Which season in Japan do you like the most? Spring and autumn are the two most popular seasons in Japan, thanks to the pleasant weather and the natural beauty that the seasons have to offer. Cherry blossoms (Sakura) in spring and colorful leaves in autumn are the main attractions for both local and international tourists. Cherry blossoms or autumn leaves - it is hard to choose from if you live outside of Japan and plan a trip to see one of these… but what if you can see both at a time?
Shiki-Sakura that Blooms Twice a Year
There are about ten main species of cherry trees native to Japan and it is said that there are more than 100 species if we include variants.
Shiki-Sakura (meaning four-season Sakura) is one of the variants that blooms twice a year, once in spring and once in autumn. The flowers bloom from mid-March to early April and from late October to early December. The best time to see the blossoms is from early November to late November, although the timing slightly differs from year to year. Unlike typical cherry trees, the flowers of Shiki-Sakura are at their best in autumn and less in number in spring. This species is thought to be a hybrid of Mame-Sakura and Edo-Higan. The flowers of Shiki-Sakura trees are white and light pink, and they are smaller than those of commonly-seen Somei-Yoshino trees.
Where can I see Shiki-Sakura?
There are only a few places in Japan where you can enjoy the cherry blossoms and autumn colors at the same time, and one of them is Obara Town in Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture. Obara Town is also known for traditional Kabuki and Japanese traditional washi paper. Obara Town designated Shiki-Sakura as the town tree in 1978 and locals have been working hard to nurture the trees. Thanks to the efforts of the locals, it is said that there are about 10,000 Shiki-Sakura trees grow in Obara Town now.
Let’s Go to Obara Shiki-Sakura Festival!
Obara Town celebrates Shiki-Sakura Festival every year, and this year’s festival runs from November 11th, 2023 to November 30th, 2023. Even after the festival, cherry blossoms can be seen, but most of the colorful leaves may have fallen by then.
There are several places in the town where you can enjoy strolls while viewing the cherry blossoms and colorful autumn leaves: (1) Obara Fureai Park, (2) Senmi Shiki-Sakura-no-Sato and (3) Washi-no-Furusato. If you would like a stroll, park your car at Senmi Shiki-Sakura-no-Sato, and more. Senmi Shiki-Sakura-no-Sato is a perfect place if you would like to park your car and take a walk in the nature. At (3) Washi-no-Sato, you can also experience traditional washi-making in the workshop they offer.
How to get there?
If you take public transport, go to Toyotashi Station from Nagoya and then take a local bus from the station to Obara Town. It is about an hour journey from Toyotashi Station.
If you are driving, you can use either Nakayama Exit on the Sanage Green Road, Toyota-Fujioka Exit on the Tokai Kanjo Expressway, or Mizunami Exit on the Chuo Expressway. The town is about 25-30 minutes away from each of the exit.
Looking for a holiday home in Japan to enjoy the natural beauty of each season? Contact our PropertyAccess team here.