Kajo Park, built on the site of Yamagata Castle (霞城), comes to life each spring with approximately 1,500 cherry trees reflecting in its moats and surrounding the reconstructed East Second Bailey Gate. The hanami festival features traditional performing arts, local food and craft stalls, and nightly illuminations that cast the castle walls and blossoms in a warm amber glow. The park is central to Yamagata City and easily combined with visits to local sake breweries or the city's museum quarter. The partially reconstructed castle ruins provide an impressive historical backdrop unique in the Tohoku region.
- Type
- Festival
- Category
- Cherry Blossom
- Season
- Spring
- Month
- Mid to Late April
- Region
- Tohoku
- Prefecture
- Yamagata
- City
- Yamagata
Highlights
- ◆1,500 cherry trees around a historic castle moat
- ◆Reconstructed East Gate provides dramatic architectural backdrop
- ◆Nightly illuminations on castle walls and blossom canopies
- ◆Traditional performing arts and regional food stalls
- ◆Central location in Yamagata City, walkable from the station