2026 Ina Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in January)

#hellohalloween Some places call you back. For me, it was the Takato Castle Ruins (Takato-jōshi) in the Japanese Alps of Nagano. While famous for its sea of pink kawazu-zakura cherry blossoms in spring, a return visit reveals a deeper, more personal magic. It’s a samurai’s fortress in the sky, where stone walls merge with mountain mist and silence speaks louder than crowds. My Solo Itinerary (Encore Edition): · Morning – The Ascent & Stone Sentinel: I took the first train to Ina City, then the local bus up the winding mountain road. I started my hike at the base, passing through the Ōtemon main gate. This time, I didn't rush. I traced my fingers along the magnificent, moss-covered nozurazumi stone walls, considered among Japan's most beautiful. I sat in the inner bailey, listening to the wind where the castle keep once stood. · Afternoon – Beyond the Cherry Blossoms: I explored the outer baileys I'd missed before, like the Kuruwa and Sannomaru enclosures. The views of the Japanese Alps from here were even more commanding. I brought a simple picnic and found a secluded spot on the ancient walls, feeling the history seep into the quiet afternoon. · Evening – A Different Season's Light: I timed my descent for sunset. Without the spring crowds, the atmosphere was pure, raw nature and history. The setting sun cast long shadows across the stone foundations, and the alpine air grew crisp—a perfect, solitary end to the day. Why Takato is Even Better the Second Time: · You See the Castle, Not Just the Blossoms: Without the famous cherry trees (or the crowds they bring), you appreciate the masterful stonework and the sheer strategic genius of its mountain-top location. · Deeper Connection: You notice the small details—the carvings on stones, the way the light filters through ancient cedar trees onto the paths, the quiet resilience of the ruins. · Seasonal Secrets: I returned in autumn when the castle ruins are framed by fiery red and gold maple leaves—a completely different, yet equally stunning, kind of beauty. Takato Castle Ruins are a lesson in wabi-sabi—the beauty of impermanence and decay. Returning solo lets you truly hear its quiet, enduring story. --- Hashtags: #BackToTakato #TakatoCastle #JapaneseCastleRuins #NaganoTravel #SoloJapan #OffSeasonBeauty #SamuraiHistory #AlpineViews

Umanose Hut, located on Mount Senjogatake in Nagano Prefecture 💞Reasons we recommend it: ① Despite its inconvenient location deep in the mountains, guests enjoy carefully folded futons, hot meals, and private restrooms. While there are no private bedrooms, they are separated by simple partitions, so you can sleep without coming face-to-face with strangers. ② Enjoy spicy game curry made with overpopulated deer. ③ As you can see from the shoe lockers, the guests' manners are excellent. ④☀️Many guests are early risers, aiming to reach the summit the next day. If you're leaving without breakfast, they'll prepare a rice ball bento for you with a reservation. ⑤Starry skies and a sunrise Of course, make sure to make your bedding when you leave!✨ #Senjogatake #Mountainhut #Sunrise #GameCurry #MountainhutMeal #MountainHiking #Nagano

Located in Minami-Alps City, this 3,033-meter mountain is often referred to as the "Queen of the Southern Alps" due to its stunning beauty. It features terrain shaped by glaciers, known as cirques, and despite its high elevation, it is popular as an introductory climb for those new to alpine hiking. The mountain does not have dangerous cliff-like sections, making it accessible for those with sufficient physical strength. From the summit, you can enjoy breathtaking views of iconic Japanese mountains such as Mount Fuji and Mount Kitadake. While hiking, you can sense the respect climbers have for nature—carrying back all trash, walking carefully to avoid damaging alpine plants, and taking measures to protect the environment. Even without climbing, simply gazing up at the majestic scenery inspires a sense of reverence and fills you with a gentle feeling.

Gelato made with the freshest ingredients 🍧 I chose the Hojicha & Apricot flavor. Other flavors include blueberry yogurt and chocolate. You can choose from three sizes: cup or cone. The gentle flavor was delicious. For lunch, we went to the roadside station "Minami Alps Village" in the mountains. The attached bakery had a wonderful aroma of apple pies and melon breads. Their croissants are famous, so reservations are required. The staff and customers were laid-back, with a gentle, calming atmosphere. We enjoyed relaxing on the benches outside in the shade. Dolce Carina 📍Address: 642-3 Hikage, Ina City, Nagano Prefecture Minami Alps Village Roadside Station 📍Address: 1400 Hase Himochi, Ina City, Nagano Prefecture #Shinshu #Nagano #Gelato #Soba #Relaxing #ForestBathing

📅 Itinerary Day1：rope way ride Day2: buggy adventure Day3: onsen 🏨 Accommodation relatives places 🍴 Food Recommendations odong 📌 Tips

🌸Nagano - Takato Castle Ruins Park | A breathtaking cherry blossom spot known as "The Best Cherry Blossoms in Japan" Located in Ina City, Nagano Prefecture, Takato Castle Ruins Park boasts approximately 1,500 Takato Kohigan cherry trees that bloom in spring, earning it the title "The Best Cherry Blossoms in Japan." The expansive park features cherry blossom tunnels and scenic viewpoints where visitors can enjoy the picturesque Ina Valley landscape, making it a bustling destination during the flower-viewing season. Beyond cherry blossom season, the park offers stunning natural beauty throughout the year, blending history and nature into a serene and popular retreat. ⸻ 🔹Highlights ・Enjoy illuminated night cherry blossoms during the spring festival ・Take a leisurely stroll while soaking in the historical ambiance of the castle ruins ・Admire panoramic views of Ina Valley from the observation deck ⸻ 📍Access Approximately 15 minutes by bus or car from JR Ina City Station Free admission (some areas may require a fee during the cherry blossom festival) ⸻

I visited Takato Castle Ruins Park in Nagano Prefecture, one of Japan's three great cherry blossom viewing spots, along with Yoshino and Hirosaki. It was quite difficult to decide on a date while constantly checking the cherry blossom bloom status, but I stayed at a hotel in Ina City for two nights and thoroughly enjoyed the cherry blossoms. It's a very inconvenient location, but the cherry blossoms are magnificent. There are very few hotels in Takato, and it seems you need to make reservations more than a year in advance during cherry blossom season. I recommend staying in the Ina City area. There are also buses from Ina during the season. If you go by car, you'll need to park in a nearby parking lot and transfer to a bus. The cherry blossoms are a variety called Takato Higanzakura, which are slightly smaller but have a deep pink color. I recommend purchasing your admission ticket online in advance to avoid waiting in line.

In Nagano’s countryside lies Takato Castle Ruins Park, where delicate pink kohigan-zakura blooms blanket the hills. Unlike big cities, this spot feels spiritual. Locals were friendly and even shared food under the trees. It’s quiet, clean, and deeply connected to nature. A must for true sakura lovers. Not just Sakura, also the greenery, just amazing! #springitinerary

#cherryblossom25 Rokudo no Tsutsumi is one of those perfect local spots for cherry blossom season, laid-back, scenic, and super underrated. The sakura trees stretch along the riverbank, forming a soft pink tunnel that’s perfect for a relaxed walk or bike ride. It’s not crowded, which makes it ideal if you’re just trying to enjoy some peace with your petals. The view of the blossoms lining the river is simple but seriously beautiful, especially when petals start to fall and float along the water. It’s a great place to bring snacks, sit on the grass, and just chill with the spring breeze. Locals come here with their families or dogs, and the whole vibe is super friendly and mellow. No big events, no fuss, just classic hanami goodness. If you're after that peaceful, everyday kind of cherry blossom magic, Rokudo no Tsutsumi is definitely worth checking out.

#cherryblossom25 Rokudō-tsutsumi is a peaceful embankment lined with elegant cherry trees, offering a perfect, lesser-known spot for enjoying springtime in Ina City. Stretching alongside a gentle river, the embankment becomes a pastel pink corridor during sakura season, beloved by locals but still relatively undiscovered by tourists. 📍 Location: Rokudō Embankment, Ina City, Nagano Prefecture, Japan 🕒 Best Viewing Period: Early to mid-April (varies slightly each year) 🎟 Admission: Free

#cherryblossom25 Located in the quiet countryside of Ina City, Katsuma Yakushidō is a small yet historically significant temple best known for its stunning, centuries-old cherry trees. Every spring, the temple grounds transform into a breathtaking spectacle as giant sakura trees burst into bloom, creating an ethereal and tranquil atmosphere. 📍 Location: Katsuma Yakushidō, Ina City, Nagano Prefecture, Japan 🕒 Best Viewing Period: Early to mid-April (depends on the year) 🎟 Admission: Free 🚗 Access: - By Train: About 15 minutes by taxi from Ina Station (JR Iida Line) - By Car: Around 20 minutes from Ina IC on the Chūō Expressway

#cherryblossom25 About Takato Castle Takato Castle, with a rich historical backdrop, traces its origins to the Sengoku period during the time of Takeda Shingen and his conquest of Shinano. As a critical strategic point, Takato Castle was entrusted to trusted commanders like Akiyama Nobutomo, Suwa Katsuyoshi, and Nishina Morinobu. One of the most notable battles in Takato’s history is the Battle of Takato Castle. During the Kōshū Campaign, the Takeda forces, overwhelmed by the advancing Oda army, largely retreated. However, the castle lord Nishina Morinobu (one of Shingen’s five sons) led a valiant defense with just a handful of soldiers against Oda Nobutada’s troops, ultimately resulting in a tragic yet heroic end to Takeda’s final battle. Today, Nishina Morinobu is enshrined as the "New Castle God" at Fujiwara Shrine located on the castle grounds. After the Edo period, the castle site saw changes under several feudal families, including the Kyōgoku, Hōsaka, and Torii families. With the Meiji Restoration, the castle was abandoned, and most of the structures were sold off. However, the cherry blossoms now filling the ruins owe their existence to the decision of former Takato clan retainers who transplanted sakura trees here. Today, 150 years later, these trees bloom every spring, turning the area into a famous cherry blossom destination, attracting countless visitors. Travel Tips: By bus: From Ina Station, take a bus to Takato Station (around 590 yen). Please note that the buses run infrequently, so make sure to confirm the timetable in advance. Whether you're a history buff or a cherry blossom enthusiast, Takato Castle Ruins offers both a glimpse into Japan’s past and a breathtaking springtime spectacle. 🌸 #travel

#TokyoSakura The cherry blossom species in Takato is the Takato Kohigan Sakura, which is slightly smaller than the Somei Yoshino Sakura and has blood-red petals when it blooms. There are about 1,500 cherry trees in the park. It has been known as the "best cherry blossom in the world" since ancient times and has been selected as one of the "100 Famous Cherry Blossom Spots". The best time to view the flowers is from early to mid-April. During the cherry blossom season, when the park turns a bright pink, about 200,000 tourists come to see the cherry blossoms. If you want to see cherry blossoms in mid-April, you should go to Nagano. This time we came to Takato Castle Park and it happened to be the cherry blossom season. The cherry blossoms were in full bloom and the wind blew a lot of cherry blossoms. There were also many stalls where you could eat while watching the cherry blossoms. It felt great! This place is known as the best cherry blossom in the world, you really must come here once! Oh, I forgot to mention that there are also night cherry blossoms to see here! It's a bit cold on the mountain, so remember to bring a jacket. There will be cherry blossom tour buses going up the mountain during the cherry blossom season, so don't worry, but on the way back, you need to pay attention to the time when the bus arrives at the station. This time we stayed in Nagano and took the railway to Inakita to transfer to the bus. There is also Matsusaka Castle in Nagano. When the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, the castle scenery is really beautiful!

#cherryblossom25 After living in Japan for years, it’s rare for cherry blossoms to leave me speechless. I’ve already visited all the famous spots, but the blossoms at Takato Castle still took my breath away! The whole mountain is covered in towering cherry trees, creating endless beautiful photo opportunities. I couldn’t stop taking pictures with my phone! 📱🌸 For those in search of cherry blossoms, this place is perfect! It’s not crowded with international tourists, just mostly locals. Though it's a bit far, located in Nagano Prefecture, it’s definitely worth the trip. The park has food stalls serving delicious street food, and the entrance fee is only ¥600 (around 30 RMB). You can spend the whole day here, and in the evening, there’s a light show that makes the cherry blossoms glow under the night sky! 🌟🌸 Sadly, we didn’t have enough time to stay for the night view. If you’re traveling from Tokyo, renting a car for a round trip works well—it’s about a 3-hour drive each way. If you have time, I highly recommend visiting! 🚗🌸 Name: Takato Castle Ruins Park Address: 396-0213 Nagano Prefecture, Ina City, Takato-machi, Higashitakato 📍 Takatomachi Higashitakato, Ina, Nagano 396-0213, Japan #travel

#cherryblossom25 If you're tired of the overabundance of Yoshino cherries everywhere, then experience a different kind of cherry blossom! 📍Located at Takato Castle Ruins Park in Ina City, Nagano Prefecture, the star here is the Takato Shōbiran Cherry 🌸 It’s a variety unique to Ina City, and unlike the common Yoshino cherry, ✔️ The flowers are smaller ✔️ The petals are more pink ✔️ From a distance, it’s not a sea of white, but a soft pale pink hue, especially in the evening when the sunset casts a dreamy filter, resembling the cherry blossoms from anime 💗🌅 What’s interesting is that its light pink tone is not as deep as the Kawazu cherry, nor as white as the Yoshino cherry—it’s the perfect balance, refreshing yet not overwhelming. 🎌 Although it’s not as well-known internationally, in Japan, it’s the second largest cherry blossom viewing spot after Hirosaki Park in Aomori! 📸 If you want to collect the dreamiest page of your cherry blossom photo book, Takato Castle Ruins is definitely worth a visit 💖 #travel

#cherryblossom25 If it weren’t for the traffic jam of cherry blossom viewing cars on the Ina road, I probably would’ve never had the chance to pass by Rokudō no Tsutsumi. At first, it was just a small, square-shaped pond I spotted on the map—slightly off the path from Takato Castle Ruins. Later, it became my plan B while I waited for the jam to ease. Honestly, I had no expectations for it at all, but that didn’t stop it from completely surprising me. It’s hard to imagine that such a tiny spot could bring together cherry blossoms, blue skies, crystal waters, and snow-capped mountains all at once. Compared to the crowded famous spots, this little haven lets you truly slow down and take in every detail. This modest embankment, originally built for irrigation, now feels like a small garden grown from the progress of human civilization. The Southern Alps generously lend their scenery here, turning the place into a picture-perfect view that doesn’t need a frame. As I walked across the embankment, a petal drifted into the hood of my coat. It became a bookmark of this spring, a tiny piece of memory I carried back with me to Tokyo. 📖🌸 #travel

It is surrounded by several high and distant cherry blossoms and snow-capped mountains Sakura Ina City, Nagano It is really a good place for cherry blossom viewing tours. Cover image: Gaoyuan City Site Park, daytime You can see the snow-covered Kiso Mountains from a distance. Figure 2: Sanfeng River cherry trees Specially made a row of lights to shoot on, really enough care. And there is parking, but no facilities other than restrooms. Figure 34: Night cherry blossoms in Gaoyuan City Site Park Entrance fee 600 yen, parking fee 1000 yen Figure 5: Kasuga Park The small Mid-Levels Park that does not wash the crowds, also has a cherry blossom festival, free admission. Figure 6: The embankment of the six paths There is no dedicated parking. In terms of transportation, the city of Ina is really inconvenient. Self-drive tours are generally recommended. But note that the trip cannot be too rushed, because the cherry blossom season can be said to be necessarily congested. Cherry Blossoms #Takato Castle Site Park #Kasuga Park #Nagano Prefecture #Ina City

High Far City Toe Park There are really cherry blossoms all over the sky, tall and big, and growing evenly Located in Sakura Ina, Nagano. Probably no one really has heard of this place, and the transportation is not particularly convenient. It became difficult to go. But that’s completely wrong, because many people will drive there And 98 percent are Japanese. What is planted here is the cherry blossoms from the high and far other shore. I was on 4/12 just in time for very good weather There are snow-capped mountains in the background to complement each other. It is recommended to take the Central Line Special Express from Shinjuku Sit to Kayano Station and rent a car It would probably be a better way, because of the Iida Line where Ina Kita Station is located The train frequency is one to two hours. Parking also needs to allow sufficient time Because it is full time many people will drive Close to all temporary parking lots open It took me a couple of hours to park down. The nearest park parking lot 1000 yen a day Other peripheral temporary ones are free. The entrance fee to Cherry Blossom Season Park is 600 yen You can enter again on the day. The best cherry blossoms in the world Cherry blossoms in Gaoyuan Castle Park

#cherryblossom25 Nestled in the Japanese Alps of Nagano, this samurai fortress-turned-park is famed for its 1,500+ deep pink kohigan cherries—a rare variety so vivid it’s called "Takato Red". Unlike pale Somei-Yoshino, these smaller, richer-hued blossoms blanket the ruins in a crimson-tinged dreamscape, backed by snow-capped peaks. 🌸Why It’s Legendary ✔ Samurai Sakura– Many trees planted by Takeda Shingen’s generals in the 1500s ✔ Alpine Backdrop – Blossoms contrast with the North Alps’ lingering snow(best mid-April) ✔ Night Samurai – Armor-clad performers patrol illuminated paths during festivals

#cherryblossom25 Takato Castle, located in Nagano Prefecture, is one of Japan’s most renowned cherry blossom viewing spots—often ranked among the country’s top three sakura destinations. Every spring, around 1,500 Takato Kohigan-zakura trees bloom here, their soft pink petals cloaking the historic castle ruins in a dreamlike, romantic atmosphere.

#cherryblossom25 Tucked along a 1.2km canal in Kyoto’s Nishigamo district, this lesser-known sakura spot offers a crowd-free alternative to the famous Philosopher’s Path. Named after the "Six Realms" of Buddhist cosmology, the tranquil waterway is lined with 150+ cherry trees, their petals drifting like whispers of impermanence—a perfect setting for contemplative hanami. 📍 Location: Along Nishigamo Canal, Kyoto

#cherryblossom25 What sets Takato Castle’s cherry blossoms apart is their unique color—a delicate reddish-pink—and their fine, layered petals that appear especially tender under the spring sunlight. From the higher vantage points, you can gaze out over a sea of blossoms, as if the entire landscape were awash in waves of soft pink. It’s truly breathtaking.

Date of shooting 2025/4/11 Gaoyuan City Site Park How many people have heard of it? One of the three famous cherry blossom viewing spots in Japan The cherry blossoms here are really big and tall, and they grow densely enough. Belongs to the local variety of high and far other side cherry. Daytime is certainly great The cherry blossom lighting at night is equally beautiful, but it requires a lot of equipment and skills. This year coincides with the 150th anniversary of the opening of the park There are special lighting on the ground. There are really quite a lot of people, it is very difficult to take a picture of no one. Worth a visit though. An entrance fee of 600 yen will be charged during the cherry blossom season You can buy tickets on the spot or online in advance for smoother entry. There is a temporary parking lot nearby, and those closest to the park are charged 1000 yen. There are also snack stalls in the park. Always approach the road is relatively narrow and prone to traffic jams, remember to allow enough time. Lighting time 6pm to 9pm. Ina City #Nagano Prefecture #Takato Castle Site Park #The World's No. 1 Cherry Blossoms #Cherry Blossoms #Cherry Blossoms

Kasuga City Trail Park It should be the second place in the city of Ina, after Takato City. But fame seems far worse. However, the viewing of the flowers is really unbeatable, and the location is closer to the city. The most important thing is that there are not so many people, you can take pictures however you want Plenty of space as well as a picnic. The garden is mainly filled with cherry blossoms from the high and far beyond, tall and big There are also taller and larger branches of weeping cherry. It was April 11th There is a small cherry blossom festival on site, selling Ina City's specialty fried noodles, snacks and the like. Parking is also free. It is worth mentioning A better way to visit Ina City for flower viewing is by car Because public transport shifts are difficult to master. It is recommended to utilize the map code 171 309 094*67 is Navigation Lookup. #Chrysanthemum Viewing #NaganoTravel #Ina City #Takato Sakura #Kasuga Park

Takada Castle Site Park is located in the Hokuriku region. You can reach it directly by taking a city bus from Joetsu-Myoko Station on the Hokuriku Shinkansen. Alternatively, you can take the Myoko Haneuma Line train to Takada Station, then transfer to a city bus or walk for about 20 minutes. This location is one of Japan's three major night cherry blossom viewing spots. However, due to a tight schedule, I couldn't stay until the evening to enjoy the night view. Additionally, this cherry blossom viewing spot features many food stalls and open spaces for visitors to relax and enjoy the scenery.

4/11 Located in Ina, Nagano Prefecture A place called the Six Paths Embankment is not too far from the famous Gaoyuan City Trail Park. There is even a calm pool with cherry blossoms all over the edge Cherry blossoms on the high and far other shore. There is another island in the center of the pool inexplicably It becomes a composition. But the sky was average that day and I couldn't see the snowy mountain background behind me If not really a duo. This place is not a regular attraction So it’s generally locals who tour. There are not as many people in Gaoyuan City. There is also no dedicated parking lot for cars to park outside the nearby Kasahara Exchange Center . But it's always not dedicated, so don't plan on having a picnic or stopping for too long. The road outside the Six Paths Embankment is even less allowed to park! Ina City, Nagano #Sixdos no Embankment #Cherry Blossom Viewing

#cherryblossom25 Takato Castle Park is renowned for its unique Takato Kohigan cherry trees, which have a deeper pink hue than typical sakura. With over 1,500 trees, the park turns into a fairytale-like landscape during peak bloom. The castle ruins add historical charm, while the elevated viewpoints offer breathtaking panoramic views of the pink sea of blossoms. During the cherry blossom festival, the park is illuminated at night, creating a romantic atmosphere. The slightly mountainous location makes the air crisp and fresh, enhancing the experience. For those seeking a less touristy yet equally spectacular sakura spot, Takato Castle Park is perfect.

Takato Castle Park in Nagano Prefecture is a spectacular spot known as the "best cherry blossom spot in the world." In spring, the entire park is filled with about 1,500 Takato Kohigan cherry trees, creating a pink carpet-like landscape. Their unique pale pink color stands out against the blue sky, and their beauty is breathtaking. From the observation deck in the park, you can enjoy the spectacular view of the sea of ​​cherry blossoms and the distant Alps. The illuminated cherry blossoms at night will captivate your heart with a different, fantastical atmosphere. We recommend visiting both during the day and at night. If you want to feel the arrival of spring, be sure to visit Takato Castle Park! #domestictraveltrip #nagano #takatocastlepark #cherryblossoms #triptoenjoyspring