Soft Hues of Spring: Sakaide Cherry Blossom Tour Vol. 2

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When is the best time to see them this year?
Here are some recommended spots where you can enjoy the long-awaited arrival of spring.

Where vermilion meets soft pink—Itsukushima Shrine offers a picture-perfect spring scene

As you head east along Prefectural Route 186, the rugged rock faces characteristic of Goshikidai come into view, creating a landscape that reflects the raw beauty and power of nature.

Halfway up these dramatic slopes, a solemn structure suddenly appears before your eyes.

It is the kind of place that makes you wonder, “What is that?” and invites you to take a spontaneous detour—Itsukushima Shrine, where a vermilion shrine building and pale cherry blossoms come together in a softly beautiful spring scene.

Almost like Marugame Castle? There is more to this special spot than its striking vermilion shrine buildings.

Passing through the torii gate, the first thing to catch your eye is the impressive stone walls.

The dark, gleaming stones are said to be made of kankan-ishi (sanukite), and they may just make you want to tap them and climb up for a closer look♪
(Though of course, they do not actually make a sound!)

A historic shrine founded in 825—but what does it feel like to the locals?

Itsukushima Shrine was originally founded in 825 and marked its 1,200th anniversary in 2025, giving it a long and treasured history. Yet despite its age, the shrine grounds have a gentle and welcoming atmosphere that makes even first-time visitors feel instantly at ease.

Every year on the first Sunday in April, the shrine hosts its Sakura Festival, when the grounds are softly colored in shades of cherry blossom pink.

With festival stalls bustling with local children and warm bowls of udon lovingly served by members of the local women’s association, the atmosphere feels both nostalgic and comforting. It is a lovely place for a family outing or a small springtime trip with friends.

A sacred performance of the Hojo Nenbutsu Odori, a Kagawa Prefecture-designated Intangible Folk Cultural Property

During the Sakura Festival, visitors can also enjoy a special dedication performance of the Hojo Nenbutsu Odori, which was revived for the first time in about 30 years as part of the shrine’s 1,200th anniversary celebrations. It offers a rare and memorable moment where local history and the gentle beauty of spring come together.

Access & Visitor Information

Itsukushima Shrine
2313 Oyatomi-cho, Sakaide, Kagawa
Google Maps

Parking: Available (space for around 10 cars within the shrine grounds)
Easy to reach by car, it is also a convenient place for families to stop by.

Restrooms: Available (located within the shrine grounds)
Even visitors with small children can enjoy cherry blossom viewing here with peace of mind.

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Toward a springtime haven where carp streamers dance in the sky—The gentle cherry blossom scenery of Ogoshi

Ogoshi is often described as “a place like paradise,” where the soft beauty of satoyama hills and the calm seascape blend together in perfect harmony. In spring, large carp streamers sway gracefully above this peaceful landscape, welcoming visitors into a scene that feels both charming and serene.

Near the former Ogoshi Kindergarten, colorful carp streamers are raised each year by members of the local Ogoshi Nature Club from late March through Golden Week, adding vibrant color to the spring sky. This beloved tradition has continued for 30 years, becoming one of the area’s seasonal highlights. During cherry blossom season, visitors can enjoy a one-of-a-kind springtime collaboration, as Somei Yoshino and weeping cherry trees sway gently alongside the carp streamers.

A peaceful place lovingly cared for and nurtured by the local community.

Since 2024, members of the Ogoshi Community Development Association have been carefully maintaining this space as a place for local residents to relax and gather. “This is the gateway to Ogoshi. We first began improving it in the hope that it would become a place where local people could casually enjoy the cherry blossoms, so it makes us very happy to see so many visitors enjoying it as well,” says the group’s representative, Mr. Kamiuchi.

This is a place where you can slow down and enjoy the beauty of spring while taking in this “paradise-like landscape,” lovingly preserved by the local community over many years.

It is a lovely spot for a family stroll or a springtime drive with friends.

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