Mitake

Mitake (三多気) is a tiny village on a mountain near the border of Nara, located within the Tsu outlands, that is well-known throughout the prefecture for being beautiful during the cherry blossom season.

Features

There are a lot of cherry blossoms scattered all over the Mitake area, with arguably the most picturesque being a hilly area with a mixture of tiered rice fields and yama zakura trees. There are some buildings and a small temple in the area as well.

Events

• Hanami

  Few people come this area except during sakura season, but it is rather popular for hanami as it is one of the only two places in Mie to make the "Top 100 Sakura Spots in Japan" (along with the Miya River Banks).

  Yama zakura tend to bloom a little earlier than other sakura varieties, because of Mitake's high altitude these trees will not bloom until mid-April, about a week after the regular season.

Maps

• Google map

Directions

By Car

The easiest way to access the spot is via Route 368 which runs west out of Taki our Route 166 which runs south out of Matsusaka. The park is technically in the city of Tsu but it's closer to downtown Matsusaka and Taki. If coming from Tsu, follow the JR Meishō Line to make your way to Route 368.