Hikawa Riverbank

About 800 somei-yoshino trees line a two-kilometer stretch of the Hii River embankment in Kisuki, Unnan, making this one of Japan's officially designated top 100 cherry blossom viewing spots. At peak bloom in late March to early April, the canopy of pale pink reflects in the calm water below, doubling the effect. The trees are illuminated at night during bloom season, casting a soft glow across the river. The flat riverbank path is easy to walk, and compared to city hanami crowds, the atmosphere here is genuinely relaxed. Early morning light on the reflections is particularly worth setting an alarm for.