Complete Guide to Cherry Blossom Spots Around Shoda Shoyu Stadium Gunma | 17 Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots in Gunma Prefecture
Shoda Shoyu Stadium Gunma (Gunma Prefectural Shikishima Park Athletic Stadium) is a sports facility located in Shikishima Park in Maebashi. Interestingly, this surrounding area is concentrated with cherry blossom viewing spots representing Gunma Prefecture, and in spring it becomes crowded with many flower-viewing visitors. In this article, we will introduce in detail cherry blossom spots you’ll want to visit when coming to Shoda Shoyu Stadium Gunma, as well as cherry blossom viewing spots throughout Gunma Prefecture.
Cherry Blossoms at Shikishima Park, Home of Shoda Shoyu Stadium Gunma
The Appeal of Cherry Blossoms at Shikishima Park
Shikishima Park, where Shoda Shoyu Stadium Gunma is located, is a representative cherry blossom viewing spot in Maebashi. Approximately 300 Somei Yoshino cherry trees are planted throughout the park, reaching their peak from early April to mid-April in typical years. The spacious grounds of the park feature, in addition to the athletic stadium, a baseball field, tennis courts, and a rose garden, making it a valuable spot where you can enjoy both sports and flower viewing simultaneously.
In particular, the cherry blossom lined avenue extending along the Tonegawa River is spectacular, and at full bloom creates a cherry blossom tunnel. The contrast between the pine forest and cherry blossoms within the park is also beautiful, making it popular as a photography spot.
Access and Parking Information
Location: 240-1 Shikishima-cho, Maebashi, Gunma Prefecture
Access:
- Approximately 20 minutes by bus from JR Maebashi Station, get off at “Rojin Center Entrance” and walk about 5 minutes
- Approximately 15 minutes by car from Maebashi IC on the Kan-Etsu Expressway
Parking: Free parking available (approximately 300 spaces)
Peak viewing period: Typically early April to mid-April
Cherry Blossoms at Rakuhodō Maebashi Park
Rakuhodō Maebashi Park, located approximately 10 minutes by car from Shoda Shoyu Stadium Gunma, is a historic park developed from the ruins of Maebashi Castle. Approximately 200 cherry trees are planted throughout the park, with the cherry blossoms around “Sachi Pond” being particularly impressive. The sight of cherry blossoms reflected on the water surface of the pond is deeply moving and attracts many photography enthusiasts.
The typical peak viewing period is early April to mid-April, and nighttime illumination is also provided, allowing you to enjoy ghostly nighttime cherry blossoms. Since there are play equipment within the park, it is also popular with families.
Location: 3-16-1 Ōte-cho, Maebashi, Gunma Prefecture
Access: Approximately 15 minutes on foot from JR Maebashi Station
Parking: Paid parking available in the surrounding area
Akagi Nanmen Senbon Sakura
The Akagi Nanmen Senbon Sakura is invariably mentioned as one of Gunma Prefecture’s representative cherry blossom viewing spots. Located approximately 30 minutes by car from Shoda Shoyu Stadium Gunma, it has been selected as one of Japan’s “Top 100 Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots.”
Approximately 1,400 Cherry Trees in Alignment
Approximately 1,400 Somei Yoshino cherry trees stand in a line along a municipal road spanning approximately 3.5km, forming a magnificent cherry blossom tunnel at full bloom. The sight of cherry trees planted on both sides of the road spreading their branches and covering overhead is awe-inspiring. The typical peak viewing period is early April to mid-April, and during the cherry blossom festival, many tourists flock to the area.
World Cherry Blossom Zone
Beyond the cherry blossom lined avenue is a “World Cherry Blossom Zone” where you can view 37 varieties of rare cherry blossoms totaling approximately 500 trees. Since some varieties bloom at different times than Somei Yoshino, you can enjoy cherry blossoms over an extended period.
Location: 2511-2 Naegi-shima-cho, Maebashi, Gunma Prefecture
Access: Approximately 20 minutes by Furusato Bus from Taigō Station on the Jōmo Dentetsu Line
Parking: Paid parking available during the cherry blossom festival (approximately 900 spaces)
Peak viewing period: Typically early April to mid-April
Cherry Blossoms at Takasaki Kannon Mountain
Approximately 40 minutes by car from Shoda Shoyu Stadium Gunma, Takasaki Kannon Mountain in Takasaki City is a famous tourist spot known for the Great White Kannon. The slope of Kannon Mountain has approximately 3,000 cherry trees planted, where you can enjoy various varieties including Somei Yoshino, Yamato cherry blossoms, and weeping cherry blossoms.
From the elevated location, you can overlook Takasaki City, and the view of cherry blossoms with the city skyline is spectacular. The typical peak viewing period is early April to mid-April, and you can enjoy flower viewing while strolling on the walking trails around Kannon Mountain.
Location: 2710-1 Ishihara-cho, Takasaki, Gunma Prefecture
Access: Approximately 30 minutes by bus from JR Takasaki Station
Parking: Free parking available
Cherry Blossoms at Takasaki Castle Ruins Park
Takasaki Castle Ruins Park, within walking distance of Takasaki Station, is a cherry blossom viewing spot beloved by many citizens due to its accessibility. It is located approximately 35 minutes by car from Shoda Shoyu Stadium Gunma.
Approximately 300 cherry trees are planted throughout the park, and the sight of cherry blossoms reflected on the water around the moat has a poetic quality. The typical peak viewing period is early April, and nighttime illumination is also provided. It is a spot where you can enjoy flower viewing in a calm atmosphere despite being in an urban area.
Location: Takamatsu-cho, Takasaki, Gunma Prefecture
Access: Approximately 15 minutes on foot from JR Takasaki Station
Parking: Paid parking available in the surrounding area
Cherry Blossoms at Kazōji Park
Kazōji Park in Isesaki City is a comprehensive park with an amusement park, located approximately 30 minutes by car from Shoda Shoyu Stadium Gunma. Approximately 1,000 cherry trees are planted throughout the park, with various varieties centered on Somei Yoshino.
The view of cherry blossoms from the observation wheel of the amusement park is extraordinary, making it popular as a flower-viewing spot enjoyable by both children and adults. The typical peak viewing period is early April to mid-April, and nighttime illumination is also provided during the cherry blossom festival.
Location: 1 Kazōji-cho, Isesaki, Gunma Prefecture
Access: Approximately 15 minutes by bus from JR Isesaki Station
Parking: Free parking available (approximately 1,000 spaces)
Cherry Blossoms at Mirai Habatake Yamada Seisakusho Kiryu Ōoka Zoo
The area around the zoo within Kiryu Ōoka Park in Kiryu City is also a cherry blossom viewing spot. It is located approximately 50 minutes by car from Shoda Shoyu Stadium Gunma. Approximately 400 cherry trees are planted throughout the garden, and combined with the zoo and amusement park, it is particularly popular with families.
Being positioned on elevated ground, the view overlooking Kiryu City through the cherry blossoms is also an attraction. The typical peak viewing period is early April to mid-April, and you can casually visit together with the free-admission zoo.
Location: 3-8-13 Miyamoto-cho, Kiryu, Gunma Prefecture
Access: Approximately 10 minutes by bus from JR Kiryu Station
Parking: Free parking available
Cherry Blossoms at Numata Park (Numata Castle Ruins)
Numata Park in Numata City is a historical park developed from the ruins of Numata Castle, located approximately 1 hour by car from Shoda Shoyu Stadium Gunma. Approximately 200 cherry trees are planted throughout the park, with the weeping cherry blossom called Goten Sakura being famous.
Being positioned on elevated ground, you can enjoy views of the Tanigawa mountain range and Akagi Mountain along with the cherry blossoms, making the excellent views an attraction. The typical peak viewing period is mid-April to late April, allowing you to enjoy it slightly later than other areas.
Location: 594 Nishi-Kurauchi-cho, Numata, Gunma Prefecture
Access: Approximately 15 minutes on foot from JR Numata Station
Parking: Free parking available
Cherry Blossoms at Oigami Hot Spring
Oigami Hot Spring Resort in Numata City is a spot where you can enjoy both hot springs and cherry blossoms simultaneously. While it is somewhat distant at approximately 1 hour 20 minutes by car from Shoda Shoyu Stadium Gunma, the cherry blossom lined avenue along the Katashina River is beautiful, and you can enjoy landscapes with the atmosphere unique to a hot spring town.
The typical peak viewing period is mid-April to late April, and various events are held during the cherry blossom festival. Since day-trip hot spring facilities are well-equipped, you can enjoy both flower viewing and hot springs as a package.
Location: Oigami, Toshio-cho, Numata, Gunma Prefecture
Access: Approximately 25 minutes by car from Numata IC on the Kan-Etsu Expressway
Parking: Parking available in the hot spring town
Somei Yoshino at Ikaho Green Pasture
At Ikaho Green Pasture in Shibukawa City, you can enjoy a collaboration of pasture and cherry blossoms. Located approximately 40 minutes by car from Shoda Shoyu Stadium Gunma, approximately 500 Somei Yoshino trees are planted throughout the grounds.
You can enjoy cherry blossoms along with animal interaction and various activities, making it particularly popular with families. The typical peak viewing period is mid-April, and the cherry blossoms blooming in the vast pasture have an open feel, allowing you to spend a leisurely time.
Location: 2844-1 Kanai, Shibukawa, Gunma Prefecture
Access: Approximately 15 minutes by bus from JR Shibukawa Station
Parking: Free parking available (approximately 1,200 spaces)
Admission: Adults 1,500 yen, Children 800 yen
Other Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots in Gunma Prefecture
Sakurayama Park (Fujioka City)
Sakurayama Park, famous for winter cherry blossoms, is an unusual spot where you can enjoy both winter cherry blossoms that bloom from November to December and spring Somei Yoshino. It is approximately 1 hour 10 minutes by car from Shoda Shoyu Stadium Gunma.
The spring cherry blossom peak viewing period is mid-April, with approximately 3,000 Somei Yoshino trees coloring the mountain. Due to its high elevation, the views are wonderful, and you can enjoy the sight of cherry blossoms and mountains.
Tatara Swamp Park (Tatebayashi City)
Tatara Swamp Park in Tatebayashi City is a scenic area with cherry blossom lined avenues continuing around the approximately 5km perimeter of the swamp. It is approximately 1 hour by car from Shoda Shoyu Stadium Gunma.
Enjoying flower viewing while boating is exceptional, and the sight of cherry blossoms from the water is an experience you cannot have elsewhere. The typical peak viewing period is early April, and you can also go around the swamp by rental bicycle.
Myōgi Mountain Sakura Village (Tomioka City)
Myōgi Mountain Sakura Village in Tomioka City is a vast cherry blossom garden with approximately 47 varieties and 5,000 cherry trees planted. It is approximately 1 hour by car from Shoda Shoyu Stadium Gunma.
From early April to early May, you can enjoy cherry blossoms blooming at different times depending on variety over an extended period. The sight of cherry blossoms with Myōgi Mountain in the background has a painting-like beauty.
Tatebayashi Tsutsuji Gaoka Park (Tatebayashi City)
A park famous for azaleas, but also a cherry blossom viewing spot. It is approximately 1 hour by car from Shoda Shoyu Stadium Gunma. Approximately 100 cherry trees are planted throughout, reaching their peak in early April, before the azalea season.
Cherry Blossoms at Usui Pass (Nakasato City)
Approximately 500 cherry trees are planted along the old road at Usui Pass. It is approximately 1 hour 20 minutes by car from Shoda Shoyu Stadium Gunma. Due to its high elevation, the peak viewing period is late April to early May, which is later, allowing you to enjoy it even after cherry blossoms at other spots have finished.
Peak Viewing Periods for Cherry Blossoms in Gunma Prefecture
The peak viewing period for cherry blossoms in Gunma Prefecture varies by area and elevation. Generally, the plains regions see their peak from early April to mid-April, while mountainous and high-elevation areas peak from mid-April to early May.
Peak Viewing Period Guidelines by Area
Maebashi and Takasaki Area: Early April to mid-April
- Shikishima Park, Rakuhodō Maebashi Park, Akagi Nanmen Senbon Sakura, Takasaki Kannon Mountain, etc.
Isesaki and Kiryu Area: Early April to mid-April
- Kazōji Park, Kiryu Ōoka Park, etc.
Numata and Minakami Area: Mid-April to late April
- Numata Park, Oigami Hot Spring, etc.
Fujioka and Tomioka Area: Mid-April to late April
- Sakurayama Park, Myōgi Mountain Sakura Village, etc.
Usui Pass Vicinity: Late April to early May
Points for Enjoying Flower Viewing Around Shoda Shoyu Stadium Gunma
Securing Parking
During peak cherry blossom viewing season, especially on weekends, parking lots become crowded. We recommend arriving early or using public transportation. While Shikishima Park has free parking, if it is full, use nearby paid parking facilities.
Nighttime Cherry Blossom Illumination Information
Nighttime illumination is provided at Rakuhodō Maebashi Park and Takasaki Castle Ruins Park. You can enjoy an atmosphere different from daytime, though fantastical and otherworldly. When viewing nighttime cherry blossoms, do not forget cold-weather protection and consideration for nearby residents.
Packing Checklist
- Picnic sheet
- Warm clothing (early April can still have cool days)
- Beverages and light snacks
- Camera or smartphone (don’t forget chargers)
- Trash bags (always take your trash with you)
- Sunscreen (on sunny days)
Best Timing for Photography
Cherry blossom photography is best done in the soft light of early morning or slanted light in the evening. In particular, the Tonegawa River-side area of Shikishima Park is beautiful with the collaboration of morning or evening sun and cherry blossoms, making it an excellent photography spot.
Gunma Prefecture’s Cherry Blossoms and Gourmet Dining
Local Cuisine and Cherry Blossoms
Local gourmet dining is one of the pleasures of flower viewing in Gunma Prefecture. In Maebashi City there are dishes using “Maebashi pork,” in Takasaki City “Takasaki pasta,” in Isesaki City “Isesaki monjayaki,” and other regional specialties.
During the cherry blossom festival period, food stalls also sell takoyaki, yakisoba, and Gunma specialty grilled sweet buns. Enjoying local flavors while flower viewing will make your memories even more precious.
Sourcing Cherry Blossom Viewing Lunch Boxes
The area around Shoda Shoyu Stadium Gunma has supermarkets and convenience stores scattered throughout. There are also bento specialty shops around Maebashi Station where you can purchase lunch boxes for flower viewing. Selecting bento made with local ingredients will allow you to enjoy an even more Gunma-like flower-viewing experience.
Events During Cherry Blossom Season
Akagi Nanmen Senbon Sakura Festival
Held annually in early to mid-April, this cherry blossom festival features stage events, sales of local specialties, and nighttime illumination. It is Gunma Prefecture’s largest cherry blossom event, attracting approximately 200,000 visitors.
Maebashi Cherry Blossom Festival
Held at various locations throughout Maebashi City including Shikishima Park and Rakuhodō Maebashi Park, this festival features illumination and various events, drawing residents and tourists alike.
Takasaki Cherry Blossom Festival
Held at Takasaki Castle Ruins Park and Takasaki Kannon Mountain, this festival features nighttime illumination and musical events.
Comparison with Cherry Blossom Spots in the Kanto Area
Cherry blossom viewing spots in Gunma Prefecture have distinctive characteristics compared to other areas in the Kanto region. Compared to urban cherry blossom viewing spots in Tokyo and Kanagawa, the appeal is the ability to enjoy flower viewing in a relaxed manner on vast grounds.
While Saitama, Tochigi, and Ibaraki also have wonderful cherry blossom viewing spots, Gunma excels in its unique enjoyment opportunities such as cherry blossoms with mountains as a backdrop and flower viewing combined with hot springs. Compared to Chiba’s cherry blossom spots, a distinctive feature is the wide range of peak viewing times created by differences in elevation.
Cherry Blossom Protection and Viewing Etiquette
Protecting Cherry Blossom Trees
Cherry blossom trees are delicate, and their roots weaken when stepped on repeatedly. When laying out picnic sheets, avoid the base of cherry trees and enjoy them in designated areas. Never engage in branch-breaking, tree-climbing, or similar acts.
Cherry Blossom Viewing Etiquette
- Always take your trash with you
- Do not raise your voice loudly (especially near residential areas)
- No open flames outside designated areas
- Always use a leash if bringing pets
- Practice mutual consideration in parking lots
- Use a flashlight to see the ground when viewing nighttime cherry blossoms
Events at Shoda Shoyu Stadium Gunma and Cherry Blossoms
Shoda Shoyu Stadium Gunma hosts J2 League soccer home games for Thespa Kusatsu Gunma in spring. By combining match viewing with cherry blossom viewing, you can spend a more fulfilling day.
The cherry blossom lined avenue around the stadium is also perfect for strolling before or after matches. The ability to enjoy sports and natural beauty simultaneously is a unique charm of Shikishima Park.
Access and Transportation Information
Access by Public Transportation
For public transportation to Shoda Shoyu Stadium Gunma, using the bus from JR Maebashi Station is convenient. Maebashi Station has Jōmo Line and Ryōmo Line service, with approximately 15 minutes from Takasaki Station and approximately 40 minutes from Kiryu Station.
Temporary buses may operate during peak cherry blossom viewing season, so we recommend checking transportation information in advance.
Access by Car
When using the Kan-Etsu Expressway, Maebashi IC or Komayose Smart IC are the nearest exits. From the Tokyo area, it takes approximately 1 hour 30 minutes, and from Niigata it takes approximately 2 hours.
If using the Kita-Kanto Expressway, Isesaki IC or Maebashi South IC are convenient.
Sample Itineraries for Cherry Blossom Viewing Spot Tours in Gunma Prefecture
1-Day Course: Maebashi and Takasaki Area
Morning: Cherry blossom strolling at Shikishima Park (around Shoda Shoyu Stadium Gunma)
Lunch: Local gourmet dining in Maebashi
Afternoon: Travel to Rakuhodō Maebashi Park or Akagi Nanmen Senbon Sakura
Evening: Nighttime cherry blossom illumination at Takasaki Castle Ruins Park
2-Day Course: Cherry Blossom Viewing Tour Spanning Gunma Prefecture
Day 1 Morning: Shikishima Park
Day 1 Afternoon: Akagi Nanmen Senbon Sakura
Day 1 Evening: Stay at Ikaho Hot Spring
Day 2 Morning: Ikaho Green Pasture
Day 2 Afternoon: Numata Park and Oigami Hot Spring
Summary
The area around Shoda Shoyu Stadium Gunma is concentrated with cherry blossom viewing spots representative of Gunma Prefecture. Centered on Shikishima Park, numerous diverse cherry blossom spots such as Akagi Nanmen Senbon Sakura and Kazōji Park are scattered within a 30-minute drive.
Gunma Prefecture’s cherry blossoms typically peak from early April to early May, with different timing depending on area. Extended cherry blossom viewing is possible by taking advantage of elevation differences, and you can enjoy various pleasures such as full-bloom cherry blossom tunnels, spectacular views with mountains as a backdrop, and flower viewing combined with hot springs.
Among the Kanto region, Gunma’s cherry blossom viewing spots allow you to enjoy flower viewing in a relaxed manner on vast grounds. When visiting Shoda Shoyu Stadium Gunma, be sure to also visit nearby cherry blossom viewing spots. Create unforgettable cherry blossom memories in spring Gunma.
