Experience a breathtaking display of nature and history at Takamatsu Park (高松公園), a premier destination in Morioka celebrated as one of Japan’s Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots. Centered around the scenic Takamatsu Pond, which was originally constructed as a reservoir during the Edo period to protect Morioka Castle, the park transforms into a soft pink wonderland every spring as over 1,200 cherry trees burst into bloom. Whether you’re enjoying strolling the lakeside paths with views of the majestic Mt. Iwate, or visiting in winter to see the elegant migratory swans, Takamatsu Park offers a serene escape for families and photographers alike. As a beloved “citizien’s forest,” it remains a quintessential stop for anyone exploring the seasonal beauty and samurai heritage of Iwate’s capital.
The Cherry Blossoms at Takamatsu Park
Besides Morioka Castle Ruins-jō Park, Takamatsu Park is the best spot in Morioka to adore the cherry blossoms. When you visit the park between mid to late April, when the season usually peaks, it won’t surprise you why it was chosen to be one of the best cherry blossom spots in Japan. The best thing is that the park is one of the lesser-known Morioka attractions so that you won’t be pushed around!
Of course, a cherry blossom festival is held during the season. The flowers are illuminated with traditional lanterns from 6 pm to 9 pm. Temporary stalls are also set up during the event.
The large pond in Takamatsu Park wasn’t formed naturally. It resulted from the Ueda embankment, part of Morioka’s flood control work completed around 1600, when the castle was built. After the Meiji Restoration in the late 19th century, Morioka became a city. The area around the lake was then turned into a park.
The Flowers and Swans at Takamatsu Park
Apart from the cherry trees, there are also peony and rose gardens, with more than 200 peonies and 40 types of roses planted. Other flowers can also be seen across the park, so how about taking a walk on the promenade to explore the 54.1-hectare park, especially when the entry is free? Boat rental with a few different options is also available!
In winter, swans can usually be spotted at the park’s large pond. January is the peak season when more than 600 swans may spend the winter at Takamatsu Pond. The birds usually linger around until at least early March each year.
Walking on the promenade surrounding the pond is the best way to enjoy Takamatsu Park. At a relaxed pace, it takes about 20 minutes to complete the loop course. From the promenade, you can also snap a scenic photo of the pond with the magnificent Mt. Iwate as the backdrop.
Takamatsu Park’s Autumn Foliage Season
We visited Takamatsu Park for its autumn foliage in early November (we were too late for the cherry blossoms during our previous visit). While no pink flowers were covering the 1,200 cherry trees in the park, the vivid autumn colours are still stunning. The only disappointment of the day was that the cloud continued to cover the majestic Mt. Iwate. It would be perfect if we could capture the magnificent snowy mountain in our photos…
The fall foliage season at Takamatsu Park is usually from late October to early November.
Tips:
☛ The rose season usually peaks in mid-June.
☛ The peony season is usually from mid to late May.
☛ If you want a good photo of Mt. Iwate from Takamatsu Park, visit the park in the morning. The sun sets over the mountain in the evening.
How to Get to Takamatsu Park
- From JR Morioka Station, take Iwateken Kōtsū’s (岩手県交通) Route 11 bound for Matsuzono Eigyōjo (松園営業所) and get off at Takamatsu no Ike-guchi (高松の池口). The park is then a 5-minute walk.
Discover the Must-Visit Attractions in Morioka
When you hear of Morioka, Wanko Soba, and Morioka cold noodles are probably the first two things that come to mind. But the city isn’t just about food. It also has many cultural attractions, hot springs, nature and more!
So refer to our Morioka article for ideas about where to stop by when visiting Iwate Prefecture’s capital city!
