Funaoka Magic

#cherryblossom2024 View of Sakura from the funicular Funaoka Castle Park in Shibata is one of the hundred best places in Japan where you can admire the cherry blossoms. Climb the steep paths or take a ride on the old funicular. The cherry blossom envelops everything around like fog, and spectacular views open from the top. How to get there The park is a 15-minute walk from Funaoka Station on the Tohoku line. You can get there from Sendai Station (about 25 minutes). Pink splendor Sakura blooms here from the beginning to the end of April. At this time, the Sakura Festival is held in Shibata. You can bring picnic food with you, or you can buy festive bentos — they are sold at the foot of the mountain. Eat everything at once or go upstairs and try to find the perfect place to relax. Stunning panoramic views open from the top, and the blue sky contrasts with the pink flowers around. On clear days, the top of Dzao Mountain is visible from here, covered with the last winter snow. In the distance is a 24—meter statue of the goddess of mercy Kannon. Climb the stairs inside the statue: the view from the observation windows is even better. Cross the bridge over the funicular track and you will see an endless row of flowering trees. This is a famous landmark — a thousand sakura trees on the banks of the Siroishi River.