Nagoya Castle is known as one of Japans greatest castles, alongside Himeji and Kumamoto Castles.
The founder of the shogun government that ruled Japan over roughly 265 years from the beginning of the 17th century, Tokugawa Leyasu.
The rooms on the first through the fifth floors are used to display art treasures that escaped the fires during the war, while the seventh floor serves as a scenic observatory. In the display rooms are exhibited some pieces of fusama-e(paintings on sliding doors) and ceiling-panel paintings.
The castle is at its most beautiful in cherry blossom season when many somei yoshino trees, several weeping cherry trees and small numbers of less commonly seen cherry tree varities are in bloom around the pleasant park and along the moats of the castle.
Nara Park is a historical park surrounding Todai-ji Temple, Kofuku-ji Temple and Shoso-in Repositiry.
Constructed in the Temple Period, it spreads over a vast area of lush and green landscape. Herds of deer are renowned there as the holy messengers of Kasuga-taisha Shrine, and are placed under careful protection. The park has about 1,7-- cherry trees of various kind, including Narayea-zakura and Kokonoe-zakura. It also offers a number of scenic spots, such as Sagi Pond, the food of Mt. Wakakusa, the remains of To-do Tower, the Kofuku-ji Temple are, Ara Pond, Kasugano-enchi, and the Todai-ji Temple area. Be sure to allow enough time for strolling here.
Maruyama Park is the oldest park in Kyoto and is renowned for its huge weeping cherry trees, best viewed at night. Beginning in the early April the illuminated trees always attract scores of people. Cherry blossom season continues through April, as trees on the mountainside start to blossom while the park's trees fade to green.
You can also explore the Philosopher's Path which is a walking track from Ginkaku-ji Temple to Wakaoji-jinja Shrine, to see a vista of cherry blossoms on both sides of the river path from Lake Biwa-ko. The cherry blossom petals floating on the water add to what is already a beautiful and atmospheric walk between the historic monuments such as Ginkaku-ji Temple, Honen-in Shrine, and Eikan-do Temle.
The season of magnificant autumn tints is also a lovely time to stroll along the Philosopher's Path.
Senkoji Park is a scenic spot for cherry trees located at the back of Onomichi Station, spreading from the top to the hillside of Mt.Senkoji. The park was built in 1894 by the chief priest of Senko-ji Temple. There are nearly 10,000 cherry trees here, mainly comprising Somei-yoshino, but also including weeping cherry trees and sato-zakura. In April, from the observation platfrom on the top of the mountain, you can enjoy a splendid landscape over the town of Onomichi and the islands of the Inland Sea. Also located there are the City Art Museum, Bungaku-no-komichi, and an amusement park, making the park vey popular, especially for visitors with children.