NIHONKOKKAEN PARK was established in 1972 with a collection of 200 varieties of cherry trees for a total of 2,000 trees. It took two years to plant them and there are only a few such places in the country so it is very valuable from an academic viewpoint. Within the park grounds are a grassy square, putting course for golf, tennis court, rose garden, azaleas and other flowering trees, and it has not only 40 hectares of cherry trees but flowers which visitors can enjoy throughout the year.

KAKUNODATE TOWN is known as the LITTLE KYOTO of the MICHINOKU (northeastern Japan) area. With traces of the EDO PERIOD in the makeup of the town, during the cherry blossom season, its beauty is especially evident. The lovely blossoms of the weeping cherries which hang over the samurai residences and the SOMEI YOSHINO which grow along the HIKIUCHI RIVER are so renowned for their beauty that visitors come from far and wide to see this beautiful symbol of springtime. The contrasting beauty of the cherry blossoms is a sight to behold.

The cherry trees of SEISHI PARK were planted to commemorate victory in the Russo-Japanese War. Later, trees continued to be planted and at present, this park is the first place in the prefecture where cherry blossoms bloom. This park is truly a picture of "Springtime in the North" because visitors can enjoy the profusion of cherry blossoms against the backdrop of the remaining snow on MＴ. CHOKAI. Other flowers that bloom in the park include camellias and azaleas.

Best Viewing Season: April 12 to May 3 (last year's viewing season)
KATAKURI is a perennial of the lily family and is locally referred to as "KATAKKO" or "KATANKO." These lilies grow wild in a grove of SAIMYOJI chestnuts and covers an area of 20 hectares. Because of selective thinning of the chestnut trees and compost from fertilizer management, the lilies are flourishing. These KATAKURI take 8 years to bear flowers.