Takato Castle Park Cherry Blossom Festival 2025

Cherry blossom season in Japan is magical, but Takato Castle Park Cherry Blossom Festival 2025 takes it to another level. Known as one of Japan’s top three cherry blossom spots, this festival is set in Takato Castle Ruins Park in Ina City, Nagano Prefecture and offers breathtaking views of 1,500 Takato-kohigan-zakura cherry trees in full bloom. The unique pink blossoms, deeper in color than the usual Somei Yoshino variety, create a dreamlike landscape that attracts over 200,000 visitors each year.

For 2025, the festival is expected to run from early to late April, with peak bloom around mid-April. During this time, festival stalls, cultural performances, and the famous evening illumination event bring the castle grounds to life. You'll have a chance to enjoy a hanami picnic, photography sessions, or simply soak in the natural beauty.

Disclaimer: Festival dates are based on bloom predictions for 2025, but bloom timing can change. Double-check closer to your visit to avoid surprises!

History of Takato Castle Park Cherry Blossom Festival

Takato Castle dates back to 1559, during the Sengoku period, when it was built as a strategic fortress. While the castle itself was later dismantled, the site was transformed into Takato Castle Ruins Park, preserving its historical significance and creating one of Japan’s most famous cherry blossom viewing locations.

The Takato-kohigan-zakura cherry trees have been cultivated here for centuries, making this park a must-visit during sakura season. Today, it’s recognized as one of Japan’s top three cherry blossom spots, alongside Hirosaki Park and Yoshino Mountain.

What to Expect at Takato Castle Park Cherry Blossom Festival 2025

This blossom festival isn’t just about admiring the pink blooms, there’s plenty more to experience:

• Cherry blossom viewing – Spread out a picnic blanket under the cherry blossom trees and enjoy a relaxing hanami experience. The castle grounds provide the perfect setting for flower viewing.
• Evening illumination event – As the sun sets, the park is transformed by softly lit sakura, creating a magical atmosphere for nighttime cherry blossom viewing.
• Food stalls and festival fun – Local food stalls serve classic festival treats like yakitori, taiyaki, and sakura-themed sweets. Expect a festive vibe with plenty of seasonal specialties.
• Traditional performances – Throughout the festival, you’ll find cultural performances such as taiko drumming and folk dances, adding a touch of Japan’s rich heritage.

With its historical significance, expansive grounds, and stunning cherry blossoms, Takato Castle Park is one of Japan’s best sakura spots and a perfect destination for spring travelers.

How to Get to Takato Castle Park Cherry Blossom Festival 2025

Located in Ina City, Nagano Prefecture, Takato Castle Ruins Park is about 60 km from Matsumoto and a few hours from Tokyo. Since the festival attracts many visitors, it's best to plan your trip in advance:

• By train and bus – Take the JR Chuo Line to Inashi Station. From there, a shuttle bus operates during the festival season, taking visitors directly to the park. The bus schedule aligns with peak visitor times, but expect some waiting time due to the festival's popularity.
• By car – If you’re driving, use Google Maps to navigate to Takato Castle Park. There are designated parking areas around the park, but spaces fill up quickly, especially on weekends. Expect road closures and detours during peak bloom.
• From Tokyo – Take the Shinkansen (bullet train) to Nagano or the Limited Express Azusa to Matsumoto. From there, transfer to local JR trains toward Inashi Station. The journey takes around 3.5 to 4 hours in total.
• From Nagoya or Osaka – Travelers from Nagoya can take the Limited Express Shinano to Matsumoto before transferring to a local train. From Osaka, the fastest option is to take the Shinkansen to Nagoya and follow the same route.

With proper planning, getting to Takato Castle Park Cherry Blossom Festival 2025 is a smooth and scenic journey through Nagano’s breathtaking landscapes!

Ticket Information

During cherry blossom season, Takato Castle Park charges a small admission fee to maintain the park and festival activities:

• Adults: 600 yen ($4)
• Children: 300 yen ($2)

These prices apply during the full bloom period. Outside peak bloom, entry is usually free. Check the official tourism website for updates on exact dates and ticketing details.

Takato Castle Park Cherry Blossom Festival 2025 Bag Policy

If you're planning a hanami picnic or bringing camera gear for cherry blossom photography, be aware of the park’s expected bag policy. While small backpacks and handbags are typically allowed, large luggage and coolers are likely to be restricted within the festival grounds to ensure smooth crowd movement.

For visitors carrying extra bags, a limited number of coin lockers may be available near the entrance, but these tend to fill up quickly, especially on busy festival days. While this is standard for major cherry blossom festivals in Japan, it’s always best to check the official website closer to the event for any updates on restrictions and storage options.

Takato Castle Park Cherry Blossom Festival 2025 Bag Storage

Enjoy the Festival Hands-Free with Bounce

If you don’t want to worry about hauling bags through the crowded festival, you can store your luggage in Tokyo, Nagoya, Kyoto, and other key cities with Bounce. If you're traveling from these cities, you can leave your bags before departure and pick them up when you return during store hours.

• Affordable: Store your bags for as low as ¥400 per day.
• Safe & Secure: Your belongings are secured up to ¥1,000,000, so you can enjoy the festival stress-free.
• 24/7 Support: Have a question? Bounce’s support team is available anytime.
• Free Cancellation: Changed plans? No problem! You can cancel for free before check-in.

How to Store Your Bags with Bounce

Using Bounce is easy:

1. Find a spot: Use the Bounce app or website to locate and book nearby bag storage.
2. Drop off your bags: Check in at your chosen location and store your items securely.
3. Enjoy the festival: Explore the pink blooms and soak in the sakura season without heavy bags weighing you down.

Tips to Make the Most of Takato Castle Park Cherry Blossom Festival 2025

• Arrive early – The best spots for cherry blossom viewing fill up fast, especially on weekends.
• Check the bloom forecast – Full bloom lasts only about ten days, so timing your visit is key.
• Dress for the weather – Early April in Nagano can be chilly, with temperatures around 5–15 C (41–59 F). Bring a warm jacket.
• Stay for the evening – Watching the cherry blossoms light up at night is an important part of the experience.
• Explore beyond the park – Visit local sakura spots like Hirosaki Park or take a short trip to nearby museums and historical sites.
• Don't worry about the baggage – Store your bags with Bounce and enjoy the festival hands-free.

If you’re looking for one of Japan’s top cherry blossom festivals, Takato Castle Park is a must-visit. This festival in Ina City offers a truly unforgettable hanami experience. Plan ahead, arrive early, and get ready to celebrate sakura season in one of the most stunning cherry blossom spots in Japan!