Below is a list of Matsumoto's most popular spots for cherry blossom viewing (hanami), including the typical timing for best viewing in the average year and japan-guide.com ratings. See also our nationwide list of famous cherry blossom spots.

Matsumoto Castle Mid April  15 minute walk from Matsumoto Station  Inner grounds: 600 yen, 8:30 to 17:00 Matsumoto Castle is one of the most beautiful of Japan's original castles. There are about 300 cherry trees planted around the castle moats and inside the paid inner grounds of the castle.

Koboyama Park Mid April  15 minute bus ride south of Matsumoto Station  Admission: Free Koboyama Park is a unique hill (actually an ancient kofun tomb) in southernMatsumoto City that is almost entirely covered by nearly 2000 cherry trees. The top of the park has views of the Japan Alps across the valley and there many nice spots for hanami picnics.

Shiroyama Park Mid April  20 minute bus ride north of Matsumoto Station  Admission: Free Shiroyama Park is a medium sized park on the hills north of Matsumoto's city center with some impressive rows of cherry trees and a lawn area.

Alps Park Mid April  20 minute bus ride north of Matsumoto Station  Admission: Free A little bit further up on the same hill as Shiroyama Park (see above) is Alps Park, a spacious community park with a few groups of cherry trees and a beautiful weeping cherry tree. Views of the Japanese Alps can be enjoyed on days with good visibility.

Ratings:     best of the best     best of Japan     outstanding