2025 Shibata District Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in January)

Now is the best time to view cherry blossoms at Funaya Castle Ruins Park in the Tohoku region. There are many ways to enjoy the cherry blossoms, such as walking or taking a boat ride. However, there is a very special way to enjoy the flowers at Funaya Castle Ruins Park. Here, you can take a climbing cable car from the parking lot directly to the park's mountaintop, about 305 meters high. Along the way, you will pass through clusters of blooming cherry trees, as if you are traveling through a cherry blossom tunnel. Upon reaching the mountaintop, you will see a unique and stunning view that can only be found here. At a glance, not only can you see the 24-meter-tall Funaya Peace Kannon statue standing in the city center, but you can also take in the streets of Shibata Town, the Senbonzakura (thousands of cherry trees), the Shiroishi River, the Zao mountain range, and the Pacific Ocean. In addition, the park is lit up at night, allowing visitors to appreciate the beautiful night cherry blossoms. Funaya Castle Ruins Park is a place where you can enjoy different romantic atmospheres during the day and night. Address: 95-1 Funayakanayama, Shibata Town, Shibata District, Miyagi Prefecture Access: Get off at JR Funaya Station, about a 15-minute walk

Funaoaka Castle Ruins Park is the only spot in Miyagi Prefecture selected as one of the Top 100 Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots. The park occupies half a mountain and covers a vast area. At the summit, a 24-meter-tall Statue of Peaceful Kannon is erected, serving as a landmark of Tateyama. During the cherry blossom season, the park hosts the Shibata Cherry Blossom Festival, attracting over 200,000 visitors annually, a testament to its exceptional charm. Over a thousand Yoshino cherry trees are planted throughout the mountain, and when in full bloom, the hilltop is dotted with red and white, creating an elegant and pleasant cherry blossom landscape as beautiful as a postcard. Visitors can choose to hike or take the old-fashioned inclined mine cart up the mountain. As the railway to the summit is flanked by dense cherry blossom trees, riding the small cable car feels like traveling through a cherry blossom tunnel, a famous cherry blossom scene at Funaoaka Castle Ruins Park. Despite the large number of people waiting, the journey of approximately 300 meters is fleeting, but it is still recommended to experience the dreamy feeling of being surrounded by cherry blossoms. As it involves climbing a mountain, the greatest highlight of Funaoaka Castle Ruins Park, besides the cherry blossoms all over the mountain, is undoubtedly the panoramic view from the summit. The top offers a spacious view with a plaza for cherry blossom viewers to stop and enjoy the scenery. Looking north, one can see the cityscape of Shibata Town and the charming view of Senbonzakura along the Shiroishi River embankment. To the east, one can gaze at the Pacific Ocean, and to the west, the snowy mountain scenery of the Zao mountain range. The commanding view satisfies all cherry blossom viewers. Moreover, the Statue of Peaceful Kannon at the summit is said to have been donated by the medical scientist Noguchi Hideyo, a native of Funaoaka, in memory of his late wife and to protect the people of Shibata Town. The peaceful Kannon statue, set against the backdrop of numerous cherry blossoms, appears even more majestic and is another famous cherry blossom spot for photo opportunities at Funaoaka Castle Ruins Park. Funaoaka Castle Ruins Park Address: 95-1 Tateyama, Funaoaka, Shibata Town, Shibata District, Miyagi Prefecture

#cherryblossom2024 Address: Takakuzo-1 Jinjiro, Kakuda, Miyagi 981-1526, Japan. Highlights: The JAXA Kakudauchu Center is a must-visit for space and rocket enthusiasts, and the best part is, it's free! While not large, the facility is packed with fascinating exhibits, videos, and books that can easily fill half a day. During my visit on a weekday Friday, I had the chance to explore the center at my own pace and even had the restaurant almost exclusively to myself. One unique experience was purchasing space food from the vending machines—a rare treat! Whether you're marvelling at the exhibits or sampling space food, a visit to the JAXA Kakudauchu Center is an unforgettable experience for anyone with an interest in space exploration. #Japan #awesomepic

#cherryblossom2024 Address: Tateyama-95-1 Funaoka, Shibata, Shibata District, Miyagi 989-1606, Japan. Highlights: Funaoka Castle Ruins Park is a must-visit destination, especially during the cherry blossom season. From the top, you can take in stunning views of the riverbank and the cityscape below. To make the most of your visit, I recommend taking the slope car to the top. From there, you can easily explore the park and visit the cannon with the help of a cable car. The cable car ride costs 250¥ for a one-way trip, but it's well worth it for the spectacular views you'll experience. Whether you're admiring the cherry blossoms in spring or enjoying the scenic views year-round, Funaoka Castle Ruins Park is a fantastic destination for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike. #Nature #Japan #awesomepic