One of the most beautiful cherry blossom spots in Miyagi and recommended traditional Japanese confections

"Hitome Senbonzakura" along the Shiroishi River is known as one of Japan's Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots. You can enjoy the breathtaking scenery with the shimmering snow on Mount Zao in the background. In Taisho 12 (1923) and Showa 2 (1927), 1,200 cherry trees, primarily Somei Yoshino, were planted thanks to the donation of Mr. Kaijiro Takayama, a native of Ogawara Town. The cherry trees bloom magnificently along approximately 5 miles of the Shiroishi River. At night, the area is illuminated, offering a fantastical view that is different from the daytime!"

The best time to view the "Hitome Senbonzakura" is typically from early to mid-April. For real-time blooming updates, please check the "Ogawara Town Tourism Website," which provides daily updates on the blooming status.

Hitomi Senbonzakura is close to the Ogawara Station on the Tohoku Line. You can reach Ogawara Station from Tokyo station in about 2 hours and 20 minutes on the Tohoku Shinkansen ''Hayabusa'' and local train. You need to transfer from the Tohoku Shinkansen to the Tohoku Line at Sendai Station. It's about a 5-minute walk from Ogawara Station to the Shiroishi Riverbank. You can enjoy the Hitome Senbonzakura in about 2 hours and 30 minutes from Tokyo Station.

Every April, special trains are operated, and some trains on the Tohoku Line between Funaoka Station and Ogawara Station slow down so that passengers can leisurely enjoy the cherry blossom scenery from the train windows."

When using the train, please utilize JR East's online reservation service.
If you're traveling to the Tohoku area, "JR EAST PASS(Tohoku area)" is highly recommended!

"Kashisho Kitaya" is a Japanese and Western confectionery shop founded in 1933, located about a 7-minute walk from Ogawara Station and very close to Hitome Senbonzakura along the Shiroishi River. The shop is brightly adorned with a wide variety of confections.

Upon entering the shop, the first thing that catches your eye is the sheer variety of confections. The counter is lined with colorful Japanese and Western confections, making it hard to choose. Since my visit was in March, there were also products themed around cherry blossoms. You can enjoy seasonal products.

The assortment of Japanese confections that caught my eye was centered around a beautiful pink color that evokes the feeling of spring, making it almost too beautiful to eat. I enjoyed the delicious confestions while admiring the craftsmanship that can only be achieved by hand.

At Kitaya, they also sell hanami dango (flower viewing dumplings) every year to coincide with the blooming of Hitome Senbonzakura. Be sure to stop by during your cherry blossom viewing!

Address: 55 Suehiro, Otani, Ogawara Town, Shibata District, Miyagi Prefecture
Phone Number: 0224-52-1577
Closed: Open every day

At Ishikawa Confectionery in Ogawara Town, the "Hanami Dango" that heralds the arrival of spring is especially recommended. Each dango is generously filled with sweet bean paste, and the sesame dango, in particular, stands out with its rich sesame flavor.

During the cherry blossom season, be sure to try the limited-time dango made with egoma miso (perilla miso). This dango, made with luxurious egoma from Marumori, features a sweet and salty taste that is unique and rare to find in Miyagi. Ishikawa Confectionery offers a wide variety of both Japanese and Western confections.

After viewing Hitome Senbonzakura, be sure to stop by. Enjoy a heartwarming moment with delicious Japanese and Western confections.

Address: 120-1 Nishimachi, Ogawara Town, Shibata District, Miyagi Prefecture
Phone Number: 0224-52-1703
Closed: Open every day

We have introduced Hitome Senbonzakura and recommended confectionery shops! The breathtaking view of cherry blossoms along the Shiroishi River is truly spectacular! We warmly invite you to use the Tohoku Line and visit us!"