Last Updated: Mar 9, 2024

The Hitome Senbonzakura & Funaoka Castle

Springtime in Miyagi

This story was originally published on donnykimball.com and has been syndicated here on Medium

Today, I want to take a second to introduce a pair of attractions from my adventures this spring. Known as the Hitome Senbonzakura and Funaoka Castle Ruins Park, this duo of destinations can be found up in the southernmost portions of Miyagi Prefecture. Known for their annual cherry blossom festival, this neighboring set of allures is one of Tohoku’s best spots during peak bloom. Situated in the shadow of Mt. Zao (as seen above), this part of Japan is enchantingly beautiful during the window from mid to late April.

If you haven’t yet heard of the Hitome Senbonzakura and/or Funaoka Castle Ruins Park, know that this collection of attractions is considered to be one of the top 100 cherry blossom sites in all of Japan. In the case of the Hitome Senbonzakura, you’ll be treated to an endless procession of Somei-Yoshino cherry trees that run along the banks of the Shiroishi River. Funaoka Castle Ruins Park, on the other, hand sits atop a nearby bluff. Formerly the site of a medieval stronghold, the panoramic view from this 135-meter-high peak will leave you breathless on a clear day.

Especially if you plan to chase the cherry blossoms even further north (like I do almost every year), the Hitome Senbonzakura and Funaoka Castle…