Spring is here! Let's go out for a picnic under the cherry blossoms!
Welcome to 2025, the year of the snake. According to the Cherry Blossom Forecast by Weather News, the cherry blossom season in Matsue for 2025 starts around March 27, and predicts them to be in full bloom around April 3. *(updated March 25, 2025)
Matsue Castle in Matsue city
The symbol of Matsue city, the castle has 400 years of history and is 1 of 5 original castles in Japan to have been designated as a National Treasure. Sakura trees bloom throughout the castle grounds making it a perfect spot for a cherry blossom viewing under the cherry blossom trees.
Located along the Hiikawa river in Unnan city, 800 cherry blossom trees bloom over a walkway creating a tunnel for visitors to walk under. It was chosen as one of the 100 best cherry blossom viewing locations in Japan.
About 400 cherry trees line the banks of the Tamayu River, which flows through Tamatsukuri Onsen Hot Spring. During their blooming season, the cherry blossoms are illuminated at night.
Located along the Mitoya river in Unnan city, is a 2km stretch of cherry blossom trees that make up the Cherry Blossom Road. On the nearby hill overlooking the river is the Mitoya Castle ruins which offers views of the Cherry Blossom Road and Mitoya river. Different from the well-known pink sakura is a green sakura called "gyoiko sakura" which blooms here from mid-April to late-April.
Located in Hamada city, this sakura tree is estimated to be 660 years old and was designated a National Natural Moneument in 1935. Its branches span 24 m (78.74 ft) east to west and 29.6 m (97.11 ft) north to south.
Located at Miroku park in Yoshika town, this weeping sakura tree is estimated to be 300 years old with a height of 25 m ( 82 ft.). From the park is a magnificent view of town making it a perfect place for a picnic under the cherry blossom tree.
Located in Tsuwano town, this shrine has the only original horseback archery course left in Japan. When the annual horseback archery festival is held during the cherry blossom season, the grounds become lively with spectators who come to watch archers gallop under the rows of cherry blossom trees.
Oki Islands consists of more than 180 islands off the coast of the Shimane peninsula. Four are permanently inhabited; Dogo, Nishinoshima, Nakanoshima, and Chiburijima. Oki Shrine is located in Ama town on the island of Nakanoshima. There are around 150 cherry blossom trees on the premises making it a must see during the cherry blossom season!