Why not escape the crowds and experience the authentic spring of Japan? While many flock to major cities, Shikoku Island offers a more peaceful and breathtaking cherry blossom season. In this article, we introduce four unique cherry blossom spots in Seiyo City, Ehime Prefecture, where you can enjoy the “Sakura” all to yourself.
From historic temples nestled in a quiet valley to mountain passes overlooking the blue Uwa Sea, a one-of-a-kind experience in Western Japan awaits you. Grab your camera and let’s find your own special spring in Seiyo!
Ryutaku-ji Temple: A Historic Zen Temple in Shikoku
Ryutaku-ji Temple, located on Mount Umon in Shirokawa-cho, Seyo City, Ehime Prefecture.
Nestled in a tranquil mountain valley, this is one of Shikoku’s most renowned temples. It serves as a “Chu-Honzan” (secondary head temple) of the Sōtō-shū Sōji-ha sect and oversees 56 branch temples. The first thing that captures the attention of visitors is the moss-covered stone walk that leads you to the main temple. Giant cedar trees over 300 years old tower on either side, and the moment you step inside, you are enveloped in a solemn atmosphere that has remained untouched for over 400 years. You’ll really feel like you’re stepping back in time while walking through this temple. It’s difficult to find a more unique cherry blossom viewing experience; you can enjoy the peaceful grounds of Ryutaku-ji while listening to the Japanese warbler sing in the cherry trees.
Ryutaku-ji Temple, located on Mount Umon in Shirokawa-cho, Seyo City, Ehime Prefecture.
Nestled in a tranquil mountain valley, this is one of Shikoku’s most renowned temples. It serves as a “Chu-Honzan” (secondary head temple) of the Sōtō-shū Sōji-ha sect and oversees 56 branch temples. The first thing that captures the attention of visitors is the moss-covered stone walk that leads you to the main temple. Giant cedar trees over 300 years old tower on either side, and the moment you step inside, you are enveloped in a solemn atmosphere that has remained untouched for over 400 years. You’ll really feel like you’re stepping back in time while walking through this temple. It’s difficult to find a more unique cherry blossom viewing experience; you can enjoy the peaceful grounds of Ryutaku-ji while listening to the Japanese warbler sing in the cherry trees.
Access Information
■Address
753 Uonari, Shirokawa-cho, Seyo City, Ehime Prefecture
■Transportation Access
Approximately 40 minutes by car from the Matsuyama-Nishi-Uwa Interchange
■Address
753 Uonari, Shirokawa-cho, Seyo City, Ehime Prefecture
■Transportation Access
Approximately 40 minutes by car from the Matsuyama-Nishi-Uwa Interchange
Nofuku Pass: Cherry Blossoms Overlooking the Uwa Sea
Sometimes the best place to watch the cherry blossoms is right from the comfort of your own car! Nofuku Pass is a mountain road lined with approximately 400 Somei-Yoshino cherry trees. The contrast with the blue waters of the Uwa Sea is truly breathtaking. From autumn through winter, the view of the setting sun against the distant, hazy mountain ranges of Kyushu and the orange glow of the Uwa Sea is stunning. Driving through here at dusk would be a perfect way to end your day!
Sometimes the best place to watch the cherry blossoms is right from the comfort of your own car! Nofuku Pass is a mountain road lined with approximately 400 Somei-Yoshino cherry trees. The contrast with the blue waters of the Uwa Sea is truly breathtaking. From autumn through winter, the view of the setting sun against the distant, hazy mountain ranges of Kyushu and the orange glow of the Uwa Sea is stunning. Driving through here at dusk would be a perfect way to end your day!
Access Information
■Address
Tawazu, Akihama-cho, Seiyo City, Ehime Prefecture
■Transportation Access
Approximately 15 minutes by car from the Matsuyama-Nishi-Uwa Interchange
■Address
Tawazu, Akihama-cho, Seiyo City, Ehime Prefecture
■Transportation Access
Approximately 15 minutes by car from the Matsuyama-Nishi-Uwa Interchange
Asagiri Lake Park: Sakura by the Lakeside in Nomura, Seiyo (Shikoku)
Nomura Town, where Asagiri Lake Park is located, is known as the “Town of Milk” due to its thriving dairy farming industry. Hoping for the town’s continued growth, a statue of Japan’s largest dairy cow has been erected as a symbol of the town. But besides the adorable mascot, the cherry blossoms at this spot are breathtaking. This reservoir, nestled within lush natural forest and surrounded by mountains on all sides, is called Asagiri Lake because it is often shrouded in mistt which gives the cherry blossoms a mystical and otherworldly vibe. There is a pavilion here as well, where you can enjoy a lovely lunch or just sit and relax under the pink trees.
Nomura Town, where Asagiri Lake Park is located, is known as the “Town of Milk” due to its thriving dairy farming industry. Hoping for the town’s continued growth, a statue of Japan’s largest dairy cow has been erected as a symbol of the town. But besides the adorable mascot, the cherry blossoms at this spot are breathtaking. This reservoir, nestled within lush natural forest and surrounded by mountains on all sides, is called Asagiri Lake because it is often shrouded in mistt which gives the cherry blossoms a mystical and otherworldly vibe. There is a pavilion here as well, where you can enjoy a lovely lunch or just sit and relax under the pink trees.
Access Information
■Address
Nomura, Nomura-cho, Seiyo City, Ehime Prefecture
■Transportation Access
Approximately 12 minutes by car from the Matsuyama-Nishi-Uwa Interchange
■Address
Nomura, Nomura-cho, Seiyo City, Ehime Prefecture
■Transportation Access
Approximately 12 minutes by car from the Matsuyama-Nishi-Uwa Interchange
Strolling Under 800 Cherry Trees at Akama River Park, Seiyo (Shikoku)
Last but certainly not least, Akama River Park. This park has been developed along the Hiji River upstream of the Nomura Dam, where approximately 800 Somei-Yoshino cherry trees bloom in full splendor. The combination of the deep-blue river and the pink cherry blossoms is truly beautiful. The slow babbling of the river and the breeze blowing through the trees is will help any weary traveler relax and enjoy the nature around them.
Last but certainly not least, Akama River Park. This park has been developed along the Hiji River upstream of the Nomura Dam, where approximately 800 Somei-Yoshino cherry trees bloom in full splendor. The combination of the deep-blue river and the pink cherry blossoms is truly beautiful. The slow babbling of the river and the breeze blowing through the trees is will help any weary traveler relax and enjoy the nature around them.
Access Information
■Address
Akanma, Uwa-cho, Seyo City, Ehime Prefecture
■Transportation Access
Approximately 10 minutes by car from the Matsuyama-Nishi-Uwa Interchange
■Address
Akanma, Uwa-cho, Seyo City, Ehime Prefecture
■Transportation Access
Approximately 10 minutes by car from the Matsuyama-Nishi-Uwa Interchange
Seiyo in Bloom: A Spring Experience Like No Other
Whichever spot you choose in Seiyo, Ehime, you will find a one-of-a-kind cherry blossom viewing experience that represents the true beauty of rural Japan. Away from the crowds of Tokyo or Kyoto, Shikoku offers a serene spring atmosphere. Make incredible memories and capture the pink petals of Seiyo in your photo album!
■Role：
Shikoku Tours Social Media Manager & Historian specializing in Japanese History
■Experience：
10 years of living in Japan, specifically in the Ehime area. I also have 8 years of experience in social media content creation, specifically in the areas of niche travel and History.
Hello! I’m Tehya, a historian with a passion for social media and using it as a tool for education. My goal is to help people discover the amazing and historical places Shikoku has to offer!
■Role：
Shikoku Tours Social Media Manager & Historian specializing in Japanese History
■Experience：
10 years of living in Japan, specifically in the Ehime area. I also have 8 years of experience in social media content creation, specifically in the areas of niche travel and History.
Hello! I’m Tehya, a historian with a passion for social media and using it as a tool for education. My goal is to help people discover the amazing and historical places Shikoku has to offer!
