximately 4-kilometer cherry blossom rows while walking. There are also benches for rest along the way.
For those with time to spare, slowly strolling along the riverside while enjoying the cherry blossoms is recommended. The cherry blossoms appear different depending on the location, and there is also the pleasure of finding your favorite spot.
Photography Spots
Recommended points for photography:
- Cherry blossoms reflected in water: The cherry blossom rows reflected in the water surface are an ideal photo spot
- Cherry blossom tunnel: Where the cherry trees from both banks overhang
- Illuminated nighttime cherry blossoms: Fantastical nighttime landscapes
Nearby Tourist Attractions
Kakamigahara Aerospace Museum
Kakamigahara is also known as a town of the aviation industry. The “Kakamigahara Aerospace Museum” is Japan’s largest aerospace specialty museum with abundant actual aircraft displays and interactive exhibits.
Located about 10 minutes by car from Shinsakaigawa Levee, it is an ideal spot to visit together with cherry blossom viewing.
Kakamigahara Civic Pool
It operates as a civic pool in summer, but in spring the surrounding cherry blossoms are also beautiful, and it is recommended to include it in your sightseeing route.
Nearby Dining Establishments
Various dining establishments offering local cuisine are scattered around Kakamigahara Civic Park. In particular, “Kakamigahara Kimchi” is known as a local specialty, and many establishments serve dishes using kimchi.
While many food stalls are set up during the cherry blossom festival period, enjoying meals at local dining establishments is also one of the pleasures of traveling.
How to Enjoy Cherry Blossom Viewing at Shinsakaigawa Levee
Flower Viewing Picnic
At the grass plaza of Kakamigahara Civic Park, you can enjoy a relaxing flower viewing picnic by spreading out a leisure sheet. Bring a packed lunch and beverages and spend a spring day under the cherry blossoms.
Packing Checklist:
- Leisure sheet
- Packed lunch and beverages
- Trash bags (please take your trash with you)
- Warm clothing (it can get cold in the evening)
- Camera
Strolling and Walking
The approximately 4-kilometer cherry blossom rows are also perfect as a walking course. The riverside walking trail is flat and easy to walk, enjoyable for people of all ages.
A round trip provides about 8 kilometers of exercise, allowing for healthy flower viewing. We recommend wearing comfortable shoes for walking.
Nighttime Cherry Blossom Viewing
The illumination during the cherry blossom festival period offers a completely different fantastical atmosphere from daytime. The cherry blossom rows floating in the darkness are spectacularly beautiful.
Temperatures drop at night, so do not forget cold weather protection. It is also popular as a dating spot for couples.
Precautions and Etiquette for Your Visit
Congestion Status
Weekends and peak bloom times are extremely crowded. In particular, the following time periods see heavy traffic:
- Weekends and holidays from 11:00 to 15:00
- Illumination hours (approximately 18:00 to 21:00)
Those who wish to avoid crowds should visit on weekdays or early in the morning.
Flower Viewing Etiquette
Please observe the following etiquette to preserve the beautiful cherry blossom rows:
- Take all trash with you: There may be areas without trash bins
- Do not break cherry branches: Pulling branches for commemorative photos is strictly prohibited
- Do not step on the base: Be careful not to damage the cherry roots
- Keep spot reservations reasonable: Avoid reserving spots for long periods
- Be considerate of noise: Some areas are near residential neighborhoods, so be especially quiet at night
Weather Preparations
Since spring weather is changeable, the following preparations will be helpful:
- Rain gear: Collapsible umbrella or raincoat
- Warm clothing: Mornings and evenings can be cold
- Sun protection: Daytime sunlight is surprisingly strong
Accommodations Near Shinsakaigawa Levee
For visitors from afar or those who wish to enjoy cherry blossoms leisurely, accommodation is also recommended.
Hotels in Kakamigahara City
The city has various accommodations centered on business hotels. Early reservations are necessary as the area becomes crowded during the cherry blossom festival period.
Hotels in Gifu City
Gifu City has a diverse range of accommodations, and access to Shinsakaigawa Levee is good at about 20 minutes by train. You can also enjoy other tourist attractions such as Gifu Castle and Nagara River Cormorant Fishing.
Hotels in Nagoya City
Using Nagoya City as a base for a day trip to Shinsakaigawa Levee is also an option. Access from Nagoya is possible in about 40 minutes by train.
Other Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots in Gifu Prefecture
We introduce other cherry blossom viewing spots in Gifu Prefecture to visit along with Shinsakaigawa Levee.
Usuzumi Park (Motosu City)
A park famous for “Usuzumi Sakura,” a national designated natural monument with a tree age exceeding 1,500 years. It is counted as one of Japan’s three greatest cherry trees and is also selected for “Japan’s 100 Best Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots.”
Garyu Sakura (Takayama City)
A cherry blossom viewing spot in Hida Takayama, called “Garyu Sakura” because of its tree shape resembling a reclining dragon. The large cherry tree with a tree age of over 1,100 years is an impressive presence.
Sumomata Ichiya Castle Ruins (Ogaki City)
A cherry blossom viewing spot at the site of Sumomata Castle (Saigawa Castle), where cherry blossoms with a castle fortress as backdrop are beautiful. You can enjoy both historical romance and cherry blossoms simultaneously.
Basic Information
Shinsakaigawa Levee Hyakujuro Sakura Basic Data
- Name: Shinsakaigawa Levee Hyakujuro Sakura
- Location: Around Naka Monzen-cho, Kakamigahara City, Gifu Prefecture
- Number of cherry trees: Over 1,000 (approximately 2,500 along the entire riverside)
- Cherry blossom variety: Somei Yoshino
- Peak viewing season: Typically late March to early April
- Admission fee: Free
- Parking: Kakamigahara Civic Park parking lot, etc. (temporary parking lots available during festival period)
- Illumination: Implemented during cherry blossom festival period (times vary by year)
- Selections: Japan’s 100 Best Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots, Hida and Mino 33 Selected Cherry Blossoms
Contact Information
- Kakamigahara City Tourism and Exchange Division
- Telephone: 058-383-1426
- Latest information can be confirmed on the official Kakamigahara sightseeing website “Kakamigahara Sanpo”
Conclusion
Shinsakaigawa Levee in Kakamigahara City, Gifu Prefecture, is one of the premier cherry blossom viewing spots in the Tokai region, selected for “Japan’s 100 Best Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots.” The historic cherry blossom rows spanning approximately 4 kilometers on both banks, with over 1,000 Hyakujuro Sakura trees donated by Kabuki actor Ichikawa Hyakujuro from the local area, continue to be beloved by residents.
It is a spot where you can enjoy various viewing experiences, including cherry blossom tunnels covering the water’s surface, nighttime illuminated cherry blossoms, and the Kakamigahara Cherry Blossom Festival. The peak viewing season is typically late March to early April, when many flower viewers gather.
With excellent access—about 40 minutes by train from Nagoya and about 20 minutes from Gifu—you can fully enjoy it even on a day trip. Parking is also well-equipped, making car access convenient.
In spring 2026, be sure to visit Shinsakaigawa Levee’s Hyakujuro Sakura and enjoy the spectacular cherry blossoms that Tokai is proud to offer. Check the latest blooming information and make sure not to miss the peak bloom timing.
