The cherry blossom forecast for Akita is out! Start your hanami plans here:

Cherry blossoms are expected to bloom a little earlier this year, with forecasts suggesting April 5 through 11 being prime time for viewing. Here are our top places to see cherry blossoms in the Akita Shirakami area!

1. Noshiro Park A 15-minute walk from Noshiro station, this park overlooks Noshiro city and turns various shades of pink during cherry blossom season. The annual spring festival will be taking place here on Saturday, April 11. Enjoy eating Japanese festival food and taking pictures. From Noshiro Station, visitors can also opt to take the Resort Shirakami train to Hirosaki — a famous cherry blossom spot in Aomori prefecture.

2. Goshonodai Park Located right next to Akita Shirakami station, visitors can walk on trails lined with cherry blossoms to enjoy views of the Oga peninsula and Sea of Japan. The Goshonodai Trailer Park and Hachimori Onsen Hatahata kan are also easily accessible. This is a great option for those traveling by train or car!

3. Kimimachizaka Park This park has 1,500 cherry blossoms tree on its premises! Relax in this park and enjoy hanami with a view of the Yoneshiro River in the distance. With a history of love dating back to the Meiji period (read more here) visitors can ring the bell of eternal love and say a prayer at the shrine for love during their visit. The Kimikoi cafe and Futatsui Michi no Eki are good places to grab a quick bite to eat during lunch. Between April 20 and May 6, the cherry blossoms will be lit up as well!

4. Tahoin Temple This spot is for those that want a little hidden adventure. Located in the remote forests of Noshiro city, this temple dates back to the 1400s and is famous among locals for cherry blossom viewing.

For more information about these locations, click here. Happy viewing!