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Spring
Kumagaya Sakura Tsutsumi 2019-Fantastic Cherry Blossoms Viewing Spot in Saitama
Would you like to travel to Japan in the spring? If yes, please see beautiful Japanese cherry blossoms at Kumagaya Sakura Tsutsumi. There are many wonderful cherry blossom spots in Japan. However, in this article, I would like to introduce you to Cherry blossom trees of Kumagaya Sakura Tsutsumi in Saitama prefecture. What is the Kumagaya Sakura Tsutsumi? It is a row of cherry blossom trees that stretches for 2 km from Arakawa bridge in Kumagaya through the downstream. There is about 500 Someiyoshino cherry trees and this place in Japan’s top 100 cherry blossom viewing spots. Therefore, people from all over Japan come to see the cherry blossoms every year to Kumagaya.
Image courtesy of Tanaka Juuyoh
History of Kumagaya Sakura Tsutsumi
Kumagaya Sakura Tsutsumi has a long history that starts about 400 years ago. First, lord of the castle at that time planted cherry trees at the riverside for flooding of the river. Then, the place has become popular for cherry blossom viewing since the Edo period. However, in the Meiji period, the trees withered. So, in 1886, people started growing new Sakura trees along the river. And the number of cherry trees had been increasing year by year. In 1923 the place was designated as a historic scenic natural monument, but in 1925 most of the trees burnt in a large fire. After that, in 1952, locals repaired the bank of the river and planted new cherry trees that created the current Kumagaya Sakura Tsutsumi.
Image courtesy of Nori Norisa
Cherry Blossoms Viewing
Cherry blossoms of Kumagaya Sakura Tsutsumi stand on the 14th position in Japan and on the 2nd in Saitama prefecture for cherry blossom viewing spots. When the cherry trees are in full bloom, rape blossoms also blossom. So, you can see pink and yellow contrast at the bank of the river. The same picture you can also witness in Saitama at Gongendo Sakura Tsutsumi.
Furthermore, Sakura festival takes place at this period. You will notice about 50 food stalls, enjoy dance performances, and karaoke competition at the festival. Therefore, you will enjoy a festival with beautiful cherry blossoms! Finally, I highly recommend you stay until its dark. At night, the cherry blossoms feature a light up which makes them look fantastic and even more charming.
Details and Access
Dates: April 7th – 25th , 2019
Light up: 18:00 – 21:00
Place: Kumagaya Sakura Tsutsumi
Address: 2 Chome – 167 Kawaracho, Kumagaya, Saitama Prefecture
Tel: 048-524-1111
Official website: http://www.oideyo-kumagaya.com
Access:
Train: From JR Takasaki Line, Kumagaya Station about 5 min by walk.
From Chichibu Railway, Kumagaya Station about 5 min by walk.
Car: From Kan-etsu Expressway, Matuyama IC, by way of Japan National Route 407 about 30 min by car.
(Free parking lots for 250 cars)
Closing Remarks
Kumagaya Sakura Tsutumi had some problems during its long history. But they could overcome them, and now, this place is as famous as it was in the Edo period. Every year, about 500 cherry blossom trees attract thousands of people. You will definitely enjoy the cherry blossoms tunnel, festival, and the Illumination. Don’t forget your camera and please tell your friends about this wonderful cherry blossoms in the event in Kumagaya Sakura Tsutsumi!
If you would like to see this outstanding Sakura festival and explore Saitama prefecture together with a local guide please check the banner below!
Enjoy Sakura in Japan!
Cherry blossoms are an essential part of Japanese culture. And, viewing cherry blossoms (Hanami) is very popular in Japan during the spring. This is because cherry blossoms, which the Japanese call “Sakura” are stunning at this season.
If you are planning to visit Japan this spring and want to discover more cherry blossoms spots in Kyoto area, please check the following article. It’s covering the best Hanami spots in the old capital and provides you with the essential information, so you can get the most from your Sakura trip!
Here`s the link. URL: https://festivalgo.huber-japan.com/events/2566/
Osaka is very close to Kyoto. It will be a miss if you don’t visit Osaka to see cherry blossoms when you are in the Kansai area in spring. Please check the following article to find out the best cherry blossoms viewing spots in Osaka and Kansai!
Kyoto and Osaka have many beautiful spots to see Cherry blossoms. However, other areas also have excellent places for hanami. Tokyo features many of those spots as well! If you are in Tokyo around spring and looking for a place to see cherry blossoms, Why don’t you check the following article?
URL: https://festivalgo.huber-japan.com/events/1805/
Would You Like to Know How to Enjoy a Japanese Festival Even More?
A lot of people when they get to a Matsuri for the first time feel a bit lost. They confuse about what is happening around. If you are new to Japanese Festivals or want to know an alternative way of how you can enjoy these events, the following article will provide you with a set of helpful tips on how to choose a proper festival and activities you should try there. Please don`t hesitate to take a look at it!