Hitome Senbonzakura (View of a Thousand Cherry Trees) along the Shiroishi Riverbank

Along the Shiroishi River, which flows through Ogawara Town, is the Hitome Senbonzakura, literally translated as a "view of a thousand cherry trees," which continues for about eight kilometers up to the neighboring town of Shibata. The "sakura tunnel" of about 1,200 cherry trees here is over 90 years old. During the cherry blossom season (early to mid April), the view of snow-covered peaks of the Zao Mountain range and many cherry trees in full bloom are reflected in the clear river, creating exquisite harmony. The town has been certified as one of the 100 best places to view cherry blossoms by the Japan Cherry Blossom Association and as one of the 100 best places to walk and see cherry blossoms by the Yomiuri Shimbun newspaper. Today, the town attracts many people from all over Japan as well as from the town who want to enjoy the cherry blossoms.