Takamori, a town nestled in the Aso region of Kumamoto known as the "inner sanctum of Aso," is entering cherry blossom season. The 2026 Takamori Sakura Festival is scheduled to run from Saturday, March 28 to Sunday, April 12, 2026, with two of the area's most beloved cherry blossom spots — "Sakura Michi" and "Takamori Pass Thousand Cherry Trees" — serving as the main venues. Kitchen cars and plant market stalls will be set up at both sites during the festival, offering a relaxed, picnic-like atmosphere.
Festival Overview
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Dates | March 28 (Sat) – April 12 (Sun), 2026 |
| Hours | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Venues | Sakura Michi venue, Takamori Pass Thousand Cherry Trees venue |
| Details | Takamori Tourism Promotion Organization Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/DUPpWFYgTnE/ |
Cherry blossoms in Aso typically bloom 3 to 5 days later than in central Kumamoto City, making Takamori a destination for those looking to extend the spring bloom season.
Two Cherry Blossom Spots in Aso
Sakura Michi
"Sakura Michi" is a straight road lined on both sides with weeping cherry trees stretching approximately 500 meters, set against the dramatic backdrop of Nekodake, one of the five peaks of Mt. Aso. During the same period, rapeseed flowers also come into bloom, creating a vivid contrast of spring colors alongside the mountains.
On weekends during the festival, the road is closed to vehicles and becomes a pedestrian promenade, allowing visitors to stroll leisurely through the blossoms. For those staying at Kyukamura Minami-Aso, Sakura Michi is within about a 10-minute walk from the hotel — an easy outing for a spring flower-viewing stroll.
| Access | Approximately 10-minute walk from Kyukamura Minami-Aso |
| Temporary Parking | Takamori Town Citizens' Ground (1,000 yen per vehicle, tax included) |
Takamori Pass Thousand Cherry Trees
Located along a road colloquially known as "Kyujukyu Magari" (Ninety-Nine Curves) — a route running from Takamori toward Takachiho — this spot features approximately 7,000 cherry trees, including Somei Yoshino and Yamazakura varieties, lining the hillside road. From viewing points along the way, visitors can take in sweeping views of the Aso mountains alongside the blossoms. During the festival period, vehicle traffic on this route is restricted to uphill one-way travel.
| Access | Approximately 10-minute drive from Kyukamura Minami-Aso |
| Parking | Roadside parking area at Takamori Pass Thousand Cherry Trees (free) |
Spring Flavors at Kyukamura Minami-Aso: Fruit Kingdom Kumamoto × Premium Buffet
Kyukamura Minami-Aso offers a seasonal premium buffet alongside the cherry blossom season. The buffet centers on freshly grilled, fried, and hand-pressed dishes, using locally sourced ingredients from the Kumamoto area.
Through March 2026, guests can enjoy an all-you-can-eat tasting of six varieties of Kumamoto brand strawberries.
From April 2026, the menu transitions to a spring harvest theme, with the addition of horse meat dishes including horse sushi and horse iron plate grilling.
Buffet Plan Details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Availability | Year-round |
| Kumamoto Brand Strawberry Tasting | Through March 31, 2026 |
| Spring Harvest Festival | April 1 – July 31, 2026 |
| Rate | From 15,000 yen per person (1 night with 2 meals, tax included, hot spring tax separate) ※ Weekday rate for 2 guests sharing a Mt. Aso-view room; from April 1, Mt. Aso-view rooms have an additional 1,000 yen charge (tax included) |
Kyukamura Minami-Aso
Kyukamura Minami-Aso is a resort hotel located on the southern foothills of Mt. Aso, home to one of the world's largest calderas. From in front of the hotel, guests can take in an open panorama of the Five Peaks of Aso, including Nekodake — one of Japan's 100 Famous Mountains. During spring and autumn, the hotel also serves as a convenient base for hiking, with the trailhead reachable by about a 10-minute drive.
The hotel's hot spring, "Shikimi no Yu," features open-air baths where guests can soak while gazing at the Five Peaks of Aso.
An outdoor living area called "Power Terrace Minami Aso" allows guests to unwind in close proximity to nature.
The hotel also features an observatory where guests can enjoy stargazing under the clear night skies of Minami Aso.
| TEL | 0967-62-2111 |
| Website | https://www.qkamura.or.jp/aso/ |
