Last Updated: Apr 9, 2023

The Senbonzakura of Torayama

Spring’s Mecca for Cosplay

Today, I’d like to introduce you all to a cherry blossom spot that most overseas visitors to Japan have never even heard of. Referred to in Japanese as the Senbonzakura of Torayama (lit. “The 1,000 Cherry Blossom Trees of Mt. Tiger”), this hidden locale can be found up in the Chichibu district of Saitama Prefecture. Unlike with the Meguro River, which is again now unbearable, only those in the know are aware of the Senbonzakura of Torayama. What’s more, as you may be able to infer from the subtitle, the vast majority of these informed individuals are cosplayers!

Hold on a second — Besides the pretty, pink backdrop what does a secluded cherry blossom location have to do with cosplay? Well, to tell you the truth, all I know is that the Senbonzakura of Torayama are extremely popular with people who are looking to dress up as their favorite anime or video game characters. How this trend got its start is beyond me; I looked at a website or two on the internet but couldn’t find anything regarding its origin. My guess is that it is just one of those things in Japan that is a thing because it’s a thing?

Anyway, what makes the Senbonzakura of Torayama worth visiting during spring are its amazing cherry blossoms. Home to somewhere around…