Nijukken Road Cherry Blossoms

Nijukken Road Cherry Blossoms is recognized as one of Japan's premier cherry blossom viewing destinations, featuring the longest continuous stretch of sakura trees in the country. Located in Shinhidaka Town in southern Hokkaido, this spectacular avenue showcases approximately 2,200 to 3,000 cherry blossom trees lining both sides of the road for seven kilometers. The road earned its name from its original width of nijukken (20 ken), equivalent to roughly 36 meters.

The road was constructed in 1903 to facilitate visits by the imperial family to an imperial stock farm operated by the Imperial Household Ministry. The cherry trees, primarily ezoyamazakura (Hokkaido mountain cherry) along with kasumizakura and miyamazakura varieties, were carefully transplanted from nearby hills over a three-year period beginning in 1916. The site has been designated as one of Japan's Top 100 Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots, Japan's Top 100 Roads, and is recognized as Hokkaido Heritage.

Visitors can experience the cherry blossoms by driving along the main route or walking the narrow gravel path known as the Flower Tunnel that runs parallel to the road, offering a more immersive experience beneath the canopy of blossoms. During peak bloom in early to mid-May, the annual Shizunai Cherry Blossom Festival takes place, featuring food vendors and seating areas for visitors. The Meiji-era Ryūunkaku building, which once served as lodgings for imperial visitors, opens to the public during the festival.

The site is accessible from Shizunai Station on the JR Hidaka Main Line. Take the Donan Bus toward Noya and disembark at Sakuraoka-sho, followed by a 15-minute walk. For drivers, the road is approximately 50 minutes from Hidaka-Mombetsu IC on the Hidaka Expressway, about two hours from New Chitose Airport, or roughly two and a half hours from central Sapporo. Admission to the area is free of charge. Contact information is available at 0146-42-1000