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Funaoka Castle Ruins Park: A Cherry Blossom Paradise with a View

Experience history and nature at Funaoka Castle Ruins Park, a top cherry blossom destination with panoramic views and the iconic Peace Kannon statue.

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Funaoka Castle Ruins Park, located in Shibata, Miyagi Prefecture, is a scenic destination blending history and nature. Once the site of Funaoka Castle, it's now a beloved park famous for its stunning cherry blossoms, panoramic views, and the iconic Funaoka Peace Kannon statue.

A brief summary to Funaoka Castle (Thousand cherry blossoms at first sight)

  • Tateyama Funaoka, Shibata, Tateyama Funaoka, Shibata District, Miyagi, 989-1606, JP
  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Visit during the Shibata Cherry Blossom Festival (early to mid-April) for the most spectacular views and festive atmosphere.
  • Take the slope car to the top for a unique experience traveling through a tunnel of cherry blossoms.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking and exploring the park's trails.
  • Bring a picnic to enjoy amidst the cherry blossoms with views of the Shiroishi River and Zao Mountains.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Sendai Station, take the JR Tohoku Line to Funaoka Station (approx. 25 minutes). From Funaoka Station, it's about a 15-minute walk to Funaoka Castle Ruins Park. The train fare from Sendai to Funaoka is approximately ¥500.

  • Walking

    From JR Funaoka Station, exit and follow the signs towards Funaoka Castle Ruins Park. The walk is approximately 15 minutes and will take you through the town of Funaoka to the base of Mt. Shiho. From there, you can either walk up the hill or take the slope car to the summit. Slope car fee is around ¥500.

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Discover more about Funaoka Castle (Thousand cherry blossoms at first sight)

Funaoka Castle Ruins Park, perched atop Mt. Shiho in Shibata, Miyagi Prefecture, offers a captivating blend of historical significance and natural beauty. Originally built in 1200 by the Shibata clan, the castle later fell under the control of the Harada clan before being dismantled in the early Edo period following a political conflict. Today, the park is renowned as one of Japan's top 100 cherry blossom viewing spots, attracting visitors with its breathtaking display of approximately 1,000 Somei Yoshino cherry trees that bloom in early to mid-April. One of the park's unique features is the slope car, a small monorail that carries visitors through a tunnel of cherry blossoms to the hilltop. At the summit, the 24-meter-tall Funaoka Peace Kannon statue, commissioned in 1975, stands as a symbol of peace and security, offering panoramic views of Shibata and the surrounding landscape, including the Shiroishi River and the Zao mountain range. While it was previously possible to enter the statue, it is currently closed to visitors. Even though the castle buildings no longer remain, the park still holds historical value with remnants of the castle structures and a well used in those days. Visitors can explore the park's walking trails, enjoy seasonal flowers like hydrangeas and red spider lilies, and appreciate the tranquil atmosphere. The park also features the Momi no Ki ha Remaining Observation Deck, near a fir tree associated with Shugoro Yamamoto's novel, offering scenic views. The annual Shibata Cherry Blossom Festival, held from early to late April, draws over 200,000 visitors with food stalls and activities.

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