Tokyo to Sakura Riverbank and Yoshimi Hyakuana: Day trip

A quiet riverbank lined with cherry trees, loved locally and refreshingly under the radar. Begin your visit with a gentle walk along the river, where rows of cherry trees form a soft canopy in spring. Sakura Riverbank Park is known for its relaxed, local atmosphere rather than crowds. Spend time strolling the flat paths, stopping for photos or a short rest by the water. During peak bloom, many visitors bring simple picnics for hanami, keeping the mood calm and communal. An hour and a half here is perfect to wander, sit, and enjoy the scenery without feeling rushed.

Ancient stone chambers, wartime shelters, and cherry blossoms converge in one unforgettable landscape. Discover the Yoshimi Hundred Caves, a nationally protected historic site featuring 219 ancient tombs carved into a tuff cliff. Thought to date back to the late Kofun period (6th–7th century CE), each chamber was accessed through a narrow tunnel, forming one of Japan’s largest known cave burial complexes. In spring, the Yoshimi Hyakuana Cherry Blossom Festival adds a seasonal highlight, with illuminated sakura and softly lit cave entrances after sunset. It’s recommended to check online to know what the exact dates of the festival will be. Walk the hillside paths, learn about the site’s archaeological history, and enjoy the surrounding natural park where rare Schistostega luminous moss grows, also protected as a Natural Monument. Visitors should note that the park’s entrance fee will need to be paid separately.