Kasama in Ibaraki Prefecture is often associated with autumn, but spring brings its own spectacular scenery, with cherry blossoms and azaleas painting the mountains in vivid color. Here is a look at two spring flower festivals taking place in Kasama this season.
Atago Mountain Cherry Blossom Festival
On Mt. Atago in the southwestern part of Kasama City, the "Atago Yama Sakura Matsuri" runs from late March into early May. Cherry blossoms blanket the mountainside from midslope to summit, turning the entire hillside a brilliant shade of pink.
Highlights
Diverse cherry blossom varieties
Mt. Atago is home to approximately 2,000 cherry trees spanning about 20 varieties. Somei Yoshino and mountain cherry (Yamazakura) begin blooming in early April, while botan cherry trees remain in flower through late April. With an elevation change of 306 meters, blossoms progress up the mountain over several weeks, traveling from the foot toward the summit.
Evening Cherry Blossom Illumination (6:00 PM to 10:00 PM)
During the blooming period, the area around the main parking lot at the base of the mountain is illuminated after dark, offering a different view of the cherry blossoms from the daytime experience.
Events During the Festival
Stage Events
On weekends during the blooming period, local hayashi music, taiko drumming, and jazz band performances take place on stage, with food trucks also in attendance. Additional activities such as uguisu-bue (Japanese nightingale flute) and bamboo dragonfly workshops are also planned.
Sakura Hiking on Mt. Atago
Guided hikes led by Japan Mountain Guide Association-certified guides head up Mt. Atago while taking in the cherry blossoms. Local residents provide commentary on the mountain's history and culture along the way.
- Dates: Saturday, March 28 and Saturday, April 4 (two sessions)
- Schedule: Departs at 9:00 AM, expected arrival at 12:00 PM
- Course: Departs and returns to Chiiki Koryu Center Iwama via a route up Mt. Atago (approximately 6 km)
- Participation fee: ¥500
- Capacity: 15 participants per session (first-come, first-served)
Event Details
- Name: Atago Yama Sakura Matsuri
- Period: Saturday, March 28 through Wednesday, May 6 (public holiday)
- Venue: Around the main parking lot at the base of Mt. Atago (Izumi, Kasama City)
- Admission: Free
For more information: https://www.kasama-kankou.jp/page/page000580.html
Nearby Spots
Atago Shrine
Atago Shrine sits at the summit of Mt. Atago and is one of Japan's three great fire-prevention shrines, with a founding date of 806 CE. According to local legend, tengu (mountain spirits) once inhabited the mountain, and a small shrine called the "Jusan Tengu no Hokora" (Shrine of Thirteen Tengu) still stands behind the main building. Every December, a quirky traditional festival known as "Akutai Matsuri" is held here, during which participants shout insults as part of a ritual.
For more information: https://www.kasama-kankou.jp/section.php?code=479
Atago Forest House (ATAGO FOREST HOUSE)
Located near the summit of Mt. Atago, Atago Forest House is a renovated facility set within a nature park. The renovation project received the top award at the 2025 Ibaraki Design Selection. Serving as a midpoint for hikers transitioning from driving to walking, the facility is equipped with a café and showers. Coffee on the café's observation deck, with sweeping views of the mountain, comes highly recommended.
For more information: https://www.kasama-kankou.jp/page/dir000345.html
ETOWA KASAMA – An Outdoor Resort Close to the Sky
ETOWA KASAMA is a lodging facility at the summit of Mt. Atago, offering three types of cabins and glamping tents in a setting apart from everyday life. The views from the property are outstanding, and guests can enjoy star-gazing and city night views in the evening.
For more information: https://www.cigr.co.jp/etowa/kasama/
The 55th Kasama Azalea Festival
When azalea season peaks at Kasama Municipal Tsutsuji Park, the small hill is covered in a stunning blanket of red and pink flowers across many different varieties.
Highlights
Japanese Umbrella and Bamboo Tube Illumination
After sunset, the western mountains are beautifully reflected in the park, and the Japanese-style decorations throughout the grounds create a distinctive atmosphere. Visitors can also enjoy the Kasama city night view from the mountaintop.
Visiting with Your Dog
Dogs are welcome in the park, allowing visitors to stroll through the azalea-filled grounds and take photos with their pets.
Events During the Festival
Traditional Performing Arts
Throughout the festival period, various traditional Japanese performing arts enliven the venue, including hayashi music, taiko drumming, tea ceremony, and a monkey performance.
Tree Climbing
A tree climbing experience is available for three days only, from May 2 through May 4. Participants can enjoy the view from a fir tree on the azalea hill.
For detailed schedules and other information, please check the official website.
Event Details
- Name: The 55th Kasama Azalea Festival
- Period: Saturday, April 11 through Wednesday, May 6 (public holiday)
- Venue: Kasama Municipal Tsutsuji Park (616-7 Kasama, Kasama City)
- Admission: Adults (high school students and above) ¥500 / Group discount (20 or more people) ¥100 off
Admission prices may vary depending on the state of blooming. Please check the official website for the latest information.
For more information: https://www.kasama-kankou.jp/page/dir000126.html
While You're There
Wisteria at Kasama Inari Shrine
On the grounds of Kasama Inari Shrine stands a pair of wisteria trees estimated to be 400 years old. The large wisteria produces long flower clusters stretching over one meter, while the double-flowered wisteria (yae-fuji) – designated as a Ibaraki prefectural natural monument – blooms in rare grape-like clusters well worth seeing. Best viewing period is from late April through early May.
- Location: Kasama Inari Shrine (1 Kasama, Kasama City)
- More info: https://www.kasama.or.jp/index.html
Gourmet Strolling Along Monzen-dori
The street leading to Kasama Inari Shrine offers a variety of inari sushi with local twists, including walnut-filled versions inspired by the shrine's alternate name "Kurumishita Inari," and soba-stuffed variations from local noodle restaurants. The street is also lined with cafés, soba shops, manju, dango, and chestnut sweets – perfect for a leisurely food walk.
Mutual Discount: Ibaraki Spring Flower Tour
Three facilities – Kasama Tsutsuji Park, Hitachi Seaside Park (National), and Ibaraki Flower Park – participate in a mutual discount program. Combining a visit to Kasama with these neighboring parks makes for a well-rounded spring flower-viewing trip around Ibaraki.
Hitachi Seaside Park (National)
The nemophila fields in bloom during spring have been featured in publications and media worldwide, drawing visitors from Japan and abroad. Best viewing is from mid-April through early May.
- Location: Hitachi Seaside Park (605-4 Mawatari Ozanuma, Hitachinaka City)
- More info: https://www.hitachikaihin.jp
Ibaraki Flower Park
One of Ibaraki's leading flower destinations, featuring 900 varieties of roses. The rose tunnel in full bloom from May through June offers a breathtaking sight.
- Location: Ibaraki Flower Park (200 Shimo-Aoyagi, Ishioka City)
- More info: https://www.flowerpark.or.jp/
