For those living in or visiting Niigata Prefecture during sakura season, one of the region's best spots to explore is the Kajikawachisui Memorial Park. Cherry blossom trees line both sides of the Kaji River, numbering around 2000 in total, and various events are held at the park while the trees are in bloom.
While the 2000 cherry trees there now are still a sight to behold, the number of them once sat around the 6000 mark. Flooding in the area during 1966 and 1967 caused damage to almost all of the trees due to their river proximity, and eventually they had to be cut down. Restoration projects have taken place since then to return the area to its former glory, and the sakura trees growing there today are planted a little further from the riverbanks to prevent a repeat of that situation.
Typically, the best time to catch the sakura trees at their peak is from early to mid April. This year, the park hosted an illumination event from 6 pm until 9 pm daily, allowing visitors to appreciate the blossoms well into the evening.
Even outside of sakura season, the park is a pleasant place to visit. The wide, spacious walkways make it an ideal destination for jogging, cycling, or pushing children in a stroller, and you'll often see young families out and about enjoying the nature here.
