Cherry Blossom Viewing and Hanami Picnic in Shiogama

The Tohoku region is home to some of the most beautiful natural scenery and ancient shrines, which are especially stunning in autumn and spring. Join the spring festivities and celebrate the beauty of cherry blossom trees during this Cherry Blossom Viewing and Hanami Picnic in Shiogama, your chance to enjoy the spring tradition of hanami (cherry blossom viewing parties) at a national treasure, Shiogama Jinja. Enjoy viewing the spring sakura blossoms in the serene grounds of Shiogama Shrine, a temple that’s over 1200 years old! It features its own rare double-flowering variety of cherry blossom trees called Shiogama-zakura, also considered a national Natural Monument.

You’ll arrive at the hanami picnic with everything already set up and ready to go at a great cherry blossom viewing spot in Shiogama. Then, simply relax and enjoy your local bento box lunch beneath hundreds of beautiful, delicate cherry blossoms! Featuring elements of local cuisine and regional ingredients inspired by the season, your Instagram-worthy bento box will feature bite-sized pieces of colorful hanami picnic food. Complete with a glass of local sake or beer, you’ll be able to enjoy the scenery while hearing a shamisen performance (a traditional three-stringed Japanese instrument) by a local musician! This hanami picnic in Shiogama also includes a wonderful tea ceremony with wagashi Japanese sweets to complete the experience.

Never mind about coordinating heavy bags of food and drink, or traipsing around with a blue tarp trying to secure a picnic spot. Feel free to explore the shrine’s grounds, as there’s no need to fuss around and clean anything up. This hanami picnic is hassle-free and certifiably delicious! And at the end, you’ll also receive a local souvenir to take home with you, to remember the fleeting cherry blossoms of Shiogama.