Spring and Snow in Ina Valley

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In Ina Valley, cherry blossoms cover the area from the beginning to the middle of April while snow still covers the mountains. Ina Valley is a great place to enjoy Spring and Snow at the same time.

Takato Castle Site Park

Takato Castle Site Park in Ina City is certified as “The Best 100 Cherry Blossom Viewing Sites in Japan”. Cherry trees of “Takato-kohigan-zakura” in this park are more than 1,500, and the oldest trees are about 130 years old. The “Takato-kohigan-zakura” is a unique cherry variety found only here in the world, and the petal is a little smaller and more distinctly pink than another famous cherry blossoms. Visitors can enjoy them with the background of the snowy mountains of the Central Alps.

Kozenji Temple

Kozenji Temple is a very old temple in Komagane City, and one of the largest temples in Nagano Prefecture. This temple is surrounded by cedar trees of several hundred years old, and over 70 weeping cherry trees dot the premises.

During mid- to late April, Kozenji Temple holds nightly illuminations for its weeping cherry blossoms. Spotlights light up the trees, showing off their petals.

This temple is also famous for its luminous moss. They grow between the stone walls heading towards the entrance path. The sight of the luminous moss reflecting the sunlight is splendid.