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Spring in Japan is a season of fleeting beauty, and cherry blossoms (sakura) are the stars of the show. While cities like Tokyo and Kyoto often steal the spotlight, Nagoya offers its own magical hanami (flower viewing) experience—without the overwhelming crowds. If you’re planning a spring escape, here are the top 3 places in and around Nagoya to enjoy cherry blossoms at their finest.
春天的日本，櫻花無疑是春季的主角。雖然很多人的第一首選是東京與京都，但名古屋其實也有不少絕美的賞櫻秘境，重點是遊客相對較少，體驗更為愜意。
如果你正在計畫春季旅行，以下是名古屋周邊三個我最推薦的賞櫻地點。
Kenrokuen Garden｜兼六園（金澤市）
Kenrokuen is considered one of Japan’s “Three Great Gardens,” alongside Korakuen in Okayama and Kairakuen in Mito. Built during the Edo period by the Maeda clan, the garden blends six elements of perfect landscape design: spaciousness, seclusion, artificiality, antiquity, water features, and panoramic views.
Why it’s perfect for sakura season:
In late March to early April, hundreds of cherry trees around the garden burst into bloom. The reflections in the ponds, the backdrop of traditional teahouses, and the gentle bridges create a dreamlike scene. Evening illuminations add a mystical atmosphere that’s ideal for romantic strolls or night photography.
兼六園與岡山的後樂園、水戶的偕樂園並稱為日本「三大名園」。花園由前田氏在江戶時代建造，融合了完美景觀設計的六個元素：寬敞、隱密、人工、古老、水景和全景。
為什麼這裡是櫻花季的最佳去處：
三月下旬至四月上旬，花園周圍數百棵櫻花樹盛開。池塘裡的倒影、傳統茶館的背景以及柔和的小橋營造出如夢似幻的景象。夜晚的燈光增添了神秘的氛圍，非常適合浪漫漫步或夜間攝影。
Travel tips
We arrived around 9 a.m., and it was the perfect time—not only for soft morning light but also because the parking lots tend to fill up quickly after 9:30. If you’re driving, arriving early is highly recommended to secure a spot and avoid traffic.
Kenrokuen is usually a paid-entry garden (¥320), but during cherry blossom season, it’s free to enter—a special tradition to allow more people to enjoy the fleeting beauty of sakura.
我們大約早上 9 點抵達園區，此時不但光線最柔和，拍照效果最好，停車場也還有空位。據我們觀察，過了 9:30 幾乎就找不到車位了，因此建議自駕的人一定要早點出發！
兼六園平常需要收門票（320日圓），但櫻花季期間會開放免費入場，讓更多旅人一起感受春天的櫻花。
Travel tips:
Nearby stop: Visit the Higashi Chaya tea district for matcha and gold-leaf ice cream
How to get there: Take the Shinkansen from Nagoya to Kanazawa (approx. 2.5 hours). Perfect for a day trip or overnight stay.
Arrive by 9 a.m. to secure parking, as lots fill up fast during sakura season.
附近站點：前往東茶屋茶區品嚐抹茶和金箔冰淇淋
如何到達：從名古屋搭乘新幹線到金澤（約2.5小時）。非常適合一日遊或過夜。
櫻花季建議 9 點前到達園區，否則車位很難找。
We arrived early in the morning to beat the crowd, and the moment we stepped in, we were greeted by falling petals, reflections in the pond, and a calm that felt centuries old.
我們一大早抵達兼六園，一踏進園區，便被粉白花瓣與水面倒影包圍，宛如穿越到江戶時代的夢境中。
Higashi Chaya District｜東茶屋街（金澤市）
Located just a short walk from Kenrokuen, Higashi Chaya District is one of Kanazawa’s most famous historical neighborhoods. Once the entertainment center for geisha performances, today it’s a cultural treasure trove—lined with wooden teahouses, boutiques, and cafés.
東茶屋街距離兼六園不遠，是金澤最具代表性的古街之一。這裡過去是藝伎表演的娛樂重地，如今則成了觀光客最愛的復古街道，滿是木造茶屋、和風咖啡館與手工藝小店。
While Higashi Chaya itself is famous for its preserved teahouses and cultural charm, the real sakura magic happens just outside the district, along the Asanogawa River. This quiet riverside walkway is lined with cherry blossom trees, offering a peaceful contrast to the bustling main street.
We walked across the Ume-no-hashi Bridge and followed the riverbank trail, where sakura petals danced in the breeze. The scene was calm, cinematic, and surprisingly uncrowded.
最浪漫的賞櫻場景，是在街區旁的淺野川河岸。春天時，整條河岸都被櫻花包圍，步道幽靜，很適合散步或拍照。我們走過梅之橋，沿著河岸慢慢散步，櫻花隨風飄落，像極了一場粉色的春日電影。遊客不多，整體氛圍非常舒服。
Highlights
🌸 Best sakura spot: Asanogawa riverbank near Ume-no-hashi Bridge
最佳賞櫻地點： 梅之橋旁的淺野川河岸步道🍵 Bonus experience: Return to the tea district for matcha and sweets after your walk
加分體驗： 賞花後可回到茶屋街內品茶與逛藝品店- It’s a 5- to 10-minute drive from Kenrokuen, and both can easily be visited on the same day. Parking is limited near the tea district, so we recommend arriving before 10:30 a.m. during sakura season.
從兼六園開車只需 5~10 分鐘，兩地可以輕鬆安排同日行程。茶屋街周邊車位不多，建議賞櫻季節 10:30 前到達，可步行到河岸與茶屋街兩個景點。
Kiyosu Castle｜清洲城（名古屋近郊）
Kiyosu Castle is more than just a historical monument—it was once the political base of Oda Nobunaga, one of Japan’s most legendary warlords. Today, this castle stands quietly in the suburbs of Nagoya, surrounded by tranquil parks and a reflective moat that mirrors its elegant structure.
Beyond its historical roots, Kiyosu Castle is also believed to have inspired the design of Yubaba’s bathhouse in Spirited Away. Its layered rooftops and towering silhouette, especially when framed by cherry blossoms in full bloom, create a scene that feels straight out of a Studio Ghibli film.
清洲城不僅僅是一座歷史古蹟，它曾經是日本最傳奇的軍閥之一織田信長的政治基地。如今，這座城堡靜靜地矗立在名古屋郊區，周圍環繞著寧靜的公園和倒映著其優雅結構的護城河。
除了歷史根源之外，清洲城也被認為是《神隱少女》中湯婆婆澡堂的原型。其層疊的屋頂和高聳的輪廓，尤其是在盛開的櫻花的映襯下，營造出一種彷彿直接從吉卜力工作室電影中走出來的場景。
But here’s the secret: the best cherry blossoms aren’t right in front of the castle—they’re tucked along the small residential alleys next to it. Walk a few minutes past the main gate and you’ll find rows of sakura trees arching over the quiet street, creating a perfect pink tunnel.
但秘訣就在這裡：最好的櫻花並不在城堡正前方，而是藏在城堡旁的小巷裡。從正門走幾分鐘，就會發現一排排櫻花樹在安靜的街道上拱起，形成一條完美的粉紅色隧道。
Highlights
📷 Hidden photo spot: Cherry blossom alley next to the castle
隱藏版拍照點： 城堡側巷裡的櫻花小徑，低調又夢幻🎬 Ghibli touch: Architectural features that echo Yubaba’s bathhouse
吉卜力感： 建築細節與《神隱少女》的湯屋極為相似Spring tip: Bring a drink or light snack and enjoy hanami away from crowds
小建議： 可帶點小食賞花，巷弄裡靜謐不擁擠，氛圍舒服It’s just a 20-minute drive from Nagoya Station, and there’s a free parking lot near the entrance. Go early to enjoy the cherry blossoms in peace.
從名古屋車站開車只要約 20 分鐘，城堡旁有免費停車場，早點到可以避開人潮，盡情拍照與賞花。
Best Time to Visit｜最佳賞櫻時間
Late March to early April is typically the peak bloom for Nagoya and nearby cities
每年 3 月底到 4 月初是名古屋及金澤的最佳賞櫻期Check sakura forecasts from Japan Meteorological Agency or Japan-Guide
建議出發前查看日本氣象廳或 Japan-Guide 網站的櫻花預測更新
Why We Chose to Drive｜為什麼選擇租車自駕？
Renting a car gave us the freedom to explore multiple cities, hidden gems, and scenic spots without worrying about train schedules or dragging luggage around. With GPS and Google Maps, driving in Japan was surprisingly easy—and every stop along the way was unforgettable.
The only challenge? Getting used to driving on the left side of the road (right-hand drive). But after about 30 minutes on the highway, it quickly felt natural.
租車自駕最大的好處就是「彈性」。我們可以隨時停下拍照、在路邊的小店吃午餐，也不用拉著行李趕車或煩惱火車時刻。搭配 Google Maps 開車非常簡單，每一段旅程都變成風景的一部分。
唯一的小挑戰是：需要適應右駕（日本是靠左行駛、方向盤在右邊），但開個 30 分鐘左右就能上手，特別是在高速公路上非常順暢。
Overall
Cherry blossoms don’t last forever—but the memories do. Whether you’re exploring a famous garden, a quiet castle, or a secret alley, Nagoya in spring is full of surprises.
o grab your camera, rent a car, and start your own sakura journey in central Japan!
櫻花的生命短暫，但帶來的感動卻能長存。從壯麗的兼六園，到寧靜的清洲城與詩意的四間道，這趟自駕賞櫻之旅，讓我們深刻感受到春天的魅力。 帶上相機，租一台車，一起來場中部日本的追櫻小旅行吧！