Around the mid-April timeframe, Akita's Mato Park is home to an incredible 2000 cherry trees in bloom - it's no surprise that the venue was named as one of Japan's Top 100 cherry blossom viewing spots back in 1990. The annual cherry blossom festival at the park draws visitors from both inside and outside the prefecture, and includes a number of fun events including a unique rowing competition where participants are inside barrels rather than boats!
Come for the blossoms, and stick around for the quirky fun of the additional events to enjoy.
Admission to the park is free of charge.
Getting there
Mato Park is located around 10 minutes by taxi from Jumonji Station, served by the Ōu Main Line. Buses are also available from the station - take the bus bound for Higashinarute until you reach the stop for Matobashi, and the park is then just five minutes away on foot.
