The highland area around our hotel is known for its cool climate, making it a place where you can enjoy cherry blossoms, which includes the “latest blooming Somei Yoshino” in Honshu. It reaches full bloom from late April to Golden week in May every year, so if you want to enjoy cherry blossoms for a second time, why not visit Tateshina? We will introduce five nearby cherry blossom spots that you can reach by car from the hotel.

Tateshina Shoko-ji Temple

Located just a 15 minute walk from the hotel, this temple, situated across from Lake Tateshina, allows you to enjoy cherry blossoms in full bloom from late April to early May. About a month after the cherry blossoms in Tokyo have fallen, you can once again enjoy cherry blossom viewing at this spiritual place in Tateshina. This area is famous for its hot springs, and there are several day-use hot springs available that you can enter without prior reservations. We recommend taking a casual stroll around the lake and the temple as it is in close proximity to our hotel. For more information about the temple, please click here.

Chino Athletic Park

Chino Athletic park, located about a 20 minute drive from the hotel towards the city center of Chino, is said to have the earliest blooming cherry blossoms in the Suwa area, informing local residents of the arrival of spring. The cherry blossoms are lit up during the night, giving a very ethereal feel to the park, which you can enjoy at your own leisurely pace. For those who enjoy activities, it’s also nice to break a sweat at the batting centre in the park, and you can also visit Suwa Taisha Honmiya Shine, just a 10-minute drive away by car. Click here for more information about the park.

Takashima Castle Park

About a 30 minute drive from our hotel is Takashima Castle Park, where approximately 90 cherry blossom trees, including Somei Yoshino, Shidarezakura, and Higanzakura are planted. In mid- April, the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, and the entire park is dyed pink. At the time of construction, the water of Lake Suwa approached the castle, and it was called ” Suwa’s Floating Castle” because it appeared to float on the lake. If you extend your journey a little further, you can also enjoy walking along the shores of Lake Suwa or cycling with rental bicycles. To know more about the castle, click here. For more information about the lake, click here.

Obuse Kannon (Shakusonji Temple of Tendai Shu Obuseyama)

About an hour’s drive northeast from Tateshina, you’ll arrive in Komoro city, home to Obuse Kannon. The cherry blossoms here are at their best from mid to late April every year. In front of the main hall, there is a “Weeping Cherry” said to be over 100 years old, and you can enjoy the spectacular view of the hanging cliff hall and cherry blossoms.

The proverb “Guided to Zenkoji by a Cow” originates from Obuse Kannon. It is a metaphor for being led to a favourable outcome by unexpected events or the ingluence of others. According to an old story, an elderly woman without faith chased after her cow, which ran off with her cloth toed to its horn, until they finally reached Zenkoji Temple, where she later became devout. It is said that the goddess Kannon transformed into the form of a cow and guided the elderly woman to Zenkoji Temple in Nagano city. For more details about Obuse Kannon, click here.

Kobo-yama Kofun (Kofun)

If you’ve come all the way to Nagano Prefecture, we would also recommend visiting the Kobo-yama Kofun in Matsumoto City. From the hotel, it’s about an hour drive via the Chuo Expressway.

Built in the 3rd to 4th century, Kobo-yama Kofun is one of the oldest keyhole-shaped tombs in eastern Japan. It is adorned with approximately 4,000 cherry trees, including Ooyama-zakura and Kohigan-zakura and reaches its peak bloom from early to mid April. The entire mountain turns pink, offering a breathtaking sight, and from the summit, you can enjoy panoramic views of Matsumoto City and the Northern Alps.

If you would like to know more about the abundant nature that surrounds our hotel and enjoy exploring the great outdoors during every season, click here.