Shiroishi River Bank Hitome Senbonzakura

Shiroishi River Bank Hitome Senbonzakura, meaning "a thousand cherry trees at a glance," is one of the premier cherry blossom viewing destinations in Japan's Tohoku region. Located in Miyagi Prefecture along the Shiroishi River, this spectacular sight features approximately 1,200 cherry trees stretching 8 kilometers between Funaoka and Ogawara stations. The site represents the only location in Miyagi Prefecture selected for Japan's Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots, a designation it shares with the adjacent Funaoka Castle Ruins Park.

The cherry trees were established through donations by Kaijiro Takayama, a local entrepreneur who contributed saplings in 1923 and 1927. The trees, predominantly Somei Yoshino variety, have matured over nearly a century, with approximately 300 of the original trees still surviving today. About a third of the Yoshino trees are now over 90 years old, creating a historical landscape that has drawn generations of visitors. The collection also includes white mountain cherry, double-flower varieties, and Sendai Yoshino trees, providing subtle variations in color and form.

During the peak bloom period from early to mid-April, visitors experience the dramatic contrast of pale pink cherry blossoms against the clear blue Shiroishi River and the snow-capped peaks of Mount Zao in the background. This three-color composition has made the location famous throughout Japan. The site attracts more than 300,000 visitors annually during cherry blossom season. Both Ogawara and Shibata towns host sakura festivals during the bloom period, featuring festival food stalls, live entertainment, and evening illuminations from 18:00 to 22:00. Visitors can enjoy boat rides on the river beneath the blossoms, walk along the grassy riverbanks for picnics, or photograph trains passing through the tunnel of cherry trees.

Several notable viewing spots enhance the experience. The Sakurahodo Bridge, a pedestrian bridge crossing the Shiroishi River just 4 minutes from Funaoka Station, provides intimate views of the cherry branches arching overhead. The Suehiro Pedestrian Bridge offers perspectives of trees lining both sides of the river, while Niragamizeki Weir is considered one of the most photogenic locations along the route. The Shibata Senzakura Bridge Observation Deck provides elevated views of the entire spectacle with the Zao Mountains backdrop. Funaoka Castle Ruins Park, located on a hillside 135 meters above sea level, offers panoramic views of the riverbank from above with over 2,500 cherry trees of its own.

Admission to the riverbank area is free year-round. During the cherry blossom festivals, parking fees of ¥1,000 apply for general vehicles, though free parking is available at Shibata Town municipal facilities on weekends. Due to significant traffic congestion during peak bloom, rail transport is strongly recommended. The site remains accessible throughout the year, offering seasonal views of fresh greenery in summer and autumn foliage later in the season.

The location is accessible from Tokyo via the Tohoku Shinkansen to Sendai Station, taking approximately 1.5 hours, followed by a 35-minute local train journey south on the JR Tohoku Main Line. Visitors can exit at either JR Ogawara Station or JR Funaoka Station, both positioned at opposite ends of the cherry tree corridor. The walk between the two stations along the riverbank takes approximately 50 minutes. Some trains on the Tohoku Line deliberately slow down between the stations during cherry blossom season to allow passengers better viewing opportunities.