Nara | Cherry blossoms of Saho River under the sunset glow

The cherry blossom tunnel along Saho River may not be as famous as Nara Park and Yoshino Mountain, but it is conveniently located, less crowded, and considered a hidden gem for cherry blossom viewing that's integrated into the local city life. Along both sides of the stream, there are more than 1,000 cherry trees planted over a stretch of 5 kilometers, most of which were planted at the end of the Edo period. The oldest trees are over 160 years old, with dense branches and flowers casting their reflections on the water. Complementing the cherry blossoms are the green lawns on the riverbanks, lush and vibrant. Many locals take their children or dogs for a walk on the paths beside the embankment, and groups of students bring picnic mats and bento boxes to have small gatherings and picnics under the cherry trees by the river, which is incredibly romantic! We set out from Nara Park and arrived at sunset. In the distance, there was the evening glow, and by the roadside, students in Japanese school uniforms were pausing on their way home from school, looking like something out of a manga. 📍Address: Saho River, Horai-cho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture. Nara, Daianjinishi, 1 Chome 🚘Transport: About a 10-minute walk from Kintetsu Shin-Omiya Station or JR Nara Station, and about a 15-minute walk from Kintetsu Nara Station. From Shin-Omiya Station, walk along the riverbank to Kawarou Sakura.