A leisurely boat ride through a tunnel of cherry blossoms in Ogaki city in Gifu prefecture

Cherry blossom viewing or Hanami often involves admiring the blossoms in a park or having a picnic/party.

It is normally packed with people and having to fight your way through crowds at the park. If you prefer something quiet and away from the crowds, how about a boat trip? There is a chance for you to experience hanami cruise in Ogaki city in Gifu prefecture.

Ogaki city is only 30 minutes from Nagoya station by train and nicknamed as “City of Water” because famous for its pristine spring water due to flows of the nearby river Kiso, Nagara and Ibi.

This time of the year, the city offers a boat river cruise through a tunnel of cherry blossoms in Suimon river.

The view from the boat is amazing.

The cherry trees’ boughs arch over the canal, creating a white-and-pink canopy.

Some are more like willows, with long strands of blossoms hanging over the water.

The water is very clean and clear as it is named the “City of Water”, you can see many Koi fishes swimming through the long leaves of water plants.

It is so peaceful and a real pleasure to see.

About 30 minutes boat trip take us down to a little museum dedicated to Basyo who is a famous 17th century haiku master.

Open space in front of the museum offers some snacks and drinks.

You can enjoy famous local sweets called “Mizu Manjyu”, the jelly like appearance sweets using Ogaki’s spring water is delicious and great with Japanese tea.

Another spot to enjoy cherry blossom is Ogaki castle stands nearby.

The park is situated next to the castle and hundreds of people are walking around and looking at flowers.

Here is another chance to buy food and visit some souvenir vendors.

You can enjoy this old castle town as you slowly return back to Ogaki JR station.

If you want to explore more, why not take a bus to Sunomata castle nearby.

About one thousand cherry trees are planted along the river.

Cherry blossom are short-lived and considered to be symbolic of the transience of life, as the fragile blossoms are only in bloom for a week or so.

The arrival of the hanami season is much anticipated event, and TV news shows and newspaper feature a forecast when and where the flowers are expected to be in full bloom.

People who go to view the hanami plan their visit well in advance.

The boat trip runs only limited time and seats are soon be filled.

If you are interested, I would recommend you to book well in advance to avoid disappointment.

I really enjoyed this boat trip.

The water is so clear and I enjoyed its quiet and tranquil relaxing atmosphere unlike any other cherry blossom viewing places which can be noisier and rather busy.

Would you like to try? Is it too late?

Then, why don’t you try a boat trip in May.

The boat runs through same river but you can enjoy freshly grown green leaves instead of cherry blossom and ride on Taru or wooden circle boat just like people did 400 years ago back in the Edo period.

By Lysalver

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