Myoken-jinja Shrine, which has been solicited by Lord To, the lord of Gujo in the Middle Ages, is located next to “Kokondenju-no-sato Field Museum”. It is also a historical shrine with a long history. More than 100 cherry trees are planted on the 250m side of the approach, and the beautiful cherry blossom tunnel is spectacular when it is in full bloom. At the beginning and end of the approach, two large Sugi trees (Cedar tree), “Kami-mukae sugi” and “Kami-kaeri sugi”, which are over 800 years old, are welcoming you. Mossy stone steps and the solemn space are leading to the main shrine. The shrine, including rows of cherry blossom trees, has been designated as a Natural Monument of Gifu-ken, and also has been selected as one of the “Best 100 Waters of Gifu” and “33 Best Hida & Mino Sakura Spots”. Every year on 7th August, besides the annual festival “Nanukabi Matsuri”, Noh stage “Takiginon Kurusu Sakura” is performed at the worship hall. How about enjoying a walk along cherry blossom trees while seeing the old townscape? Some local volunteers help lighting up cherry blossoms when they are in full bloom.

A 2000㎡ peony garden is located inside an open-air museum “Kokondenju-no-sato Field Museum” with the theme of Waka (Japanese poems) in Yamato area. From early to late May, when the fresh green scenery is beautiful, 1500 colorful peony flowers bloom splendidly. Peony, which was also described as “Fukami-gusa” in “Shin Kokin Wakashu (New Japanese poems collection)”. It was cultivated for ornamental purposes in palace and temples during Heian era (794 – 1185). It is one of the flowers that have been loved by people since ancient times. After walking along walking path surrounded by sweet scents and gazing at big peony of different varieties, you can relax and enjoy the view of mountains from the Seminar House Villa Shinowaki or have a cup of matcha at Café Yobukodori? Kokondenju-no-sato Field Museum filled with stone paths, water streams, and wild grasses, is a fascinating spot. During the flowering period, “Botan Matsuri (Peony Festival)” and “Peony Festival Outdoor Concert” are also held in the museum.

In Hirugano-kogen (Hirugano Plateau) in the northernmost of Takasu area, four bogs are distributed around Hirugano-kogen Ski Resort. “Ayamezawa Bog” is the largest Asian skunk cabbage flock on Hirugano-kogen. From late April to early May, after all snow melted, you can see many skunk cabbage flowers. This flock of Asian skunk cabbage is the southernmost flock of skunk cabbage in Japan. The pure white skunk cabbage blooming on Mt Dainichigatake with the remaining snow is a refreshing landscape only can be seen on this Hirugano-kogen. It is also designated as a Natural Monument in Gifu-ken.

At the flower and animal theme park Bokka-no-sato on Hirugano-kogen at the northern end of Gujo-shi, tulips which begin to bloom in early May are spectacular. Clear air and the difference between daytime and nighttime temperature, which only happens on a plateau at an altitude of about 1000m, make the flowers look more outstanding. This spectacular flower field with 24 species of over 200,000 tulips and area of around 45,000㎡ is stunning. You can enjoy a view like fairy tale with the background of Mt Hakusan with remaining snow.

From Aido to Fukado, rows of Someiyoshino cherry blossom trees of about 500m in length along National Route 156 are the highlight of cherry blossoms in Minami area. Trees have been planted and protected by local Fukado district since National Sports Festival held in 1965. It has been selected as one of “33 Best Hida & Mino Sakura Spots”. These cherry blossom trees provide entertainment for drivers driving along the highway. It is also one part of marathon event “Sakurado International Nature Run”, which is held every April along roads of cherry blossom trees from Nagoya Castle to Kanazawa Kenrokuen.

Keishozi Temple is a temple on a hill up on the spiritual mountain Mt Koka. This temple is known as a temple of peony, as its name suggests. “Botan Matsuri (Peony Festival)” is held every year from late April to early May. About 150 species and 2,000 large-flowered peonies are in full bloom. All flowers are showing different kinds of beauty, some are as large as 25cm in diameter. Many people come to appreciate their beauty every year. In addition, over 10,000 hydrangeas planted mainly in the back mountains. Plums, cherry blossoms, peonies, daffodils, crape myrtle, lotus, and other seasonal flowers are planted. It is crowded with people who enjoy walking and seeing all the spring flowers.

Kunita Family Shiba-zakura in Okuzumi of Meiho area is about 40 minutes by car from Gujo Hachiman IC. It is located north on Seseragi Kaido towards Meiho. The lovely Shiba-zakura blooms in various colors such as red, pink, white, and light purple all over the slope. When you step into the garden, you are be surrounded by a sweet scent, sound of river and chirping of birds creating a soothing BGM. This splendid Shiba-zakura was cultivated with great care by a woman named Kanae Kunida, who was a resident of this place, and started planting it from around 1958. Members of “Kunita Family Shiba-zakura Lovers Association” are inherited the wishes of Ms Kanae, and now continue managing it carefully. You can feel the warmth of hospitality at these beautiful and well-maintained flower fields. It is truly Japan’s best Shiba-zakura field. It received Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Award in 1992 and Prime Minister’s Award in 1996. There are also two free parking lots available. It is visited by a large number of tourists when flowers are in full bloom. But since it is a private residence, be sure to observe with etiquette.

Zenbee-zakura, located in Meiho Otani, is an old Edo Higan Zakura tree with a trunk circumference of about 3m and a tree age of 300 years. It was originally planted as a tombstone. It was named by the owner of this land, who has been named “Zenbee” for generations. As it is one of the largest single cherry blossom trees that can stand on its own without support, it was designated as a Natural Monument in Gujo-shi in 2006. Its graceful appearance of branches spreading widely attracts people’s eyes. A volunteer group “Zenbee-zakura Protective Society” start lighting up the tree every year during the flower season in mid-April, making evening in mountain village more fantastic. It is a cherry blossom that is worth seeing. You can travel from Gujo Hachiman on National Highway 472 “Seseragi Kaido” toward Meiho. Park your car at Roadside Station Meiho Meiho Surusimi-no-sato Park and walk for 5 minutes (about 200m). Cherry blossoms along the river are also very beautiful.

Clear stream, Waragawa River, flowing through the center of Wara-cho, was selected for Grand Prix at the “5th Seiryu Tour Ayu Tournament” in 2002, which decides the best Ayu (Sweetfish) in Japan. A large Someiyoshino cherry trees lines up along Waragawa River. It is in full bloom around spring festival in mid-April. Row of cherry blossom trees, which stretches for about 800m, is a masterpiece. On the opposite bank, a pear tree of age 300 years old, is standing in a mini park. Having lunch while seeing cherry blossoms is recommended. Koinobori (Carp streamer) that is hung every year according to cherry blossom season is also worth seeing.