Japan Trip: Cherry Blossom all Around at the Takato Castle Ruins Park, Nagano 62

Japan Trip: Cherry Blossom all Around at the Takato Castle Ruins Park, Nagano 62 Moopon

Takato Castle Ruins Park (高遠城址公園,) located in Ina City of Nagano Prefecture, is well known as one of the three best locations to see cherry blossoms in Japan (the other two are Hirosaki Castle in Aomori and Yoshinoyama in Nara). The park has about 1500 Kohigan cherry trees, which are said to have been planted here in 1875.

Visitors can enjoy the cherry blossom festival the town hosts for the whole month of April. When the flowers are in full bloom throughout the park, typically from mid to late April, the park is lit up from sunset to about 10pm. Visitors can enjoy the illuminated cherry blossoms, though it is very crowded. Visitors need to be aware during the cherry blossom season the roads to the park is very congested. It is recommended to avoid visiting the park on the weekends during this season to avoid the crowds.

In addition to the cherry blossoms, this park contains history as well. Though the remains from the original castle of this region are scarce, there are some stone foundations as well as a few structures from the post feudal era. At the north gate is Takatokaku, the biggest building in the park. It was built in the 1930s as a community center. Visitors can see the Showa Period architecture of both local and western influence in the wooden foundation with the red titled roof in this two-storied building. Takatokaku nowadays serves as both a rest area for visitors and gathering spot for locals.

The two-story building is of Showa Period (1926-1989) architecture, showing both local and western influences with a wooden foundation and a red tiled roof. It now serves as space for locals to gather and travelers to take a break. Visitors will see a gently curved bridge, Ounkyo, in the center of the park. This bridge is famous as one of the best cherry blossom viewing spots within the park.

On the west side of the park is Taikoyagura, a uniquely shaped drum tower. From here, visitors can see beautiful views of both the town below the hill as well as the Central Alps in the distance. And at the southern end is the Shinshu Takato Art Museum. The museum holds various temporary exhibitions displaying many art forms. Visitors will see several stone monuments around the park, commemorating popular local characters or memorable poems.

Facility Information
Hours: 8:00 to 17:00 (during cherry blossom season typically for the whole month of April)
6:00 to 22:00 (peak cherry blossom period within April, when illuminations held at night)
Always open—no restriction of hours (rest of the year, non-cherry blossom season)
Closed: Opened All Year Round
Admission: 500 yen only during the cherry blossom season (free during non-cherry blossom season)

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