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Park. · Semboku, Akita
Hinokinai River Embankment
Bank of the Hinokinai River in Kakunodate with about 2 km of cherry trees planted in 1934, forming a tunnel of flowers between late April and early May and a green avenue the rest of the year.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
A look at the place
Hinokinai River Embankment in pictures
These pictures are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs. They may differ from the place.
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About Hinokinai River Embankment
The Hinokinai River embankment runs along the east bank of the river that passes west of Kakunodate’s center. Over about 2 km, a row of Somei Yoshino cherry trees, planted in 1934 to commemorate the birth of the then crown prince, forms a continuous avenue. Together with the weeping cherries in the samurai district, the row is a National Natural Monument.
At bloom time, usually between late April and early May, the branches meet over the path and petals fall into the river. The Kakunodate cherry festival fills the bank with stalls and, on some nights, the trees are lit. On the opposite bank, a field sometimes turns yellow with rapeseed flowers at the same time in some years.
Outside spring, the embankment is a peaceful riverside walk with views of the mountains to the west. In summer the trees provide shade; in autumn the leaves turn orange; in winter the path is covered in snow and the row of dark trunks stands out against the white landscape.
Access is free, with no entrance fee. The embankment is a few minutes’ walk from the samurai district, and many people combine both in one outing, walking down from the house street to the river and returning along the bank to the bridge that leads to the center.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 45 minutes to an hour to walk along the bank.
Best time
From late April to early May, during the bloom, which changes date each year; on some nights there is illumination. Outside that period, mornings and late afternoons in October are pleasant for walking. Check the bloom forecast before you go.
How to get there
From Kakunodate Station, it’s about a 25-minute walk to the riverbank; from the samurai district, about 5 minutes, descending the side streets.
Tip
During the bloom, walk the bank early in the morning, before the stalls and groups arrive, and return via the samurai district. Out of season, coordinate with the Aoyagi house, which is nearby.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Hinokinai River Embankment
How many cherry trees are on the Hinokinai River embankment?
About 400, of the Somei Yoshino variety, along roughly 2 km of the bank. They were planted in 1934.
When do the Hinokinai River cherry trees bloom?
They usually open in the last weeks of April or the first days of May, a few days after the district’s weeping cherries. Dates vary by year.
Is there a fee to visit the Hinokinai River embankment?
No. The riverbank is a public promenade with no entrance fee.
Is the Hinokinai embankment near the samurai district?
Yes, about a 5-minute walk, west of the main street of the samurai houses.
Beyond the guide
