A Complete Guide to Cherry Blossom Spots Around Jojima Highland Park | 15 Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots in Oita Prefecture
Oita Prefecture is not only famous for hot springs, but also for its scattered cherry blossom viewing spots throughout the prefecture in spring. In particular, the area around Jojima Highland Park is known as a popular spot where you can enjoy late-blooming cherry blossoms, taking advantage of its high altitude. This article provides a detailed introduction to cherry blossom viewing spots throughout Oita Prefecture, centered on Jojima Highland Park.
The Charm of Cherry Blossoms at Jojima Highland Park
[Beppu City] Jojima Highland Park
Jojima Highland Park is a vast resort facility covering approximately one million tsubo located at the southern base of Mount Yufu in Beppu City, Oita Prefecture. It features an amusement park, hotel, and golf course, and attracts many tourists in spring as a famous cherry blossom viewing spot where approximately 2,000 Somei Yoshino cherry trees bloom magnificently.
Cherry Blossom Highlights and Features
The greatest feature of Jojima Highland Park is that you can enjoy both amusement park attractions and cherry blossoms simultaneously. The experience of riding Japan’s first wooden roller coaster “Jupiter” while enjoying the cherry blossom scenery spreading below is something you can only experience here. Cherry trees are planted throughout the park, allowing visitors to enjoy flower viewing while strolling.
Due to its location on a highland, the typical blooming period is slightly later than in the lowlands, with the peak viewing time being early April to late April. The cool climate at an altitude of approximately 800 meters allows the cherry blossoms to bloom for an extended period, which is one of its attractions.
Business Hours and Admission Fees
Business Hours: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (may change depending on the day)
Admission Fees:
- Adults (junior high school students and above): 1,500 yen
- Children (ages 4 to elementary school): 600 yen
- Seniors (60 years and above): 1,200 yen
*Additional charges may apply for attraction usage. Free pass purchases are also available. Fees may change, so please check the official website for the latest information.
Access Information
By Car:
- Approximately 15 minutes from “Beppu IC” on the Oita Expressway
- Approximately 20 minutes from “Hiji IC” on the Oita Expressway
By Public Transportation:
- Approximately 35 minutes by bus from JR Kyudai Main Line “Beppu Station”
- Take Kamenoi Bus “Jojima Highland Park” bound bus from Beppu Station
Parking: Free parking available (approximately 1,000 spaces)
Address: 123 Jojima Highland, Beppu City, Oita Prefecture
Inquiries: 0977-22-1165
Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots Around Jojima Highland Park
Cherry Blossom Spots in the Beppu Area
Beppu Park
An urban park in central Beppu City, adjacent to Becom Plaza and Beppu Arena. Approximately 200 cherry trees are planted here, and it is cherished as a place of relaxation for local residents. The typical blooming period is from late March to early April.
Peak Viewing Period: Late March to early April
Access: Approximately 15 minutes walk from JR Beppu Station
Fee: Free
Address: 3018-1 Noguchihara, Beppu City, Oita Prefecture
Jojima Weeping Cherry
A weeping cherry tree with an age of approximately 150 years located in the Jojima district of Beppu City, designated as a prefectural specially protected tree. As a single tree, it commands an overwhelming presence, and when in full bloom, many photography enthusiasts visit to see the beauty of the flowers cascading down like a waterfall.
Peak Viewing Period: Late March to early April
Access: Approximately 10 minutes by car from Jojima Highland Park
Fee: Free
Cherry Blossom Spots in the Yufuin Area
Yufuin and Cherry Blossom Trees Along the Oita River
The scenery of cherry blossoms and rapeseed flowers blooming simultaneously along the Oita River, with Mount Yufu in the background, is famous as a spring tradition of Yufuin. The view from around Miyuki Bridge is spectacular, and visitors can enjoy flower viewing while leisurely strolling along the river.
Peak Viewing Period: Late March to early April
Access: Approximately 10 minutes walk from JR Yufuin Station
Fee: Free
Address: Kawakami, Yufuin Town, Yufu City, Oita Prefecture
Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots in Central Oita City
[Oita City] Heiwa Citizens Park
A vast urban park located in the central part of Oita City with approximately 800 cherry trees planted. It has a lawn plaza and play equipment, making it ideal for families to enjoy flower viewing. From late March to early April each year, it is crowded with flower viewing enthusiasts.
Peak Viewing Period: Late March to early April
Access: Approximately 15 minutes by car from JR Oita Station, approximately 20 minutes by bus
Fee: Free
Parking: Available (free)
Address: Hagihara Green Town, Oita City, Oita Prefecture
[Oita City] Isshin-ji Temple
Isshin-ji Temple in Mawashino, Oita City, is a hidden gem where approximately 1,000 peony cherry blossoms (yae-zakura) bloom magnificently. The area around the temple is as beautiful as a sea of cherry blossoms, with the peak viewing time coming later than Somei Yoshino.
Peak Viewing Period: Mid to late April
Access: Approximately 30 minutes by car from JR Oita Station
Fee: Free
Address: 1305 Mawashino, Oita City, Oita Prefecture
[Oita City] Bunai Castle Ruins (Oita Castle Site Park)
A historical spot in the central part of Oita City where cherry trees are planted surrounding the castle ruins. Nighttime illumination is also provided, allowing visitors to enjoy enchanting nighttime cherry blossoms.
Peak Viewing Period: Late March to early April
Access: Approximately 15 minutes walk from JR Oita Station
Fee: Free
Address: Nioage Town, Oita City, Oita Prefecture
Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots in the Taketa and Usuki Areas
[Taketa City] Oka Castle Ruins
A hilltop castle ruins at an altitude of 325 meters, known as the setting for “荒城の月” (The Ruins). Approximately 3,000 cherry trees bloom magnificently, creating a stunning spot with beautiful contrasts between stone walls and cherry blossoms. The views from the castle ruins are also wonderful, with the cherry blossom scenery against the background of the Kujuu mountain range being truly spectacular.
Peak Viewing Period: Early to mid-April
Access: Approximately 20 minutes walk from JR Bungo-Taketa Station
Fee: Adults 300 yen, Elementary and junior high school students 150 yen
Business Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Address: 2761 Taketa, Taketa City, Oita Prefecture
[Taketa City] Nagayu Hot Spring Weeping Cherry Blossom Village
A cherry blossom viewing spot in the Nagayu hot spring resort area where approximately 100 weeping cherry trees color the hot spring town. A luxury spot where you can enjoy both hot springs and flower viewing simultaneously.
Peak Viewing Period: Late March to early April
Access: Approximately 20 minutes by car from JR Bungo-Taketa Station
Fee: Free
Address: Nagayu, Naoji Town, Taketa City, Oita Prefecture
[Usuki City] Usuki Castle Ruins
Castle ruins on a high cliff overlooking Usuki Bay where approximately 800 cherry trees bloom. The contrast between the sea and cherry blossoms is beautiful, making it a symbolic cherry blossom spot in Usuki City.
Peak Viewing Period: Late March to early April
Access: Approximately 10 minutes walk from JR Usuki Station
Fee: Free
Address: 91 Usuki Niuushima, Usuki City, Oita Prefecture
[Usuki City] Kichishiro Land
A park themed around the folklore character “Kichishiro-san,” where approximately 300 cherry trees bloom during cherry blossom season. Children’s play equipment is also available, making it a popular spot with families.
Peak Viewing Period: Late March to early April
Access: Approximately 10 minutes by car from JR Kamiusuki Station
Fee: Free
Address: Kichishiro, Nozu Town, Usuki City, Oita Prefecture
Other Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots in Oita Prefecture
[Kitsuki City] Kitsuki Castle
A castle with a main tower overlooking Kitsuki Bay, where approximately 200 cherry trees bloom surrounding the castle. The views from the main tower are wonderful, allowing you to see the cherry blossoms and sea in one view.
Peak Viewing Period: Late March to early April
Access: Approximately 10 minutes by car from JR Kitsuki Station
Fee: 300 yen for main tower admission
Business Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Address: 16-1 Kitsuki, Kitsuki City, Oita Prefecture
[Usa City] Usa Shrine
At the Usa Shrine, known as the headquarters of Hachiman shrines throughout Japan, cherry trees are planted on the shrine grounds, allowing visitors to enjoy flower viewing in a sacred atmosphere.
Peak Viewing Period: Late March to early April
Access: Approximately 10 minutes by car from JR Usa Station
Fee: Free
Address: 2859 Minami-Usa, Usa City, Oita Prefecture
[Yufu City] Mount Yufu with Rapeseed Flowers and Cherry Blossoms
A spectacular viewing spot where rapeseed flowers and cherry blossoms bloom simultaneously with Mount Yufu in the background. The contrast between yellow and cherry blossom pink is beautiful, allowing you to feel the arrival of spring.
Peak Viewing Period: Late March to early April
Access: Approximately 15 minutes walk from JR Yufuin Station
Fee: Free
[Hita City] Nakano River
A row of cherry trees lines the Nakano River flowing through Hita City, creating a beautiful spot where cherry blossoms are reflected in the water. You can enjoy flower viewing while strolling along the riverside walking path.
Peak Viewing Period: Late March to early April
Access: Approximately 20 minutes walk from JR Hita Station
Fee: Free
Address: Nakashiro Town, Hita City, Oita Prefecture
[Kunisaki City] Aki Dam Recreation Grounds
A park developed around the Aki Dam where approximately 500 cherry trees bloom. The scenery of the dam lake and cherry blossoms is beautiful, and you can enjoy flower viewing in a quiet environment.
Peak Viewing Period: Late March to early April
Access: Approximately 40 minutes by car from “Usa IC” on the East Kyushu Expressway
Fee: Free
Address: Shimohara, Aki Town, Kunisaki City, Oita Prefecture
Cherry Blossom Viewing Period and Flowering Information in Oita Prefecture
The blooming period of cherry blossoms throughout Oita Prefecture varies depending on the area and altitude. Generally, late March to early April is the peak viewing period in lowland areas, and early April to late April in highland areas.
Bloom Period Guide by Area
Lowland Areas (Oita City, Beppu City center, Usuki City, etc.)
- Blooming: Late March
- Peak Viewing: Late March to early April
Highland Areas (Jojima Highland Park, Taketa City, etc.)
- Blooming: Early April
- Peak Viewing: Early April to late April
Double Cherry Blossoms and Peony Cherry Blossoms (Isshin-ji Temple, etc.)
- Blooming: Mid-April
- Peak Viewing: Mid-April to late April
The blooming period may vary from year to year depending on weather conditions, so it is recommended to check the latest flowering information before visiting.
Recommended Oita Gourmet and Souvenirs During Cherry Blossom Season
Gourmet Foods to Enjoy During Cherry Blossom Season
Seki Aji and Seki Saba
Brand fish caught in Seki, Saiki. Spring is an especially delicious season when the fish is fatty.
Tori Ten
A soul food of Oita. The combination of crispy coating and tender chicken is perfect for a cherry blossom viewing picnic.
Dango Jiru
A local dish of wheat flour noodles cooked with vegetables. Warming on chilly spring days during cherry blossom viewing.
Shiro-dashi Flounder
A specialty of Hiji Town where flounder is in season in spring. A delicacy with an elegant flavor.
Recommended Souvenirs
Zabielle
A representative Western confection of Oita. A famous sweet with the aroma of butter and rum.
Yase Uma
Flat wheat flour noodles topped with soybean powder and sugar, a traditional snack.
Kabosu Products
Oita’s specialty kabosu is used in a wide variety of juices, ponzu sauce, and sweets.
Accommodation and Leisure Information During Cherry Blossom Season
Accommodations Around Jojima Highland Park
Jojima Highland Hotel
A resort hotel adjacent to the park. Early reservations are recommended during cherry blossom season. Hot spring facilities are also available, allowing you to enjoy hot springs at your leisure after flower viewing.
Hot Spring Inns and Hotels in Beppu
Central Beppu has numerous hot spring inns and hotels, with abundant day-trip bathing options. Travel plans combining flower viewing and hot springs are popular.
Yufuin Hot Springs
Located approximately 30 minutes by car from Jojima Highland Park, Yufuin Hot Springs offers diverse accommodations from luxury inns to casual pensions.
Event Information During Cherry Blossom Season
Various events are held throughout Oita Prefecture coinciding with cherry blossom season. Nighttime cherry blossom illumination and cherry blossom festivals are held at various spots, so please check tourism information from each municipality before visiting.
Event information may change, so please contact each facility or tourist association for the latest information.
Tips for Enjoying Cherry Blossom Viewing
Clothing and Items to Bring
Although April in Oita Prefecture can be warm during the day, mornings and evenings, particularly in high-altitude locations like Jojima Highland Park, can be chilly. It is recommended to bring a light jacket or cardigan.
Recommended Items to Bring
- Jacket or cardigan
- Picnic mat
- Sunscreen
- Camera
- Garbage bag
- Beverages
Etiquette
Be careful not to break cherry branches or damage trees. Also, always take your garbage with you and be considerate of other visitors. Some areas may have restrictions on open flames or alcohol consumption, so follow the rules and enjoy responsibly.
Tips for Avoiding Crowds
Crowding is expected on weekends and during peak bloom periods. Visiting on weekdays or early morning hours allows you to enjoy flower viewing relatively peacefully. The time just after the park opens is especially recommended for Jojima Highland Park.
Access and Touring Plans
Efficient Touring Routes
One-Day Course: Beppu and Jojima Highland Area
Morning: Flower viewing at Beppu Park → Lunch: Jojima Highland Park with attractions → Afternoon: Cherry blossom strolls at Jojima Highland Park → Evening: Day-trip hot spring bathing in Beppu
Two-Day Course: North Oita Prefecture Tour
Day 1: Cherry blossoms in central Oita City (Heiwa Citizens Park, Bunai Castle Ruins) → Beppu City (Beppu Park, Jojima Highland Park)
Day 2: Yufuin City (cherry blossom trees along Yufuin) → Taketa City (Oka Castle Ruins)
Three-Day Course: Oita Prefecture Cherry Blossom Tour
Day 1: Cherry blossom spots in central Oita City → Isshin-ji Temple
Day 2: Beppu and Jojima Highland Area
Day 3: Usuki and Kitsuki Areas
Choosing Transportation
A rental car is recommended. It allows you to efficiently visit multiple cherry blossom spots. You can rent a car at Oita Airport or major stations.
If using public transportation, consider JR Kyushu pass options or sightseeing bus tours. However, as bus service is limited in some areas, please check bus schedules in advance.
Conclusion
The Jojima Highland Park area and throughout Oita Prefecture feature diverse cherry blossom viewing spots. Jojima Highland Park, where you can enjoy both an amusement park and cherry blossoms simultaneously, is especially recommended for families and couples. The spectacular scenery of approximately 2,000 Somei Yoshino cherry trees is awe-inspiring, and you can enjoy late-blooming cherry blossoms unique to highland areas.
The charm of Oita Prefecture lies in its ability to visit various cherry blossom spots—each with its own character, such as Heiwa Citizens Park in Oita City, Isshin-ji Temple, Oka Castle Ruins in Taketa City, and Usuki Castle Ruins in Usuki City—while also enjoying hot springs and local cuisine.
From late March through late April, each area reaches peak bloom at different times, allowing visitors to enjoy cherry blossoms over an extended period. Business hours, fees, and event information may change, so please check for the latest information before visiting.
Why not take a trip this spring visiting the cherry blossom spots throughout Oita Prefecture? Wonderful spring memories await you, woven together with beautiful cherry blossoms, hot springs, and gourmet delights.
