[Shibata District, Miyagi Prefecture] One of Miyagi's best cherry blossom viewing spots! Funaoka Castle Ruins Park

Funaoka Castle Ruins Park, located in Shibata Town in southern Miyagi Prefecture, is one of Miyagi's most famous cherry blossom viewing spots, with approximately 1,000 cherry trees within the park and the "Hitome Senbonzakura" cherry blossom trees lining the banks of the Shiroishi River that runs through the castle town creating a beautiful cherry blossom landscape

In 1990, along with Hitome Senbonzakura, it was the only place in Miyagi Prefecture to be selected as one of the "Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots in Japan," and every year in mid-April, when the cherry blossoms are at their peak, the area is crowded with over 200,000 visitors

History of Funaoka Castle Ruins Park

Funaoka Castle is the site of the mansion where Shibata, a vassal of the Date clan, lived

It became famous nationwide thanks to the NHK historical drama "The Fir Tree Remains."

The summit is the main castle, the middle is the second castle, and the square entering from the main gate is the remains of the third castle

Because Funaoka Castle Park has a steep terrain, a bucket-type cable car called a "lift car" was installed in 1970

However, due to aging, the current "slope car" took over in October 1996, and it remains in operation to this day

The slope car runs leisurely from the parking lot to the top of the park, a distance of 305m, and during the cherry blossom season you can enjoy the tunnel of cherry blossoms from the window

Also, the green slope car that runs through the tunnel covered in pink cherry blossoms is very cute, and you can enjoy the cherry blossom scenery that can only be seen here

Funaoka Peace Kannon Statue

The Funaoka Peace Kannon statue, which stands on the summit of Funaoka Castle Ruins Park, was erected in 1975 by the late Tokusaburo Noguchi, a local native, for eternal world peace, local prosperity, memorial services for his ancestors, and for his late wife

The statue is 20 meters tall, and 24 meters including the base. There is actually a spiral staircase inside the statue, allowing you to tour the interior

Previously, it was possible to go inside the statue, but unfortunately, it is no longer possible to go inside due to damage to parts of its body during the Great East Japan Earthquake

Community Garden Flower Hill Shibata

"Community Garden Hana no Oka Shibata" is an open garden located at the summit of Funaoka Castle Ruins Park

This community garden has been lovingly cultivated by the residents of Shibata Town, and you can enjoy over 100 types of flowers and flowering trees, including tulips and roses

The colorful flowers against the backdrop of cherry blossoms create a spring-like, soothing landscape

Best time to see the cherry blossoms

The best time to see the cherry blossoms is usually from early to mid-April

The Shibata Cherry Blossom Festival is held during the cherry blossom season

Not only can you enjoy the spectacular scenery in the park, where the entire mountain is dyed in the color of cherry blossoms, but from the summit you can also see the entire "Hitome Senbonzakura" cherry tree below, allowing you to fully enjoy the spring atmosphere

The cherry blossoms are lit up at night, so you can enjoy the beautiful scenery not only during the day but also at night

Shibata Senokyo Bridge

Shibata Senokyo Bridge, which opened on March 29, 2015, is a pedestrian bridge that connects Funaoka Castle Ruins Park in Shibata Town, a famous cherry blossom viewing spot, with the banks of the Shiroishi River

The name "Shibata Senzakura Bridge" was chosen with the intention of connecting the thousand cherry blossoms at a glance, and with the hope that the beautiful cherry blossoms will continue to bloom for a thousand years to come

The opening of this footbridge has dramatically improved access between Senbon and the Shiraishi River banks in Funaoka Castle Ruins Park, allowing visitors to enjoy two famous cherry blossom spots at once

Winter illumination "Shibata Fantasy Illumination"

In winter, Shibata Town changes from a town of flowers to a town of light

In 2022, "Shibata Fantasy Illumination 2022" was held at Funaoka Castle Ruins Park from December 2nd to December 30th

The sound and light performance seen from the slope car and the night view seen from the observation deck at the summit offer a fantastical view that is different from the scenery at Funaoka Castle Ruins Park in spring

The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Camp Funaoka is also a hidden cherry blossom spot

The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force's Funaoka Garrison, which covers a vast area of ​​176 hectares, is a hidden cherry blossom spot where approximately 700 cherry trees bloom in full glory

The Funaoka Garrison Cherry Blossom Festival is held every year in mid-April when the cherry blossoms bloom and the park is open to the public

During the period, there will be a founding anniversary ceremony, musical performances, ride experiences, and the cherry blossoms will be lit up at night until 8pm

The park is crowded with people enjoying cherry blossom viewing on the wide lawn, centered around the cherry blossom tunnel

However, the general public is not allowed to enter the park except during the Funaoka Garrison Sakura Festival, so be sure to check the dates!!

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