Takada Castle Site Park Cherry Blossom Festival
高田城址公園観桜会37°07′ N 138°15′ EFestivalApr 3, 2026
The Takada Castle Site Park Cherry Blossom Festival lights about 4,000 cherry trees around the castle moats in Joetsu each April, and it suits couples and families on the Hokuriku Shinkansen who want night-time blossom; the 2027 dates are not out yet and weekend parking needs booking.
Dates and hours
- April 3, 2026 to April 19, 2026Confirmedsourcechecked Oct 11, 2026
About 4,000 cherry trees grow around the inner and outer moats, and at night lanterns light them with the three-storey turret behind. People count the scene among Japan's three great night-time cherry views. In 2026 the 101st festival ran from 3 to 19 April.
Takada Station on the Myoko Haneuma Line is 15 minutes' walk away, and at peak bloom a shuttle bus runs from the station to the Takada Library stop. Weekend drivers book one of the temporary car parks in advance: ¥1,500 at the Sekikawa Chuo bridge or ¥2,000 at the Joetsu South fire station in 2026.
Worth knowing
- Weekday evenings after 18:00 give you the lanterns with thinner crowds.
- The turret stays open every day during the festival.
Quick answers about Takada Castle Site Park Cherry Blossom Festivalよくある質問
When is the Takada cherry blossom festival?
The Takada Castle Site Park Cherry Blossom Festival ran from 3 to 19 April in 2026, and the 2027 dates have not been announced.
What time are the Takada cherry blossoms lit up?
The Takada cherry trees are lit from 18:00 to 21:00 during the festival, and until 22:00 at peak bloom.
What are the opening hours of Takada Castle Site Park Cherry Blossom Festival?
Takada Castle Site Park Cherry Blossom Festival is open lanterns light the trees from 18:00 to 21:00, until 22:00 at peak bloom.