Hida-Asahi is especially renowned for its "Weeping" Cherry Blossom trees.  With their large size, and drooping branches, they are different from many of the other cherry blossoms you may see in Japan.

To highlight these beautiful examples of nature, this year Hida-Asahi will have a nighttime light-up event from 6 to 9PM each night for four locations during the cherry blossom blooming season.

The four locations are:

• Aoya-Shinmei Shrine
• Asai Shinmei Shrine
• Kurokawa Tenman Shrine
• Mangoku Yakushido Park

Please read below for information about each location.

With the tree reflected in the mirror-like surface of a rice paddy, the view of the cherry blossom tree at Aoya-Shinmei Shrine is almost dreamlike in its beauty.  This tree is found in the Aoya neighborhood of Asahi about a 10-minute drive from the roadside station.  During the light-up period there will be extra parking lots, bathrooms as well as a dedicated photography space set up around the shrine.

*Please follow the parking map below to see where the extra parking lots are located. 

Found in the Asai neighborhood of Asahi, the sheer size of the tree and its innumerable petals is sure to impress.  Much like the shrine gate found next to it, the cherry blossom here invites you in to see another world with its splendor. This tree is also about a 10-minute drive from the roadside station.  Please be aware there are restrooms at this location.  Please park your car on the side of the road, in a way that does not block traffic.

Spiritual life in Japan is often built around two pillars: Shintoism and Buddhism.  The Kurokawa neighborhood of Asahi is the perfect place to see this as the Kurokawa Shinto Shrine and the Buddhist Saikyo temple are found right next to each other.  Enjoy viewing the beautiful petals of the cherry blossom in the shrine, then take in the regal composure of the Fufu-matsu or the "Paired-lovers" pine trees found next door in Saikyo temple.  Please know that only the cherry blossom will have the light-up at night however.

Also please park your car responsibly, as not to block driveways or any traffic on the road.

Forming a gateway into central Asahi, this may be one of the cherry blossom trees you see as you drive down National Route 361.  Located in the small Yakushido Park, the tree is found next to a natural water spring, another amazing natural feature found out in the countryside of Japan.  For this location, please try to park your car in the empty lot opposite from Yakushido Park.

• Light-Up Timeframe: Every day during the blooming season from 6PM to 9PM.  (Please confirm the state of the bloom at the top of this page)

• Parking:  Please confirm the parking information for each location.  There is no parking fee.

• Restrooms: Only Aoya-Shinmei Shrine Light-Up will have restrooms open, the other cherry blossom locations will not.  However, the restrooms at the "Roadside Station Hida Asahimura" will be open during this time.  It is easily reachable by car from any of the locations.

• Notice: Please be respectful of the trees and others who are there to enjoy them.  Please do not pick any blossoms or cut any branches off the trees.

• Further Questions: Please direct any further questions you have to our email: [email protected] and we will be glad to help you!