HANAMIYAMA PARK located in WATARI, FUKUSHIMA CITY, is privately owned and through the generosity of the owner, is open to the public free of charge. Various flowers can be viewed throughout the year such as SOMEI YOSHINO and TOKAI ZAKURA cherry trees, white and red plum blossoms, wisteria, Japanese witch hazel, ROBAI, roses and chrysanthemums. Renowned photographer SHOTARO AKIYAMA said, "FUKUSHIMA has its own SHANGRILA" when referring to HANAMIYAMA and so this park became famous throughout Japan.

TSURUGA CASTLE became famous throughout the nation during the BOSHIN WAR when its warriors fought valiantly in a siege that lasted for a month before the castle fell. The present castle was reconstructed in 1963 and is a museum. In spring, the castle is enveloped in clouds of cherry blossoms and is a popular cherry blossom viewing spot. TSURUGA CASTLE has also been designated one of the 100 most beautiful sites in Japan for viewing cherry blossoms.

In 1900, SEIJU HANGAI, a member of the House of Representatives, planted 300 cherry trees at this park and this is said to be the origin for these trees. At present, over 2000 SOMEI YOSHINO cherry trees that are more than 70 years old grow here. During the cherry blossom season, the trees line a 2.5 km long promenade and create a "TUNNEL OF CHERRY BLOSSOMS." In the evening, the trees are lit up for the enjoyment of visitors.

The beauty of MT.AZUMA KOFUJI can be viewed from the city of FUKUSHIMA and during the cherry blossom season, the "YUKIUSAGI" (snow rabbit) makes its appearance. The snow that remains on the mountain takes on the form of a "snow rabbit" to signal the coming of spring. It announces the end of a long winter and the start of spring planting and is sometimes called the "TANEMAKI USAGI" (seed-planting rabbit). When the YUKIUSAGI is gone, this means that spring has truly come and marks the start of the tourist season.