There is the castle town called “Takato” located in Ina city which is in the middle of south Alps and central Alps of Japan; the southern part of Nagano prefecture. In April, Takato-kohigan-Sakura (Cerasus subhirtella) in Tokato-joshi park will be full-bloomed. It is going to be a wonderful scenery of beautiful pink flowers and alps that still has snow on the top of the mountains in the background. The festival called “Shinshu Ina Takato Sakura Matsuri in 2017” is going to be held from April 1^st to 30^th, which is the best season for those beautiful flowers.

There are about 1500 numbers of trees that are from about 60 to 140 years old in Takato-Joshi Park. If it is an older tree, the colors of flowers tend to be darker. This area, called Inadani, has a high rate of sunny days during the year, and this helps to make the colors of flowers get deeper. Takato-Higan-Sakura (Cerasus subhirtella) has relatively smaller and stronger pink color than Somei Yoshino (Prunus yedoensis) which is the typical kind of cherry blossom tree’s that most people think of. That’s why the scenery of full-bloomed flowers in Takato-Joshi park is beautiful and different. There is the bridge called “Ouunkyo” in the park. You should compare the view from both of on top and under the bridge. I would recommend to enjoy the view close from the bridge.

You can experience riding in an air balloon that has Arukuma’s picture, which is the Nagano prefecture’s local character on it for the first time this year. It is a rare chance to see cherry blossoms spreading like a rug on the ground, so you shouldn’t miss it. From April 5^th to 7^th, and from the 10^th to the 14^th, you can start riding the air balloon at the parking lot in Takato-joshi Park. The ticket office is open from 8:00 to 8:30AM, and the ticket will be only sold on that day. It will be about a five hour ride. It will be 2400 yen for over 12 years old, 1800yen for 6 to 11year’s old, 500yen for 2 to 5 year’s old. Under 11 year’s old must be accompanied by an adult. It might be canceled due to the weather.

Ina city, Nagano prefecture is full of attractions especially in spring. You should visit there to enjoy seeing the spring.

■Information

Event Schedule：From April 1^st to 30^th in 2017

Hours：8:00AM to 5:00PM

*The light-up event starts April 2^nd till the flowers fall. The light-up start from sunset to 10:00PM.

Admission：500yen for general

250yen for elementary and middle schooler

This only charge you after an official announcement that the cherry trees are in bloom till the flower fall.

Parking ticket：700yen for general

200yen for motorcycle or scooter

Access：

25 minutes’ bus ride from JR Iida line, Ina-shi station, get off the Takato station bus stop, and walk about 15 minutes to get to the Takato-Joshi Park.

About 50 minutes’ drive on Route 152 from Chuo Expressway, Suwa Interchange, or about 30 minutes’ drive on Route 361 from Chuo Expressway, Ina Interchange.

Call for inquiries：Ina city tourism Assosiation TEL.0265-78-4111 (Ina city Office)

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