Shinhidaka, Hokkaido
Shizunai Nijukken Cherry Blossom Road Driving through spring in Shizunai, with cherry trees lining the road ahead
In May, I head for Shizunai's cherry-lined road, which runs for about 7km. I'll tell you about the morning drive, a stop to look up at the blossoms, and the pleasure of choosing a spring-only yokan.
On a clear May morning with cherry blossoms in bloom, I drove along Nijukken Road as it stretched ahead, then stopped and looked up at the blossoms on nearby branches. I enjoyed both the rows of cherry trees extending into the distance and the little flowers up close.
SpringA clear May morning with the cherry blossoms in bloom
Driving through spring in Shizunai, with cherry trees lining the road ahead
One morning, my friend and I came to the Nijukken Road in Shizunai, where the straight road stretched out ahead of us. I held the wheel with both hands and kept my eyes on the road. Cherry trees bursting with spring blossoms lined both sides. Unlike my usual drives, where part of the fun is looking for the next bend, here the road stretching straight ahead became part of the fun.
The cherry trees stood a little way back from the road, leaving a wide sweep of sky above it. The breeze brushed the collar of my white jacket, and I felt the spring air on my cheeks. I took it slow, saving a proper look at the flowers for after I parked. I was looking forward to enjoying the scene from the car and again on foot.
Once we left the car and walked beside the tree-lined road, the blossoms that had looked far away were suddenly right in front of us. I looked up at the tips of the branches, then down at the path, then on to the next tree. My friend and I kept saying, "They just keep going, don't they?" and before I knew it, even our walking pace had slowed. It felt right to take our time over the flowers today.
The straight, cherry-lined stretch runs for about 7km and has more than 2,000 cherry trees. Its name, Nijukken Road, comes from its width: 20 ken (about 36m) from side to side. It was originally a route for Imperial visits to the Imperial Ranch, and the cherry trees were transplanted here over the three years starting in 1916. There's a long history behind the spring road I'm looking at now.
Looking at the trees one by one, I noticed how differently their branches spread, even though they'd all looked alike from a distance. My friend stopped a little ahead, and I walked over to join her. After marveling at how long the road was, I could slow down and study the little blossoms up close. I think coming by car let me enjoy both.
For a spring treat in Shinhidaka, I'd choose "Sakura Saku," a spring-only yokan from Yagi Confectionery. It's made with a layer of cherry blossom yokan on top of Mitsuishi yokan. I like being able to enjoy the cherry blossoms in a sweet, too. When I have a slice at home, I think I'll remember that straight road from the morning.
The story sections are fiction inspired by this location. For accurate information, please consult official tourism and information websites.
Local specialty
Sakura Saku
A spring-only yokan from Yagi Confectionery, with a layer of cherry blossom yokan on top of Mitsuishi yokan. I'd love to pair it with a spring trip.
Highlights
A cherry-lined road about 7km long
After the drive, I'd love to walk and see the blossoms up close, too.
Where the Nijukken name comes from
The name refers to the road's width of about 36m. It once served as a route for Imperial visits to the Imperial Ranch.
Road and location details
Shizunai Nijukken Cherry Blossom Road
- Length of the straight cherry-lined stretch
- About 7km
- The width that gave Nijukken Road its name
- About 36m
The second figure is the road's width from side to side, which gave Nijukken Road its name.
If I walk among the trees after driving, I think I'll remember even the blossoms at the ends of the branches.
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