In Niyodogawa Town, located in Kochi Prefecture, the beautiful blooming of hana-momo (flowering peach) in spring is not yet widely known throughout Japan.
Welcome to my blog. I’ve been to Shikoku several times, but I somehow missed out on the charm of this region. However, after doing some research and discovering its allure, I’m happy to share it with all of you.
Spring in Japan is a beautiful season with cherry blossoms adorning the country, but there’s another lesser-known flower: hana-momo, or flowering peach. Originating from China, it’s equally enchanting and cultivated in Japan since the Edo period.
The video I’ve selected from YouTube is right here.
Tourist Attractions and Activities
Spring in Japan is a charming season when cherry blossoms and plum blossoms bloom throughout the country, but there is another equally enchanting and lesser-known flower: the hana-momo (Prunus persica), or flowering peach.
This flower blooms around the same time as cherry blossoms and originated in China. It was brought to Japan during the Edo period for ornamental purposes, and since then, many beautiful varieties of hana-momo have been cultivated, making it a enjoyable addition to Japanese springtime.
While there are many places in Japan where you can admire hana-momo, there are also lesser-known spots where this flower is incorporated into the daily lives of local residents. One such spot is the mountainous region in Niyodogawa Town, Kochi Prefecture, where many hana-momo trees flourish.
Let me introduce you to another hana-momo viewing spot, which is the Kuki district on the way to Kami-Kuki. Hana-momo trees can be seen here from late March to early April.
About 2 kilometers further from Kuki is Kami-Kuki, where around mid-April, approximately 1,000 hana-momo trees bloom. Visitors can leave National Route 33, cross an old suspension bridge, and follow a narrow road to see traditional houses and villages surrounded by lively white and pink flowers.
Lastly, I’d like to recommend another location where you can see a scenic spot of approximately 100 peach trees in full bloom on a slope. This spot can be enjoyed from the Drive-in Hikichi Bridge along National Route 33 that connects Kochi and Matsuyama. The best time to see the blossoms at this spot is usually from late March to early April.
In addition to these places, there are many other hana-momo spots throughout Japan. For example, in the Oonan-cho village in Shimane Prefecture, over 2,000 hana-momo trees are planted, and visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll while admiring the flowers in early April.
Hanamiyama in Fukushima City is another spot where hana-momo blooms brightly from early April to early May.
Finally, in Achi Village, Nagano Prefecture, National Route 256 is known as the “Hana-Momo Highway,” where pink and white hana-momo can be enjoyed from April to May.
If you want to see hana-momo flowers in real-time, it is recommended to check the local tourism association’s website to confirm the latest information on viewing spots and best viewing times.
Culture, History, and Traditions
Japan’s tradition of cherry blossom viewing dates back to ancient times and has been well documented, including Emperor Saga’s famous cherry blossom viewing party in 812.
Since the Edo period, flowering peach, originating from China, has been introduced to Japan and cultivated through numerous improvements, resulting in a variety of stunning blossoms in shades of pink, red, and white, commonly used as ornamental trees in gardens.
Local residents in this region have been planting and nurturing trees for over 15 years, resulting in a beautiful array of blooming trees in spring that is sure to delight any traveler.
Nestled in a mountainous area between Kochi City and Matsuyama City in Ehime Prefecture, this region has a rich history of agriculture, including tea, tomatoes, and ferns grown on steep slopes. The area also boasts several valleys that clean the water flowing into the river, creating a unique bluish-green color called “Niyodo Blue.”
Additionally, the region preserves traditional cultural events, including festivals with a history of over 800 years.
Along the national road, travelers can discover small alleyways and old-style Japanese houses that have remained unchanged, offering a glimpse into Japan’s unique charm.
Dining Guide
Kochi Prefecture is known for its bonito, but it’s not the only seafood available. There are also numerous dishes made with other types of seafood, along with a diverse range of local delicacies featuring mountain vegetables that are exclusively found in Kochi . I suggest trying out these unique dishes that you won’t find anywhere else in Japan.
As I mentioned earlier, Niyodogawa Town is a region where the town is spread out along mountain roads, and there are only a limited number of restaurants available.
However, you can still savor traditional Japanese cuisine there. If you want to indulge in Kochi’s wide array of local foods, I suggest searching for restaurants in the city center, such as Kochi City.
Accommodation
There are several accommodation options available in Niyodogawa Town.
Traditional Japanese inns and guesthouses are available, as well as a unique lodging option called “Shimonano-sato” which uses a former school building and provides a remarkably affordable stay.
For a more luxurious experience, you can enjoy hot springs at the upscale Yunomori lodging located in the nearby Nakatsu Gorge.
If you can read Japanese or are using a browser with a translation feature, you can find other nearby lodging options on the website of the Niyodogawa Town Tourism Association.
Transportation
To reach Kuki and Kamikuki in Niyodogawa Town, Kochi Prefecture, you can take a route from Kochi City, the prefectural capital, passing through Sakawa Town.
There are two options for traveling to downtown Kochi City from different areas. The first is to take the airport shuttle bus from Kochi Airport to Kochi Station. The second option is to take the train.
From Kochi Station
From Kochi Station, take the JR for approximately 30 minutes at a cost of around 600 yen to arrive at Sakawa Station.
Then, take a local bus heading towards Kawado for about 30 minutes at a cost of around 900 yen to reach Niyodogawa Town. If you plan to visit the Hikichi-bashi Drive-In, alight at the Hikichi-bashi bus stop.
For those visiting Kuki or Kamikuki, the Tosaa-inou bus stop is the most convenient, and you can simply walk to your destination from there. The walk from Tosaa-inou bus stop to Kamikuki is about 3 kilometers along a narrow mountain road and will take approximately 40 minutes to an hour.
Please wear comfortable shoes, and be aware that traffic congestion may occur during the peach blossom season due to the narrow roads.
Important Considerations for Bus Travel
Please be advised that local buses operate only about 4 times a day and may not run on holidays and Sundays. It is highly recommended to thoroughly check the schedule in advance before visiting. Regrettably, the local bus timetable is only available on the Japanese website.
Budget and Transportation Tips
Foreign tourists can save money on travel expenses by using the JAPAN RAIL PASS to travel to Kochi Prefecture from various parts of Japan.
While it is possible to use a taxi to travel from Sakawa Town to Niyodogawa Town, during the peach blossom season, the roads can be congested, resulting in significantly higher taxi fares.
Renting a car is another option, but the roads are narrow and can only accommodate one car at a time. Additionally, some roads may become one-way during this season. Therefore, if you are not accustomed to driving in Japan, it is recommended that you use public transportation.
Weather Guide
Kochi Prefecture is a pleasant region, with average temperatures ranging from 4 to 20 degrees Celsius between March and April.
To ensure comfort, please adjust your clothing accordingly, as mornings and evenings can feel chilly due to the temperature difference. In this season, there may be rainfall for about one-third of the month, so be sure not to forget to bring an umbrella or a raincoat.
While the stunning contrast between the peach blossoms and the blue sky is an charming scene, the misty mountains and peach blossoms on a rainy day also offer a enchanting and authentically Japanese landscape.
Remember to check the weather forecast before heading out to see the peach blossoms.