Rivers, Pagoda Surrounded by Cherry Blossoms in Full Bloom in Japan’s Yamaguchi Prefecture

The Yomiuri Shimbun

12:43 JST, April 1, 2026

YAMAGUCHI — Cherry blossoms have reached full bloom in many parts of Yamaguchi Prefecture.

One of the prefecture’s most famous spots for viewing cherry blossoms is Asagawa River in Mine. About 150 cherry trees are line the riverbanks near the Mine municipal office.

A festival featuring nighttime illuminations of the flowers, live performances and food trucks is being held through April 12.

Another popular spot is along the banks of Ichinosakagawa River in central Yamaguchi City, which was selected among The New York Times’ “52 Places to Go in 2024.”

Near the river is Rurikoji Temple, whose five-story pagoda is designated as a national treasure. Visitors were seen taking pictures of the structure, which completed major renovations late last year, along with the nearby cherry blossoms.

In Shimonoseki in the prefecture, the cherry blossoms are expected to reach full bloom on Thursday.