2025 Shibata District Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in July)

Miyagi Prefecture is home to two places often referred to as "Little Kyoto." The first one is Murata Town, located in Shibata District, south of Sendai. There is no railway access, but you can reach Murata Town by taking the express bus that connects Sendai to Zao. These buses run approximately once every 1-2 hours and pass through Murata Town along the way. Miyako Bus (express bus) supports Suica cards. Besides Sendai Station, the bus also stops at Tohoku University (depending on the bus route) and Hirose-dori. It takes about 35-40 minutes from Sendai Station to reach Murata Town. The town features a terrain similar to Kyoto, with a river flowing through it, a village nestled in the valley, and mountains surrounding it like a fortress. About 2 kilometers away from the town, there is a roadside station where local agricultural products, specialties, and fruits are traded. This location also features a Pokémon manhole cover. While one side of the town resembles a small city, the area within 200 meters feels like stepping back in time with its well-preserved historical appearance. It’s as if you’ve traveled to the past via a time machine. Cars pass through the streets lined with old buildings, creating a scene reminiscent of Kawagoe. The town seems to be in the early stages of development as a tourist destination, with construction visible in some areas. Although the town is small enough to explore in about 30 minutes, the century-old traditional buildings exude a tranquil atmosphere and evoke the charm of Kyoto. Thank you for reading!

🌸 Funaoka Joshi Park – The Romantic Cherry Blossoms by the Rails 🚋 Highlight This park features a small tram running through a tunnel of cherry blossoms, creating a scene straight out of a Japanese movie! You can take photos from every angle without worrying about crowds. 🌳 Perfect Atmosphere Peaceful, quiet, and breezy. Walk up the hill to enjoy a panoramic view of Shibata city, with the Peace Pagoda located at the top. 📍 How to Get There From Sendai, take the JR Tohoku Line and get off at Funaoka Station. Then, walk for about 15 minutes. 📸 Who Will Love It Whether you're a laid-back traveler, a photography enthusiast, a couple, or even a solo adventurer, this place will captivate you. ⸻ If you visit in early April, the cherry blossoms here are undoubtedly the best in Tohoku 🌸

Funaoka Castle Ruins Park & Hitome Senbonzakura This year, I chose the legendary cherry blossom scenery of Tohoku! 🚶♀️Itinerary: Funaoka Station ➡️ Funaoka Castle Ruins Park ➡️ Hitome Senbonzakura ➡️ Ōgawara Station 📌【Funaoka Castle Ruins Park】 From Funaoka Station, it’s a 15-minute walk to the foot of the mountain. Before climbing, you’ll pass by several food stalls where you can grab a bite before heading up! Unfortunately, the cable car 🚡 has been discontinued due to aging, so you’ll need to walk. However, the path is lined with fully bloomed cherry blossoms, making it feel like you’re walking through a tunnel of flowers 🌸. At the summit, you’ll find the Funaoka Peace Kannon statue, a rest area, and small food shops. You can also enjoy a breathtaking view of the Shiroishi River embankment—truly healing scenery! 📌【Hitome Senbonzakura】 From the mountain, walk down to the riverside to reach the legendary cherry blossom tunnel 🌸. The most iconic scene is the moment when a train passes through the cherry blossoms 🚃✨. Many visitors gather on the "Shibata Senbon Bridge" to secure the perfect photo spot. 📌【Heading to Ōgawara Station】 Along the way, you’ll spot adorable painted stones pointing the direction 🪨. It’s about a 30-minute walk to Ōgawara Station, just in time to catch the cherry blossoms bathed in the golden glow of the sunset—truly romantic 🌇. 🚃Transportation: JR Tōhoku Main Line (Sendai ➡️ Funaoka/Ōgawara)

Sendai's Thousand Sakura Park is a great place to enjoy cherry blossoms in the suburbs of Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture! 🌸It is recommended to visit here together with Shiraishikawa Ichimoku Senbonzakura, which is selected as one of the top 100 cherry blossoms in Japan! You can also see yellow flowers here at the same time🌼 The colors are more vivid and beautiful🌹 Although the cherry blossom season is different every year, it is from early to mid-April every year. It lasts for about 2 weeks. There are about 500 cherry trees in full bloom in the park. The petals will fall into the Shiraishi River with the wind. It should be even more shocking if you encounter the cherry blossoms falling. The characteristic here is that the park is located on a small hill, with an observation deck overlooking the Shiroishikawa Cherry Blossom Corridor and the Zao Mountains🏔️ 📍Thousand Sakura Bridge 📍Sendai Thousand Sakura Park 🚊Take the JR Tohoku Main Line from Sendai Station to Funaoka Station and walk for about 10 minutes 🗓️ Mid-April 2025 For more travel and food information around the world, please follow @bunnys2peach_travel 🌷 #globaltravel #japan #japantravel #sendai #sendaisakura #sendaitravel

Funaoka Castle Park is a famous cherry blossom viewing spot near Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture. It is selected as one of the top 100 cherry blossoms in Japan. 🌸 The cherry blossom season is from early to mid-April every year. There are more than 1,000 cherry trees, with many varieties, such as Yoshino cherry, double cherry and mountain cherry. 🌸 Seeing the train tracks in the cherry blossom scenery is like a painting. 🚂 There is a row of mountains in the background, which looks very different. 🏔️ Compared to other big cities in Japan, there are fewer people here, it is quiet and comfortable, and perfect for flower viewing😊 📍Sendai Funaoka Castle Park There is a mountain train in the park, which is lit up until 21:00✨ 🗓️ Mid-April 2025 🚊Take the JR Tohoku Main Line from Sendai Station to Funaoka Station or Ogawara Station (about 30 minutes), get off and walk for 15 minutes ☀️It is recommended to visit on weekday mornings to avoid the holiday crowds 🍡There are snack stalls in the park For more travel and food information around the world, please follow @bunnys2peach_travel 🌷 #globaltravel #japan #japantravel #sendai #sendaisakura #sendaitravel

Sendai truly feels like the backyard garden of the Japanese people~ In mid-April, the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, painting the sky with pink~ Funaoka is indeed a great spot for flower viewing~ The "Hitome Senbonzakura" offers a breathtaking visual experience. An endless sea of cherry blossoms fills you with vibrant energy 🙂 Even more beautiful than what I saw in Shikoku, Fukuoka, and Osaka. Sendai, I will definitely come back📍 📍Address: Funaoka Castle Ruins Park

#cherryblossom25 If you're in Sendai, make sure to visit Shiroishi River's One-Mile Cherry Blossoms in Ōgawara Town, which is often regarded as the best cherry blossom spot in the Tohoku region! 🌸✨ Why Visit One-Mile Cherry Blossoms? 🌸 A Blossoming Paradise: This picturesque location stretches over 8 kilometers with more than 1,200 cherry trees lining the Shiroishi River. During the peak season, it's a breathtaking cherry blossom tunnel, where you can enjoy a serene walk while being surrounded by thousands of pink petals. 🌸 Perfect Timing: The cherry blossoms usually peak around April 2nd, though the dates can shift slightly due to weather. You can keep an eye on the Flower Front Forecast for real-time updates on the bloom period. 📅✨ Itinerary Suggestions 📍 Here’s a quick guide to navigating the area, based on the official route with a few adjustments: Start at Sendai Station (11:00 AM): Take the Tōhoku Main Line and head to Ōgawara Station, arriving by 11:34 AM. Walk Along the Shiroishi River 🌸: After you exit the station, follow the wide riverbank road, heading towards the Ōgawara Town area. You'll come across a pedestrian bridge, which gives you a great view of the cherry blossoms as you cross. Lunch 🍱: Near the bridge, enjoy a sakura bento (flower lunch) from Shiroishi River Park (reservations available on the official website), or pick up snacks from nearby street vendors. 🍣🌸 Explore These Key Spots: Ōtakayama Shrine: A peaceful shrine surrounded by cherry trees. Shirotori-no-Kai: A beautiful area with a scenic view. Ōgawara Bridge: Perfect for photos of the river and sakura in full bloom. One-Mile Cherry Blossom Road: The highlight of the trip, where the trees stretch as far as the eye can see. Nishigami Falls: A hidden gem of the area. Funagata Castle Park: Reachable by cable car, where you can enjoy stunning views, especially around sunset. 🌅 #travel

A Thousand Cherry Trees in One Glance, Breathtakingly Beautiful 🌸 If you dream of witnessing the spectacular sight of a thousand cherry trees blooming simultaneously, you must visit Shiroishi River Senbonzakura Park in Miyagi Prefecture, Japan. Every spring, this location showcases the stunning scenery of 'cherry blossoms and snow-capped mountains,' earning its reputation as the iconic cherry blossom viewing spot known as 'A Thousand Cherry Trees in One Glance'! ✅ Basic Information Name: Shiroishi River Senbonzakura (commonly known as Shiroishi River Senbonzakura Park) Location: Along the Shiroishi River at the border of Shibata Town and Ogawara Town, Miyagi Prefecture, Japan 📅 Best Viewing Time: Early to mid-April each year 🌸 Number of Cherry Trees: Approximately 1,200 Somei Yoshino cherry trees stretching over 8 kilometers! ✅ Scenic Backdrop: Snow-capped Zao Mountain Range + Pink Cherry Blossoms = A breathtakingly beautiful contrast! 🚆 How to Get There From Sendai Station, take the JR Tohoku Main Line (local train) Get off at Ogawara Station or Funaoka Station, then walk about 3–10 minutes to reach the cherry blossom embankment If you have a JR Pass or Tohoku Area Pass, you can ride the local train for free! 📸 Recommended Photo Spots 1⃣ Shibata Senbon Bridge An excellent angle to capture the 'cherry blossom forest + railway train' scene Perfect for photographing trains passing through a sea of pink blossoms 2⃣ Nirakami Weir (にらかみぜき) Capture a dreamy composition of cherry blossoms, river, and snow-capped mountains all in one frame Visit in the early morning or evening for soft lighting and high-quality shots 3⃣ Funaoka Castle Park Hilltop Observatory Enjoy a panoramic view of the entire 'A Thousand Cherry Trees in One Glance' The hiking route is easy, so no need to worry about physical exertion! 🌸 Must-Do Activities ✅ Ogawara Cherry Blossom Festival (Early April each year) Daytime cherry blossom viewing, followed by enchanting nighttime illumination (nighttime cherry blossoms are incredibly romantic!) ✅ Ride the Cherry Blossom Train The JR Tohoku Main Line runs along the cherry blossom riverbank, making train rides a unique way to enjoy the blossoms! 🍡 Recommended Foods (Cherry Blossom Viewing Essentials) ✅ Cherry Blossom Bento: Many stalls sell limited-edition pink bento boxes, which are visually stunning ✅ Cherry Blossom Ice Cream: A soft and elegant flavor, perfect for springtime happiness Local sake and cherry blossom beer: Popular limited-edition items with a hint of cherry blossom aroma 👜 Practical Tips 📅 Avoid Peak Times: Weekdays are recommended as weekends can be crowded ☔ Bring an umbrella/raincoat: Spring weather is unpredictable, with occasional showers 👟 Wear comfortable shoes: Lots of walking involved, so sneakers or flat shoes are ideal 💴 Carry cash: Some food stalls may not accept cards 💗 Summary Shiroishi River Senbonzakura Park is so beautiful it feels like stepping into an anime scene—pink and white blossoms everywhere, gentle river streams, and snow-capped mountains in the distance. You can choose to stroll leisurely, take photos, or simply sit by the river and daydream—this is the most enchanting side of spring in Japan. If you're planning a cherry blossom trip to Japan, make sure to add this spot to your list!

#cherryblossom25 The Shibata River, located in Miyagi Prefecture, is a scenic waterway that flows through the charming town of Shibata. The river is famous for its beautiful cherry blossom trees that line its banks, creating a picturesque spring landscape. During sakura season, the river becomes a popular spot for hanami (cherry blossom viewing), as the blossoms reflect off the water, creating a stunning visual display. The area around the river also offers peaceful walking paths, making it an ideal location for leisurely strolls, photography, and enjoying nature’s beauty, especially when the cherry trees are in full bloom.

#cherryblossom25 Funaoka Castle Park, a mountainous area that turns pink with cherry blossoms in the spring, and the Shiroishi River, famous for its Hitome Senbon Zakura (view of a thousand cherry trees), are the only two places in Shibata Town, Miyagi Prefecture selected as one of the "100 best cherry blossom viewing spots" by the Japan Cherry Blossom Association🌸 Enjoy the Shibata Cherry Blossom Festival in both areas from April 1 (Tuesday) to April 14 (Monday)✨ Take a stroll through the magical cherry blossom tunnel at Funaoka Castle Park😊 Don't miss the view from the hilltop, where you can see the Hitome Senbon Zakura lining the Shiroishi River, set against the backdrop of the snowy Zao mountain range❗ Take your time to enjoy the cherry blossoms from every angle🌸 *The festival period may change depending on the blooming of the cherry trees. #japantravel #travel #japanview #japan_vacations #tohokutourism #japantrip #japan #tohokujapan #tohoku #explorejapan #amazingjapan #cherryblossom #funaokacastlepark #senbonzakura #shiroishiriver #bestcherryblossomspots #miyagi #zaomountainrange #springflowers #tohokutrip #sakurafestival #mustvisitjapan #romanticspring

Spring is in full bloom as you stroll through the Shiroishi River's Thousand Cherry Blossom Park. The cherry blossom tunnel stretches along the riverbank, with thousands of cherry trees weaving a soft pink cloud that harmonizes with the distant Zao mountain range, creating a dreamy spring feast. Walking along the path, the trees full of blossoms gently sway in the breeze, and sunlight filters through the petals, reflecting on the river and the smiles of visitors, adding a touch of poetry to this spring banquet. Visitors either stroll under the cherry trees or stop to take photos, capturing this romantic moment gifted by nature. The river mirrors the fully bloomed cherry blossoms, and the gentle breeze creates ripples, causing the flower shadows to gently sway with the waves, like the soft whispers of spring. In the afternoon, sitting on a riverside bench, quietly appreciating the boundless spring scenery before you, you feel time slowly passing by as the cherry blossoms dance. The sunset casts its last rays on the river, tinting the cherry blossoms with a golden glow, making the entire park look like a fairyland. I gaze at this sea of spring flowers, deeply embedding this dream of a thousand cherry blossoms in my heart, looking forward to the next encounter with the cherry blossoms of the Shiroishi River.

Funaoka Castle Park is another top-tier cherry blossom spot in Miyagi, famous for its breathtaking 'Sakura Tunnel' and stunning panoramic views. Located on a hill where Funaoka Castle once stood, the park features a unique slope car that takes visitors through a tunnel of cherry blossoms to the observation deck at the top. The view from the summit is truly spectacular, offering a sweeping panorama of the Shiroishi River and the surrounding mountains covered in pink sakura. During peak bloom, the park is a popular hanami destination, attracting both locals and tourists. Food stalls and festival activities enhance the lively spring atmosphere. The combination of history, natural beauty, and unique experiences like the slope car ride make Funaoka Castle Park a standout cherry blossom destination. If you’re exploring Miyagi during sakura season, this park should definitely be on your itinerary.

Now is the best time to view cherry blossoms at Funaya Castle Ruins Park in the Tohoku region. There are many ways to enjoy the cherry blossoms, such as walking or taking a boat ride. However, there is a very special way to enjoy the flowers at Funaya Castle Ruins Park. Here, you can take a climbing cable car from the parking lot directly to the park's mountaintop, about 305 meters high. Along the way, you will pass through clusters of blooming cherry trees, as if you are traveling through a cherry blossom tunnel. Upon reaching the mountaintop, you will see a unique and stunning view that can only be found here. At a glance, not only can you see the 24-meter-tall Funaya Peace Kannon statue standing in the city center, but you can also take in the streets of Shibata Town, the Senbonzakura (thousands of cherry trees), the Shiroishi River, the Zao mountain range, and the Pacific Ocean. In addition, the park is lit up at night, allowing visitors to appreciate the beautiful night cherry blossoms. Funaya Castle Ruins Park is a place where you can enjoy different romantic atmospheres during the day and night. Address: 95-1 Funayakanayama, Shibata Town, Shibata District, Miyagi Prefecture Access: Get off at JR Funaya Station, about a 15-minute walk

Funaoaka Castle Ruins Park is the only spot in Miyagi Prefecture selected as one of the Top 100 Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots. The park occupies half a mountain and covers a vast area. At the summit, a 24-meter-tall Statue of Peaceful Kannon is erected, serving as a landmark of Tateyama. During the cherry blossom season, the park hosts the Shibata Cherry Blossom Festival, attracting over 200,000 visitors annually, a testament to its exceptional charm. Over a thousand Yoshino cherry trees are planted throughout the mountain, and when in full bloom, the hilltop is dotted with red and white, creating an elegant and pleasant cherry blossom landscape as beautiful as a postcard. Visitors can choose to hike or take the old-fashioned inclined mine cart up the mountain. As the railway to the summit is flanked by dense cherry blossom trees, riding the small cable car feels like traveling through a cherry blossom tunnel, a famous cherry blossom scene at Funaoaka Castle Ruins Park. Despite the large number of people waiting, the journey of approximately 300 meters is fleeting, but it is still recommended to experience the dreamy feeling of being surrounded by cherry blossoms. As it involves climbing a mountain, the greatest highlight of Funaoaka Castle Ruins Park, besides the cherry blossoms all over the mountain, is undoubtedly the panoramic view from the summit. The top offers a spacious view with a plaza for cherry blossom viewers to stop and enjoy the scenery. Looking north, one can see the cityscape of Shibata Town and the charming view of Senbonzakura along the Shiroishi River embankment. To the east, one can gaze at the Pacific Ocean, and to the west, the snowy mountain scenery of the Zao mountain range. The commanding view satisfies all cherry blossom viewers. Moreover, the Statue of Peaceful Kannon at the summit is said to have been donated by the medical scientist Noguchi Hideyo, a native of Funaoaka, in memory of his late wife and to protect the people of Shibata Town. The peaceful Kannon statue, set against the backdrop of numerous cherry blossoms, appears even more majestic and is another famous cherry blossom spot for photo opportunities at Funaoaka Castle Ruins Park. Funaoaka Castle Ruins Park Address: 95-1 Tateyama, Funaoaka, Shibata Town, Shibata District, Miyagi Prefecture

#cherryblossom2024 Address: Takakuzo-1 Jinjiro, Kakuda, Miyagi 981-1526, Japan. Highlights: The JAXA Kakudauchu Center is a must-visit for space and rocket enthusiasts, and the best part is, it's free! While not large, the facility is packed with fascinating exhibits, videos, and books that can easily fill half a day. During my visit on a weekday Friday, I had the chance to explore the center at my own pace and even had the restaurant almost exclusively to myself. One unique experience was purchasing space food from the vending machines—a rare treat! Whether you're marvelling at the exhibits or sampling space food, a visit to the JAXA Kakudauchu Center is an unforgettable experience for anyone with an interest in space exploration. #Japan #awesomepic

#cherryblossom2024 Address: Tateyama-95-1 Funaoka, Shibata, Shibata District, Miyagi 989-1606, Japan. Highlights: Funaoka Castle Ruins Park is a must-visit destination, especially during the cherry blossom season. From the top, you can take in stunning views of the riverbank and the cityscape below. To make the most of your visit, I recommend taking the slope car to the top. From there, you can easily explore the park and visit the cannon with the help of a cable car. The cable car ride costs 250¥ for a one-way trip, but it's well worth it for the spectacular views you'll experience. Whether you're admiring the cherry blossoms in spring or enjoying the scenic views year-round, Funaoka Castle Ruins Park is a fantastic destination for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike. #Nature #Japan #awesomepic