Kaizu Ōsaki: Shiga’s Ultimate Cherry Blossom Destination

Nestled along the rugged northwestern edge of Lake Biwa, Kaizu Ōsaki (海津大崎) offers one of the most breathtaking landscapes in Shiga Prefecture. Known as one of Japan’s “Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots,” this scenic part of the lake features a spectacular four-kilometer stretch of over 800 Yoshino cherry trees that frame the crystal-blue waters of the lake. Whether you are navigating the iconic “Sakura tunnel” by car, cycling the winding coastal roads, or viewing the blooms from a traditional sightseeing boat, Kaizu Ozaki blends natural beauty with a serene, old-world charm. In this guide, we will dive into the best time to visit, how to beat the crowds, and various ways to admire the pink petals from the water, making this lakeside destination a must-see for any Japan traveler.

All You Need to Know Before Visiting Kaizu Ōsaki

Kaizu Ōsaki: One of the Eight Views of Lake Biwa

If you read Japanese, refer to the official website HERE for more information. You can also translate the webpage to English using Google Chrome’s translation function at the right of the address bar.

Tip: It would be wise to arrive here early to avoid crowds, especially on weekends and public holidays. In the afternoon, you can head to Hikone Castle (彦根城) for another cherry blossom adoration session.

Kaizu Ōsaki: Quick Facts for Your Visit

Category	Details
Best Viewing Time	Early to Mid-April (Typically 1 week later than Kyoto)
2026 Peak Forecast	Flowering: Approx. April 2
Number of Trees	~800 Somei Yoshino Cherry Trees
Total Distance	4-kilometer lakeside “Sakura Tunnel”
Access (Train)	JR Kosei Line to Makino Station (approx. 70-80 min from Kyoto)
Local Transport	Shuttle Bus (seasonal), Taxi (5 min), or Rental Bike from Station
Cost	Free (Public area; fees apply for cruises/parking)

The Best Time to Visit Kaizu Ōsaki for Cherry Blossoms

Kaizu Osaki’s cherry blossom season usually runs from early to mid-April (the exact date of full bloom varies each year). Because of its northern location and the lake’s cooling effect, these blossoms typically reach full bloom about a week later than those in central Kyoto, making it the premier destination for a “second chance” at peak viewing. 

💡Pro Tips for Kaizu Ōsaki

• Rent a bicycle at JR Makino Station: The 4km cherry blossom tunnel is narrow and becomes incredibly congested with cars. Cycling allows you to breeze past traffic, stop instantly for photos at any of the 800 trees, and reach the deeper, quieter sections of the tunnel that most tourists never see.
• The Sightseeing Boat: For a truly grand view, the Lake Biwa Cruise departs from Nagahama or Imazu. Seeing the 4km wall of pink from the water offers a scale of beauty that you simply cannot capture from the road. It’s also a great way to avoid the “last-mile” transit stress entirely.
• The “Second Chance” Timing: Kaizu Ōsaki is in the north and cooled by lake breezes. The cherry blossoms here usually peak about 7 to 10 days after Kyoto. This makes it the ultimate “Plan B” for travelers who arrived in Japan just a few days too late for the main season.
• Early Bird or Sunset: To avoid the heaviest crowds, aim to arrive before 9 am. Alternatively, stay for the late afternoon. The sun sets over the mountains to the west, with the light hitting the blossoms against the deep blue water, creating spectacular photography.
• Check the Shuttle: During the weekends, special shuttle buses run from JR Makino Station. However, they can have long lines. If the weather is nice, the 20 to 30-minute walk from the station to the beginning of the tree line is a lovely way to see the local lakeside neighborhoods.

How Long to Spend in Kaizu Ōsaki

Kaizu Ōsaki Cherry Blossom Viewing Cruise (海津大崎のお花見船)

A reservation isn’t required. But to ensure your spot on the cruise you want to board, it is best to make a reservation HERE. You can also email them at [email protected].

Refer to HERE for an idea of the future event schedule. You can also translate the webpage to English using Google Chrome’s translation function on the right side of the address bar.

Cruises Departing from Hikone Port (彦根港)

If you are coming from Hikone, the Cherry Blossom Viewing Cruise is operated by Ōmi Marine (オーミマリン).

Heading to Kaizu Ōsaki by SUP

It is also possible to paddle your way to the cherry blossoms! In 2026, the Cherry Blossom SUP tour is held from March 27 to April 19.

SUP Workshops are held by Mizu-ue Sanpo Shiga (水上さんぽ滋賀 | 琵琶湖SUP) throughout the year. They will have special SUP sessions during cherry blossom season that you can reserve.

There are two sessions to choose from. The first session starts at 9 am and the second at 1 pm. Each session takes 2 to 3 hours and costs 8,000 yen per person.

For more details and to book, please refer to their website HERE.

Kaizu Ōsaki Cherry Blossom Kayak Tour

To book, please head to their booking system HERE. Although their English website HERE doesn’t list their Cherry Blossom Kayak Tour (SAKURA Kayak Tour), it is available to book during the season.

• For the 2026 season, the cost was 7,800 yen for adults and 4,900 yen for elementary school students.
• The kayak tour lasts for 180 minutes.
• There are two sessions, one at 9 am and another at 1:15 pm.
• To participate, you must be at least as old as a 4th-grade elementary school student.

Kaizu Ōsaki: Cruise vs. Walking – Which is Best for You?

To help you decide how to experience Shiga’s ultimate Sakura tunnel, we’ve broken down the pros and cons of seeing the blooms from the water versus the shore.

• Choose the Cruise if: You have a higher budget, limited time, or want to combine your visit with a trip to Chikubu Island.
• Choose Walking/Cycling if: You are on a budget, love photography, and want to set your own pace.

The Kaizu Osaki Cherry Blossom Cruise

Perfect for those who want a panoramic “big picture” view of the 800 trees without the foot fatigue.

• Pros:
  • The Perspective: Seeing the pink blossoms draped over the rugged lake rocks against the blue of Lake Biwa is a view you simply can’t get from the road.
  • Avoid the Crowds: The lakeside road can get incredibly congested. On a boat, you have your own space and a clear line of sight.
  • Accessibility: Ideal for travelers with limited mobility or those tight on time.
• Cons:
  • Price: Expect to pay between 4,000 and 4,500 JPY depending on the route (e.g., departing from Imazu, Nagahama, or Hikone).
  • Fixed Schedule: You are beholden to the boat’s departure and return times, leaving less room for spontaneous photography.
  • Reservations: The best slots for 2026 (especially the landing cruises) book up weeks in advance.

Walking or Cycling the Lakeside Road

Perfect for slow travelers, photographers, and those seeking a quiet corner.

• Pros:
  • Immersive Experience: You get to walk directly under the “Sakura Tunnel” branches. It’s the best way to appreciate the scent and the scale of the individual 80-year-old trees.
  • Cost-Effective: Walking is free! Even a rental bike from JR Makino Station is an affordable way to cover the 4km stretch.
  • Photography: You can stop whenever the light is perfect to capture that iconic shot of the blossoms framing Chikubu Island in the distance.
• Cons:
  • The Logistics: It’s a 30-minute walk (2km) just to reach the start of the cherry blossom row from Makino Station.
  • Traffic: The road is narrow. During peak weekends, it becomes one-way for cars, but pedestrians and cyclists still need to be very mindful of shuttle buses and local traffic.

How to Get to Kaizu Ōsaki from Kyoto

To get to Kaizu Ōsaki from Kyoto, take the JR Kosei Line from Kyoto Station and get off at JR Makino Station (マキノ駅). If you take the new rapid service, it will take around 70 minutes.

From JR Makino Station (マキノ駅), it is a 30-minute walk. You can also take a bus from JR Makino Station and get off at Kaidzu Ōsaki-kuchi (海津大崎口). From the bus stop, it is around a 10-minute walk to the cherry trees.

Please be aware that the number of services is limited. You can use one of Japan’s Transport Apps to plan your visit.

Kaizu Osaki Traffic Regulations & Access (海津大崎交通規制)

Because the road through the “Sakura Tunnel” is narrow and follows the rugged lakefront, it becomes extremely congested during full bloom. To ensure safety, local authorities enforce one-way traffic and vehicle restrictions.

• Dates: Saturday, April 4 and Sunday, April 5, 2026.
• Time: 9:30 am to 5 pm (Entry from Nihonmatsu towards Kaizu is prohibited starting from 9:00 AM).
• Direction: One-way traffic only, moving from Kaizu (West) toward Nishiazai (East).

Tip: Bicycles aren’t restricted by the temporary traffic regulations. However, as the road is narrow, please be careful when passing through.

Important: These dates are subject to change based on the actual blooming status. If the “Man-kai” (full bloom) shifts, the local police may adjust the enforcement dates.

Ōsaki-ji Temple (大崎寺)

Guesthouse Villa Sansui (民宿ヴィラ山水) and Cottage Hanare Sansui (はなれ山水)

During the cherry blossom season, Kaizu Ōsaki will be flooded with crowds (albeit not as many as in other major cities in Japan). So arriving there early will most likely mean having the amazing scenery almost to yourself.

Another reason to be there early is the morning fog that may surround the lake’s surface. This is why you may see professional photographers stationed at the lakeshore as early as 6 am!

Around a 5-minute walk south of Guesthouse Villa Sansui, Cottage Hanare Sansui is another accommodation option for you.

Tips:
☛ Cherry blossom viewing boats may be departing from Makino Sunny Beach (マキノサニービーチ) close by.
☛ The accommodation facility can accommodate a vegetarian diet. Please let them know in advance if you book a stay plan with meals.

Frequently Asked Questions: Visiting Kaizu Osaki

When is the best time to see the cherry blossoms at Kaizu Osaki?

The peak viewing period is typically from early to mid-April. Because it is located in northern Shiga, the blossoms usually reach full bloom about 7 days later than in Kyoto and 3 days later than in Hikone. For 2026, peak bloom is currently forecasted between April 8 and April 12.

Is there an entrance fee for Kaizu Osaki?

No, visiting the lakeside cherry blossom road is free of charge. However, there are costs associated with sightseeing boat cruises, parking in designated lots, or renting bicycles at Makino Station.

How do I get to Kaizu Osaki from Kyoto?

Take the JR Kosei Line from Kyoto Station to JR Makino Station (approximately 70–90 minutes). From Makino Station, you can take a seasonal shuttle bus, rent a bicycle, or walk about 30 minutes to reach the start of the cherry blossom tunnel.

Can I drive to Kaizu Osaki during the Sakura season?

Driving is possible, but highly discouraged during peak weekends due to extreme congestion. In 2026, strict one-way traffic regulations are expected on April 4 and 5. There is no parking at the site; drivers must use the temporary lots at Makino Station or Makino Sunny Beach.

Are there vegetarian food options nearby?

Finding plant-based food on remote islands can be a challenge. It is best to bring plant-based food with you if you plan to visit Kaizu Osaki. You can also grab vegan-friendly snacks from the convenience stores around Kyoto Station.

Refer to HERE for a list of vegan food available at convenience stores.

Tip: Grab a vegan bento box from Gen before you head to Kaizu Osaki!

Can I see the cherry blossoms by boat?

Yes! A few companies operate cherry blossom cruises, SUP, and Kayak tours from Makino, Imazu, and Nagahama ports. Prices range from 4,500 to 7,800 JPY. We recommend booking in advance for 2026, as these tours frequently sell out during the peak week.

Explore Other Alluring Attractions in Takashima City

To find out more attractions close to Kaizu Ōsaki, please refer to our article on Takashima City (=ﾟωﾟ)ﾉ.