The full bloom of spring is approaching fast, which means it’s time to seek out the perfect destination to enjoy one of Japan’s most celebrated natural scenes: wave upon wave of cloud-like cherry blossom, ranging in colour from deep rose to palest pink to almost-white.
Pack a picnic, pick a park, pick a tree, and settle under its laden branches to enjoy the gentle warmth of the season.
But there’s another spring superstar flower in Japan: the azalea. These delicate flowers come in all shades from crimson to pastel peach to white and have been beloved in Japan since ancient times. In hanakotoba (the language of flowers – the traditional meanings associated with flowers in Japan), azalea signifies modesty and fragility, while red azalea are said to signify “the joy of love”.
Tobu Railway’s 463.3km network of railway passes through five prefectures: Tokyo, Chiba, Saitama, Tochigi, and Gunma. Luckily for Tobu passengers, these five prefectures offer some of the most beautiful cherry blossom and azalea viewing destinations in the country. Take a look at our top three highlights below, all located in the Ryomo area, and find out how to make the most of your trip there with some top value passes.
Shiroyama Park: A Paradise of Pink
First stop: Shiroyama Park in Sano City, Tochigi Prefecture, is around 90 minutes by train from central Tokyo. Located in the ruins of Sano Castle, this spectacular park is a designated cultural property thanks to its rich historical heritage. Come spring, the park explodes with pink blossom from both cherry trees and countless azaleas. The city is also famous for its local ramen, hand made in a unique way: makers place their own body weight onto a long bamboo tube to stretch the noodle dough which, like the broth, is made from locally sourced spring water.
Best time to view: late March to early April
How to get there: one minute walk from Sano Station on the Tobu Sano Line
Tsuruuda River: Tranquillity in Tatebayashi
Next stop: Tsuruuda River in Tatebayashi City, Gunma Prefecture, one or two hours from central Tokyo. Giant cherry trees lines both banks of this picturesque river, the blossoms reflecting in the water as the colourful koinobori carp streamers hung from their branches flutter in the gentle breeze.
Best time to view: late March to early April
How to get there: 20 minute walk from Tatebayashi Station on the Tobu-Isesaki Line
Tsutsujigaoka Park: The Ultimate Azalea Destination
Final stop: Tsutsujigaoka Park, also in Tatebayashi City, Gunma Prefecture, is the perfect place to take in the beauty of azaleas in bloom – after all, the park is literally called “Azalea Hill”. Here, you’ll find some 100 varieties of azalea across 10,000 plants, including some which are an incredible 800 years old. You can also find giant azaleas more than 4 metres tall. While here, make sure to visit the Space Azaleas: sprouted from seeds that locally born astronaut Chiaki Mukai took with her in space.
Best time to view: normally around 10th April to 10th May
How to get there: 30 minute walk or 10 minute bus/taxi ride from Tatebayashi Station on the Tobu-Isesaki Line
Getting Around the Area
A great way to get to these destinations is by using the Furatto Ryomo Tobu Free Pass (furatto means “casually”). This three-day pass can be used to visit the entire Ryomo area and grants unlimited travel on Tobu trains, Tobu buses, and several local bus lines, as well as a round trip between Morinjimae Station – the gateway to Ryomo and your embarking station. The pass also offers discounts at multiple restaurants and museums in the seven cities included in the Ryomo area.
The price of the pass depends on your embarking station, but from central Tokyo (Asakusa) would be around £15 (2,440 yen) per adult, £8 (1,250 yen)per child (price dependent on exchange rate, detailed pricing can be found here). Furatto Ryomo Tobu Free Pass can be bought at Asakusa Station in central Tokyo or at the following Tobu stations: Asakusa through Kawamata, Sugito-Takanodai through Minami-Kurihashi, Omurai through Kameido, and Funabashi through Ōmiya.
