Takato Castle Ruins Cherry Blossom Festival - Historic Castle Cherry Blossom Site

The Takato Castle Ruins Park in Ina City, Nagano Prefecture, is one of Japan's premier cherry blossom viewing sites, featuring historic castle ruins that date back to the era of Takeda Shingen. Beginning with cherry tree planting that started in 1876, approximately 1,500 "Takato Kohigan Zakura" trees now fill the grounds, earning the designation as Japan's "Number One Cherry Blossoms." These endemic cherry blossoms feature smaller petals than typical Someiyoshino varieties and are characterized by their pale pink color, creating a fantastical sakura-colored world when in full bloom. The "Takato Castle Ruins Cherry Blossom Festival" is held annually during the spring blooming period, offering visitors the opportunity to enjoy the mystical beauty of illuminated night cherry blossoms that differs completely from the daytime experience. The view from Ounkyō Bridge is particularly spectacular, where the contrast between ancient stone walls, moats, and cherry blossoms captivates all who visit. The park was selected as one of "Japan's Top 100 Cherry Blossom Viewing Sites" in 1990 and has become a beloved spring tradition that attracts numerous hanami visitors from both Japan and abroad.