Complete Guide to Mitake Sakura|Enjoying Spectacular Cherry Blossom Tunnels at a Nationally Designated Beauty Spot in Tsu City, Mie Prefecture
Mitake (みたけ) cherry blossoms, located in Misugi Town, Tsu City, Mie Prefecture, are a nationally designated beauty spot and have been selected as one of “Japan’s Top 100 Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots,” making them a representative cherry blossom destination in Mie Prefecture. The lineup of over 400 wild mountain cherry trees stretching approximately 1.5km from the Ise Honkaido main road to the approach to Shinpukuin Temple creates a fantastical landscape that resembles a cherry blossom tunnel.
This article provides detailed information you should know before visiting, including the charm of Mitake’s cherry blossoms, the best viewing season, access methods, and nearby tourist attractions.
What Are Mitake Cherry Blossoms? A Premier Wild Mountain Cherry Blossom Destination in Mie Prefecture
Why It Was Selected as a National Beauty Spot and Japan’s Top 100 Cherry Blossom Sites
Mitake’s cherry blossoms were designated as a national beauty spot in 1934 (Showa 9), and in 1990 were selected for “Japan’s Top 100 Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots.” Furthermore, they won the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Award in the “9th Beautiful Japanese Villages Landscape Contest,” and their scenic beauty is highly evaluated nationwide.
Mitake is a mountain village adjacent to the border with Nara Prefecture, located in a mountainous area at approximately 400 meters elevation. The cherry blossoms in this area are primarily wild mountain cherry trees that have naturally grown since ancient times, rather than Yoshino cherry trees. Many trees are over 100 years old, and the characteristic cherry tree-lined path has a sense of history.
History of Shinpukuin Temple and the Cherry Tree-Lined Path
At the end of the approach path lined with cherry trees is Shinpukuin (真福院) Temple. Shinpukuin is an ancient temple said to have been founded in the 7th century and is also called the “Mitake Zao Hall.” This temple flourished as a sacred site for mountain ascetic Buddhism, and was once visited by many practitioners.
The cherry-lined approach path was so famous from the Edo period that it was even sung about in porter songs, delighting travelers passing through the Ise Honkaido. Today, its historic scenery remains unchanged, continuing to inspire all who visit.
Highlights of Mitake Cherry Blossoms
Cherry Blossom Tunnel Spanning Approximately 1.5km
The greatest charm of Mitake’s cherry blossoms is the cherry tree-lined path spanning approximately 1.5km from National Route 368 to Shinpukuin Temple’s main gate. When over 400 wild mountain cherry trees planted on both sides of the path bloom in full glory, a fantastical scene unfolds as if walking through a cherry blossom tunnel.
The path is a gentle uphill slope, allowing you to enjoy the cherry blossoms from various angles as you walk. Particularly, the view of the cherry-lined path when looking back from the middle of the slope is spectacular and has become a favorite spot for photography enthusiasts.
Beauty Unique to Wild Mountain Cherry Trees
Unlike Yoshino cherry trees, wild mountain cherry trees are characterized by reddish-brown young leaves budding at the same time as the flowers bloom. This creates a beautiful contrast between pale pink flowers and reddish leaves, allowing you to experience a more natural aesthetic.
Additionally, wild mountain cherry trees have slightly different flowering times depending on the individual tree, making it possible to enjoy the cherry blossoms over a long period. From early-blooming to late-blooming trees, flowers bloom successively over approximately two weeks, presenting a different appearance each time you visit.
Harmonious Landscape of Terraced Fields and Cherry Blossoms
Beautiful terraced rice fields spread out along the approach path in Mitake. During the cherry blossom season, water is often filled in the terraced fields, and you may see the sight of cherry blossoms reflected in the water’s surface. The scenery of cherry blossoms harmonizing with the original rural landscape of a mountain village symbolizes the beauty of spring in Japan and enchants many visitors.
Flowering Season and Best Viewing Time
Typical Flowering Schedule
The flowering time of Mitake cherry blossoms is slightly later than in lowland areas due to the high elevation, typically from mid to late April. Specifically, the schedule is as follows:
- Flowering begins: Early to mid-April
- 50% bloom: Mid-April
- Full bloom: Mid to late April
- Peak viewing season: Approximately one week from mid to late April
- Leaf stage: Late April to early May
However, the flowering time varies depending on the climate of the year, so it is recommended to check the latest flowering information before visiting.
How to Check Flowering Status
You can check the latest flowering status of Mitake cherry blossoms through the following methods:
- Kanko Mie Official Website: Flowering information is updated regularly on Mie Prefecture’s tourism information site
- Tsu City Tourism Association: Flowering status is posted on their official website and SNS
- Tsu City Misugi Comprehensive Branch Community Promotion Division: You can also inquire directly by phone (TEL: 059-272-8082)
- Weather News: Cherry blossom forecasts and flowering status are updated in real time
Since the cherry blossom viewing season is short, check information frequently to catch the perfect full bloom timing.
Recommended Visiting Times
To enjoy Mitake cherry blossoms, the following times are recommended:
Early morning (6:00-8:00 AM): Few tourists are present, allowing you to appreciate the cherry blossoms in peace. Morning mist may create an ethereal quality to photographs.
Morning (9:00-11:00 AM): Light conditions are excellent, and the cherry blossom colors are displayed beautifully. This is ideal for photography.
Evening (4:00-6:00 PM): Cherry blossoms illuminated by the setting sun glow golden, displaying a different appearance than during daytime.
During peak season, many tourists visit, especially on weekends, so weekday or early morning visits are recommended for those wishing to avoid crowds.
Access Methods and Parking Information
Accessing by Car
Car access to Mitake cherry blossoms is convenient. The main routes are as follows:
From Meihan National Route/Ueno Interchange:
- Travel time: Approximately 50 minutes
- Via National Route 368
- Distance: Approximately 35km
From Ise Expressway/Hisai Interchange:
- Travel time: Approximately 60 minutes
- Via National Route 165, Prefectural Route 30, and National Route 368
Precautions:
- Roads around Mitake have narrow widths, making it difficult to pass oncoming vehicles
- Many curves; caution is necessary for those unfamiliar with mountain roads
- Traffic congestion may occur during the peak season, so allow extra time
Parking
Temporary parking is provided during the peak cherry blossom season.
- Location: Multiple locations within Mitake
- Fee: Free (some locations may be fee-based)
- Capacity: Approximately 100 spaces
- Operating hours: Daytime only
On weekends and during full bloom, parking may fill up, so early arrival is recommended. It is a short walk from the parking area to the cherry-lined path.
Access via Public Transportation
Public transportation access is limited but available through the following methods:
Using JR and Kintetsu:
- Get off at “Iseokatsu Station” on the JR Namaze Line
- Approximately 15 minutes by taxi from the station (approximately 10km)
Precautions:
- There is no regular taxi stand at Iseokatsu Station, so advance reservation is necessary
- Temporary buses may operate during the cherry blossom season, but this varies by year, so check in advance with the Tsu City Tourism Association
Car access is most convenient, but those unconfident in driving may use tourism tours departing from Tsu City or Ise City.
Tourist Attractions Around Mitake Cherry Blossoms
Shinpukuin Temple (真福院)
Shinpukuin at the end of the cherry-lined path is a historic temple said to have been founded in the 7th century. The main hall is called “Zao Hall” and has a history of flourishing as a sacred site for mountain ascetic Buddhism. During the cherry blossom season, the view from the temple grounds is also spectacular, and you can worship in a quiet atmosphere.
Kimino Gano Dam Park
Located approximately 20 minutes by car from Mitake cherry blossoms, Kimino Gano Dam Park is also known as a cherry blossom viewing spot. Approximately 1,500 cherry trees are planted around the dam lake, offering beautiful views of cherry blossoms reflected in the water’s surface. Visiting both Mitake cherry blossoms and Kimino Gano Dam Park together is recommended.
Misugi Resort
Misugi Town has resort facilities with hot springs and golf courses. After cherry blossom viewing, you can relax in hot springs to soothe your tiredness. As there are accommodations, spending a night to enjoy the cherry blossoms leisurely is also a good option.
Ise Honkaido
Mitake is located along the Ise Honkaido, which once flourished as a pilgrimage route to Ise Shrine. Stone-paved paths and waymarkers preserving the old main road remain in the area, and you can also enjoy historic exploration.
Tips for Enjoying Mitake Cherry Blossoms
Clothing and Items to Bring
When visiting Mitake cherry blossoms, pay attention to the following points in your preparations:
Clothing:
- In mid-April, mountain areas can be cool, so bring a jacket
- The approach path is paved, but comfortable walking shoes are recommended
- On sunny days, sun protection such as a hat or sunglasses is convenient
Items to bring:
- Camera or binoculars (to observe details of the cherry blossoms)
- Beverages (few vending machines are available in the area)
- Picnic blanket (for rest)
- Garbage bags (always take your garbage with you)
Photography Tips
Here are tips for photographing Mitake cherry blossoms beautifully:
- Viewing angle from the middle of the approach looking downward: The cherry blossom tunnel appears most beautiful
- Taking advantage of early morning light: Cherry blossoms illuminated by morning mist or morning sun have an ethereal quality
- Combining terraced fields and cherry blossoms: Creates a composition suggesting Japan’s original rural landscape
- Using a telephoto lens for compression effect: Can emphasize the density of the cherry tree-lined path
- Including people for sense of scale: Conveys the size of the cherry blossoms and length of the lined path
Etiquette and Precautions
To preserve the beautiful cherry blossoms and allow everyone to enjoy them comfortably, please observe the following etiquette:
- Do not break cherry tree branches: Damaging trees is strictly prohibited
- Always take garbage with you: Please cooperate in environmental conservation
- Do not enter private property: Avoid entering the grounds of terraced fields or houses
- Do not park on the roadside: Use designated parking areas
- Speak quietly: Respect the quiet atmosphere of the mountain village
- Pre-confirm before using drones: Permission may be required
Other Famous Cherry Blossom Sites in Mie Prefecture to Visit With Mitake Cherry Blossoms
Cherry Blossoms at Yunoyama Hot Spring
The area around Yunoyama Hot Spring in Komono Town, Mie Prefecture, is also known as a cherry blossom viewing spot. You can enjoy the collaboration of a hot spring resort area and cherry blossoms, and visiting combined with day-trip hot springs is recommended. It is approximately one hour by car from Mitake cherry blossoms.
Miyagawa Embankment Cherry Blossoms
Miyagawa Embankment in Ise City is a famous site with approximately 1,000 cherry trees blooming over approximately 1km. It is also selected as one of “Japan’s Top 100 Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots,” offering a different, more vibrant cherry blossom-lined path than Mitake.
Kyuka Park Cherry Blossoms
Kyuka Park in Kuwana City is a park developed on the ruins of Kuwana Castle with approximately 450 cherry trees planted. The combination of castle ruins and cherry blossoms is beautiful, and you can enjoy a historical atmosphere.
Gourmet Information: Local Flavors to Enjoy Around Mitake
Misugi Regional Dishes
Misugi Town is blessed with clear streams and mountain delicacies. When viewing cherry blossoms, why not try the following local cuisine:
River fish dishes:
In the Kumodo River flowing through Misugi Town, sweetfish and char are caught. Local restaurants serve fresh river fish grilled with salt or preserved in sweet sauce.
Mountain vegetable dishes:
During spring, mountain vegetables such as bracken, ostrich fern, and aralia shoots come into season. You can enjoy seasonal flavors in tempura or boiled preparations.
Misugi Soba:
Misugi Town is also known as a soba-producing region, and hand-made soba made with locally-grown soba flour can be tasted in some restaurants.
Nearby Restaurants and Rest Stops
There are few large restaurants in the Mitake area, so the following options are available:
- Michi-no-Eki “Misugi”: Approximately 15 minutes by car from Mitake. Local agricultural products and processed foods are available for purchase, and light meals can also be enjoyed
- Bringing your own bento lunch: Preparing a bento beforehand and enjoying a picnic under the cherry blossoms is recommended
- Dining in Tsu City or Nabari City: For more substantial meals, stopping by on the way is convenient
Accommodation Information and Sample Itineraries
Nearby Accommodations
For leisurely enjoyment of Mitake cherry blossoms, staying in the surrounding area is recommended.
Misugi Resort Hinokotani Hot Spring:
- Approximately 20 minutes by car from Mitake
- A resort facility with hot spring and golf course
- Japanese and Western-style rooms available
Akame Hot Spring (Nabari City):
- Approximately 40 minutes by car from Mitake
- Can be enjoyed combined with Akame Forty-Eight Waterfalls sightseeing
Hotels in Iga City and Nabari City:
- Abundant options from business hotels to traditional inns
- Approximately 30-40 minutes by car to Mitake
One-Night, Two-Day Sample Itinerary
Day 1:
- Morning: Head to Mie Prefecture via Meihan National Route
- Lunch: Lunch and shopping at Michi-no-Eki “Misugi”
- Afternoon: View Mitake cherry blossoms (2-3 hours)
- Evening: Check in at accommodation
- Night: Enjoy hot spring and local cuisine
Day 2:
- Morning: View cherry blossoms at Kimino Gano Dam Park
- Lunch: Historic exploration of Ise Honkaido
- Afternoon: Return home (stop by Akame Forty-Eight Waterfalls or Iga Ueno Castle along the way)
Preservation Efforts for Mitake Cherry Blossoms and Community Initiatives
Cherry Blossom Protection Activities
Mitake’s cherry-lined path is protected through cooperation between local residents, the government, and volunteers. Efforts to recover the vigor of old trees, control pests and diseases, and plant young trees continue to preserve beautiful cherry blossoms for future generations.
Contribution to Regional Revitalization
Mitake cherry blossoms serve as an important tourism resource for Misugi Town, greatly contributing to regional revitalization. During the cherry blossom season, many tourists visit, supporting the local economy and serving to publicize the charm of Misugi Town nationwide.
We who visit can also help preserve this beautiful scenery for the future by respecting local culture and nature and observing proper etiquette.
Detailed Information
Name: Mitake Cherry Blossoms (Mitake no Sakura)
Address: 〒515-3535 Mitake, Misugi Town, Tsu City, Mie Prefecture
Inquiries:
- Tsu City Misugi Comprehensive Branch Community Promotion Division
- Phone number: 059-272-8082
- Tsu City Tourism Association
Number of trees: Approximately 400-500
Cherry tree variety: Wild mountain cherry (Yamakakura)
Best viewing period: Mid to late April
Operating hours: No set hours (path is always open)
Admission fee: Free
Parking: Available (temporary parking during cherry blossom season, free)
Restrooms: Available (simple restrooms)
Designations and selections:
- Nationally designated beauty spot (1934)
- Japan’s Top 100 Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots
- Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Award in Beautiful Japanese Villages Landscape Contest
Conclusion
Mitake cherry blossoms deserve their status as Mie Prefecture’s representative cherry blossom destination, a nationally designated beauty spot, and selection for Japan’s Top 100 Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots. The lined path of over 400 wild mountain cherry trees spanning approximately 1.5km from the Ise Honkaido to Shinpukuin Temple truly creates a spectacular cherry blossom tunnel landscape.
The best season to view them is typically mid to late April, when you can enjoy the refined quality unique to wild mountain cherry trees—the contrast between pale pink flowers and young reddish leaves. The original Japanese rural landscape of harmonized terraced fields and cherry blossoms will give visitors profound emotion.
Car access is convenient, but caution is necessary as some roads are narrow. During peak season, early morning or weekday visits are recommended to avoid crowds. Nearby attractions such as Kimino Gano Dam Park and Misugi Resort are worth combining with your visit.
To preserve the historic cherry-lined path, enjoy it while observing proper etiquette and help preserve this beautiful scenery for the future. When traveling to Mie in spring, be sure to visit Mitake cherry blossoms and fully experience the beauty of spring in Japan.
