[2025 Shibata Attraction] Travel Guide for Funaoka Castle Ruins (Updated Jun)

#Sunset Spot #100TravelTips 🍁 The story is... I woke up late and didn't make it to see the cherry blossoms at "Funaoka Joshi Park" in time, so I came out in the morning and walked around to see the cherry blossoms in full bloom. 🌅 While I was about to return to Sendai by train, I had to wait to board at Funaoka Station. At that moment, the sun was setting. Actually, since I took the picture of the 1,000 cherry trees lined up along the river, I felt that the light was very beautiful. 🍂 Normally, Funaoka Station is already beautiful to begin with. When the last light of the day shines orange on the station roof and the real houses of the people of Funaoka, it becomes even more beautiful. It has become our unintentional "Sunset Spot". 📍Location: Funaoka Station

Funaoka Joshi park !! Funaoka Joshi Park is the only park in Miyagi Prefecture to be listed in the “Top 100 Cherry Blossom Viewing Sites of Japan”. A small automated monorail runs through the tunnel of cherry blossoms. Funaoka Peace Kannon is situated at the top of the mountain, where visitors can also enjoy a magnificent view. Over 200,000 people flock to the park at the beginning of April for the infamous “Shibata Cherry Blossoms Festival”. But , when I went there yesterday, all cherry blossoms was over and some left over late blooms only left . But is famous for their sunset over the hill and panoramic view over Shibata prefecture, in Miyagi . There is no transportation between station and the park usually. But they have shuttle bus while cherry blossoms festival and now was over . So, I walk 15mins from Funaoka station to the park and walk up to the hill and use small monorail to go up and see the surrounding and walk down slowly before sunset because It was remote area and I don’t want to stay too late and I need to walk back to the station to catch the train to Sendai . If you are in this area in cherry blossoms season , make sure catch full blooms on this mountain to enjoy. See you all on the other side of the world 🌎!! #solotravel #naturelover #Japn

Funaoka Castle Ruins Park in Shibata Town is one of Japan's top 100 cherry blossom viewing spots. Alongside the famous "Hitome Senbonzakura" (meaning "a thousand cherry trees at a glance") that stretches 8 kilometers along the Shiroishi River, these locations are celebrated nationwide. During the cherry blossom season in April, approximately 200,000 visitors from across Japan come to admire the scenery. Unfortunately, during the visit mentioned, only about 10% of the cherry blossoms were in bloom, so the riverside was not explored. Instead, the summit was visited to enjoy the view of the Zao mountain range. From JR Tokyo Station, take the Tohoku Shinkansen Hayabusa for about 1 hour and 30 minutes to Sendai Station. Then transfer to the JR Tohoku Main Line for approximately 30 minutes to Funaoka Station. From there, it's about a 5-minute walk to the park. Available rail passes: JR EAST PASS (Tohoku Area)

Shibata Town, located in the suburbs near Sendai, is known for its scenic cherry blossom spots due to its undulating terrain and proximity to rivers. Among these, the comprehensive park at the site of Funaoka Castle stands out as a premier cherry blossom viewing destination. The park boasts over 1,000 Yoshino cherry trees, along with approximately 16 varieties of cherry blossoms transplanted from various regions across Japan. In April, when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, the entire cherry blossom hill is painted in shades of pink. Visitors can take a cable car to the mountaintop and observation deck to enjoy a panoramic view of the snow-capped Zao Mountain Range, the Shiroishi River, the famous "Hitome Senbonzakura" (a thousand cherry trees at a glance), and the vibrant blossoms within Funaoka Castle Park. The breathtaking scenery is truly a feast for the eyes. From Sendai Station, it takes about 30 minutes by JR train to reach Funaoka Station. After alighting, a 15-minute walk will lead you to Funaoka Castle Park.

#cherryblossom25 Perched atop a gentle hill in Shiroishi City,Funaoka Castle Ruins Park transforms into a breathtaking sakura haven each spring. The park’s 1,000 cherry trees,primarily somei-yoshino and shidare-zakura(weeping cherries), blanket the historic grounds in soft pink hues, creating a striking contrast against the stone remnants of the 17th-century castle. Walking along the winding paths, visitors are treated to panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, with the Zao Mountain Range framing the scene. At night, the trees are illuminated, casting an ethereal glow over the ruins and making it a favorite spot for yozakura(nighttime sakura viewing). The park’s tranquil atmosphere, combined with its rich samurai history, offers a uniquely poetic hanami experience—where fleeting beauty meets enduring legacy. Tip: Visit in early to mid-April for peak blooms, and don’t miss the nearby Shiroishi River’s Hitome Senbonzakura for a double sakura adventure!

#cherryblossom25 Funaoka Joshi Park, located in Miyagi Prefecture, is famous for its stunning cherry blossoms and unique slope car monorail that offers breathtaking views of the sakura-covered landscape. During spring, over 1,000 cherry trees, including the famous Shiroishi River Sakura Line, bloom along the hillside, creating a mesmerizing pink tunnel. The monorail, designed like a small train, slowly ascends the hill, allowing visitors to enjoy panoramic views of the cherry blossoms, the distant mountains, and the historic Funaoka Castle ruins. This experience, especially during peak bloom in mid-April, makes Funaoka Joshi Park one of the best hanami spots in Japan.

#cherryblossom25 Funaoka Castle Park, a mountainous area that turns pink with cherry blossoms in the spring, and the Shiroishi River, famous for its Hitome Senbon Zakura (view of a thousand cherry trees), are the only two places in Shibata Town, Miyagi Prefecture selected as one of the "100 best cherry blossom viewing spots" by the Japan Cherry Blossom Association🌸 Enjoy the Shibata Cherry Blossom Festival in both areas from April 1 (Tuesday) to April 14 (Monday)✨ Take a stroll through the magical cherry blossom tunnel at Funaoka Castle Park😊 Don't miss the view from the hilltop, where you can see the Hitome Senbon Zakura lining the Shiroishi River, set against the backdrop of the snowy Zao mountain range❗ Take your time to enjoy the cherry blossoms from every angle🌸 *The festival period may change depending on the blooming of the cherry trees. #japantravel #travel #japanview #japan_vacations #tohokutourism #japantrip #japan #tohokujapan #tohoku #explorejapan #amazingjapan #cherryblossom #funaokacastlepark #senbonzakura #shiroishiriver #bestcherryblossomspots #miyagi #zaomountainrange #springflowers #tohokutrip #sakurafestival #mustvisitjapan #romanticspring

If you miss the fleeting cherry blossoms in Tokyo, what should you do? Of course, head to the Tohoku region to continue the cherry blossom chase~ From Sendai, it takes about an hour to reach this lesser-known cherry blossom viewing spot. You can take a small train up the mountain through a sea of flowers to see the Shiroishi River embankment's thousand cherry blossoms🌸 Transportation: Take the JR Tohoku Main Line from Sendai Station to Funaoka (Miyagi Prefecture) Station, which is a 30-minute ride. After getting off, follow the signs along the road for about 15 minutes to reach Funaoka Castle Ruins Park, then walk a bit further uphill to the park's main entrance. Inside, you'll find the place to board the small train. There is no admission fee for the park. It is recommended to take the small train up the mountain, which costs 500 yen for a round trip, but you can also go up the mountain on your own. Shiroishi River Embankment's Thousand Cherry Blossoms From Funaoka Station to the next station, Ogawara (Miyagi Prefecture), you can enjoy the view🥰

#cherryblossom2024 Address: Tateyama Funaoka, Shibata, Shibata District, Miyagi 989-1606, Japan. Highlights: Funaoka Castle is truly spectacular, especially during the sakura season. However, it's also a beautiful destination to visit throughout the year. With its colorful flowers, retro-looking tram, and panoramic views of the riverbanks and the stunning landscape of the Zao Mountains, Funaoka Castle offers something for everyone. Whether you're admiring the cherry blossoms in spring or taking in the breathtaking scenery during other seasons, a visit to Funaoka Castle is always a memorable experience. Don't forget to take the retro tram to the top for an even better view! It's the perfect way to enjoy the beauty of Funaoka Castle and its surroundings. #Nature #Japan #awesomepic

#Sakura2024 #Tohoku #Sendai #Miyagi Songkran is a long holiday. I plan to hunt for cherry blossoms. But according to the forecast, some may have full bloom early and some late. I can't guess. But in the Tohoku region, you will definitely see it (based on reviews and average data each year). Once you decide that it is Tohoku, buy the JR East Pass Tohoku area. Price per person 30,000 Yen Take the Shinkansen from Tokyo-Sendai Station and stay in Sendai. Take the JR Tohoku line from Sendai Station and get off at Funaoka Station. Travel 8 stops and take about 30 minutes. When you get off the station and cross the Shiroishi river, you will see cherry blossoms all the way. The view is beautiful like a dream. Refreshing and the air is cool and comfortable. After walking for a short while, you will find the entrance to Funaoka Castle ruins park. You can take pictures of the city view and the cherry trees lined up. On the way up, there is a slope car service to see the cherry blossom view. Round trip 500 Yen

#cherryblossom2024 View of Sakura from the funicular Funaoka Castle Park in Shibata is one of the hundred best places in Japan where you can admire the cherry blossoms. Climb the steep paths or take a ride on the old funicular. The cherry blossom envelops everything around like fog, and spectacular views open from the top. How to get there The park is a 15-minute walk from Funaoka Station on the Tohoku line. You can get there from Sendai Station (about 25 minutes). Pink splendor Sakura blooms here from the beginning to the end of April. At this time, the Sakura Festival is held in Shibata. You can bring picnic food with you, or you can buy festive bentos — they are sold at the foot of the mountain. Eat everything at once or go upstairs and try to find the perfect place to relax. Stunning panoramic views open from the top, and the blue sky contrasts with the pink flowers around. On clear days, the top of Dzao Mountain is visible from here, covered with the last winter snow. In the distance is a 24—meter statue of the goddess of mercy Kannon. Climb the stairs inside the statue: the view from the observation windows is even better. Cross the bridge over the funicular track and you will see an endless row of flowering trees. This is a famous landmark — a thousand sakura trees on the banks of the Siroishi River.

If you missed the cherry blossoms in Kanto in March, sisters~ be sure not to miss this place! Come to Miyagi for a dreamy date with the 8-kilometer-long cherry blossoms🌸 - Funagata Castle Park 🎡Every April, Funagata Castle Park hosts the Shibata Cherry Blossom Festival, with a variety of food stalls🍡, stage performances🎭, new sake tasting🥂, and a photography contest, making it an exceptionally lively event🎉 🍱Bring a picnic lunch or choose your favorite cherry blossom festival food box, watch the interesting events, and enjoy delicious food🍙 You can also take a ride on the retro cherry blossom cable car: 🚠The 305-meter journey is surrounded by cherry blossoms, as if traveling through a cherry blossom tunnel, with a unique charm. The round-trip ticket costs 500 yen💴 🌞Pink cherry blossoms, warm spring breeze, and the clatter of the little train, this is exactly what a spring outing should look like! - 💫Tour Tips 🎫Admission: Free 🚉Transportation: 15-minute walk from JR Funagata Station or JR Ogawara Station - ✅In addition, there are other highly recommended cherry blossom viewing spots~ 🌸Hiyoriyama Park 🌸Shoonji 🌸Sumiyoshi Shrine 🌸Osaki Hachimangu 🌸Toshogu Shrine 🌸Toshinenji 🌸Kameoka Hachimangu 🌸Shiroishi Castle