Takashima City, located in the northwest of Lake Biwa, is full of beautiful nature in all four seasons.
In spring, various flowers reach their peak in the city, including the Kaizu Osaki Cherry Blossoms, which have been selected as one of the "100 Best Cherry Blossom Spots in Japan."
Why not come and enjoy cherry blossom viewing in Takashima, which is full of nature in spring?
CherryCherry Blossoms
The beginning of April
Edohigan is a long-lived cherry tree, and in the spring of 14, the Imazu Nature Observation Club conducted a distribution survey in Imazu Town, finding 10 trees in the plains, ranging in age from 400 to 135 years. Among them, the single Edohigan cherry tree that stands tall in the grounds of Sanami-dera Temple, which tells of its founding in the Nara period, is particularly spectacular. It is located at the foot of the mountain on the northern side of the Sanami village. In spring, the Somei-yoshino cherry trees along the approach to the temple also bloom majestically, soothing the eyes of visitors.
The beginning of April
About 1km north from the Kaizu Osaki Namikiguchi, in the Kaizu cemetery, there is an old tree called "Shozu no Sakura". The tree is an Azuma Higanzakura. It is said to be over 1 years old, and is praised in the novel "Sakura Mori" by Tsutomu Mizukami. It is also called "Mikaeri no Sakura" (the cherry tree in return) because Lord Maeda of the Kaga domain admired this tree many times when he visited Kyoto. It reaches full bloom a little earlier than the Kaizu Osaki cherry trees.
Early to mid April
In spring, the 6km long road around the lake in Shin-Asahi Town is dyed pink by cherry blossoms. With Lake Biwa in the background, this route allows you to experience the changing nature of spring, and is also popular as a cycling course.
Early to mid April
From Miyamaebo in Kutsuki to around Ono, the Somei-Yoshino cherry blossoms paint the Azumigawa River pink. Enjoy cherry blossom viewing in the countryside while taking in the relaxing time that only Kutsuki can offer.
Early to mid April
The Somei-Yoshino cherry trees are over 80 years old and are so beautiful and gorgeous that one anecdote is that a famous painter stopped painting in the spring. From early to mid-April, about 4 of them come into full bloom, creating a splendid atmosphere that stretches for 800km. The view from the lakeshore, which is unique to Kaizu, is also popular. As a famous spot for late-blooming cherry blossoms in the Kinki region, the area is crowded with many flower-viewing visitors every year.
Early July-early September
Makino Highlands has double-flowered cherry trees, Oshima cherry trees, and Somei-Yoshino cherry trees, which were planted in the upper part of the plateau in 58. Since the flowering season differs for each type, you can enjoy cherry blossom viewing over a long period of time. After cherry blossom viewing, please relax at Makino Highlands Hot Spring "Sarasa".
Flower
Takashima Flower Tour
Early to mid April
In the short period before the scrub grows new leaves, the dogtooth violets bloom and bear fruit in the spring sunshine, while at the same time working hard with their tiny teeth to photosynthesize and store nutrients in their bulbs. Then, as the scrub grows leaves and blocks the strong summer sun, the soil becomes just the right temperature and humidity, allowing the violets to go into a long slumber for the coming year. In order to protect this blessed environment and pass it on to future generations, and to ensure that the lovely spring fairies continue to bloom here forever, please make sure to observe them from outside the protected area...
Early to mid April
In the spring, pretty wildflowers welcome us near the ruins of Shimizuyama Castle, a medieval mountain castle. In particular, the clusters of Mitsuba azaleas blooming along the mountain path near the "Yama no Eki" (Mountain Station), a little way up the mountain from the castle ruins, are magnificent.
Early June to late June
In the season of fresh greenery, when the reed beds along Lake Biwa begin to sprout new leaves, the yellow flowers of the "Nourushi" bloom. From early to late April, the lakeside of Shinasahi-cho, Takashima City, is filled with colonies of this plant, blending into the scenery of Lake Biwa. Enjoy a spring stroll along the lakeside, whether it be a photo tour, walking or cycling.
Mid October to early June
In spring, when driving along the lakeside road that stretches from Imazu to Makino, your eye will be drawn to the white flowers of sea radishes growing in clusters against the backdrop of Lake Biwa. These wild radishes can be seen in places around the lake in the city, but the clusters around Hamabun and Katsurahama Park in Imazu Town are particularly beautiful.
5 late month - 6 early month
At Hiraike Pond in the valley beyond Mt. Hakodate, pale purple irises bloom every year from late May to early June (times vary depending on the year). The deep purple color of the 5 irises creates a vivid contrast with the rain-soaked green of the mountains. Hiraike Pond is about a 6-minute walk from Villadest Imazu.
