Garyu Park in Suzaka City, Nagano — listed among Japan's Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots — will hold its annual Sakura Festival from April 1 (Wednesday) to April 19 (Sunday), 2026.
Around 600 Cherry Blossoms and Magical Night Reflections on the Pond
The park features approximately 600 cherry trees, mainly Someiyoshino, with around 160 concentrated near Ryuga Pond. The scenery shifts between two distinct moods: daytime visitors enjoy the full canopy of blossoms, while the evening view takes on a dreamy quality.
Night illuminations run from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM during the peak bloom period, when the cherry blossoms reflected on the water surface create a striking nighttime scene.
Note: The illumination schedule and festival period may change depending on bloom conditions.
Special Commemorative Card with Local Shop Benefits
Visitors who pay the parking cooperation fee will receive a commemorative card offering discounts and services at participating shops around the city — an added incentive for exploring Suzaka beyond the park itself.
- One card per regular car (buses excluded)
- Discounts and special services available at cooperating local shops
Free Shuttle Bus Service (Apr 11–12)
To ease congestion during peak weekends, a free shuttle bus service will operate on April 11 (Saturday) and 12 (Sunday) between Aeon Mall Suzaka and Garyu Park.
- Route: Aeon Mall Suzaka ↔ Garyu Park
- Fare: Free
Event Overview
- Period: April 1 (Wednesday) to April 19 (Sunday), 2026
- Night Illumination: 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM (during peak bloom period)
Parking Cooperation Fee
- Regular car: ¥1,000 / Bus: ¥5,000
- Hours: 7:00 AM to 9:30 PM (subject to change based on bloom conditions)
- On weekends, the city hall parking lot (free) is recommended due to congestion
A Park Enjoyed by All Ages
In addition to cherry blossoms, the park includes a zoo and playground area, making it popular with families. Boat rentals are also available for viewing the blossoms from out on the pond.
Local specialties such as the distinctive "jet-black oden" and dango skewers can be enjoyed within the park.
Access
- By car: Approximately 10 minutes from the Suzaka-Nagano East IC
- By train: Approximately 20-minute walk from Suzaka Station on the Nagano Electric Railway Nagano Line
