Reading time: about 5 minutes
Hello.
Every spring, I somehow feel like,
“I should go see the cherry blossoms.”
I’m not sure if it’s obligation or instinct.
This time, I visited the Oimatsuda area in Kanagawa,
specifically a place called Harukimichi in Minamiashigara.
Of course, I went there with my Shiba Inu, Momiji.
To be honest, when I hear “cherry blossom festival,”
I usually expect crowds and exhaustion.
But this place felt different.
So today, I’d like to share that experience honestly.
The atmosphere of the day might come across better in the video. Feel free to watch. ▶ もみじの様子も含めて動画はこちら（YouTube）
Who This Is For
- People interested in cherry blossom spots around Oimatsuda or Minamiashigara
- Those who want to enjoy sakura with their dog
- Travelers who prefer feeling the atmosphere of a place rather than just sightseeing
- Anyone who doesn’t want to mess up parking (this really matters)
Conclusion
I realized something simple.
Cherry blossoms actually have a scent.
Before You Go (Access Info)
If you’re planning to visit,
let me share the important details first.
Harukimichi and Shiawase Road run along the Kari River,
with 171 “Harumeki Sakura” trees lined on both sides.
During March 20–22, 2026,
there are food trucks, small stalls, and night illuminations.
You can sit on the riverbank and enjoy the view.
One important thing:
The free parking lot is at Tsujishita Ground.
Parking on the street or at nearby shops is strictly prohibited.
There’s also a loop bus from Daiyuzan Station
running between 10:00 and 16:00.
And me?
Well… I didn’t know about the free parking
and ended up paying for parking.
Yeah… that hurt a little. (laughs)
📍Google Maps: FUJIFILM Tsujishita Ground
📍Google Maps: Harukimichi Walkway
Walking Along the Riverbank
The moment I saw the festival banners,
I could feel the atmosphere change.
Pink and white flags swaying in the wind,
people walking underneath them.
Then I reached the riverbank—
rows of cherry trees stretching far into the distance.
These are called Harumeki Sakura,
a variety developed in Minamiashigara.
And they have a unique feature:
They smell sweet.
Unlike Somei Yoshino,
which barely has any scent,
these blossoms gently carry a fragrance.
As I walked, I caught it in the air.
“Ah… so this is what cherry blossoms smell like.”
At over 50 years old,
it was my first time realizing that.
The Meaning Behind the Name
While walking, I noticed a wooden sign:
“Harukimichi.”
It turns out the name comes from Haruki Ei,
the founder of Fujifilm and an honorary citizen of the city.
He lived to 101 years old,
and to honor him, 101 cherry trees were planted.
101 years, 101 trees.
When I learned that,
it somehow touched me.
Knowing the story
makes the same scenery feel different.
The Shrine by the River
Near the cherry trees,
there was a small shrine dedicated to a water deity.
According to the sign,
the Kari River used to flood frequently.
Homes and fields were often damaged,
so people built embankments and prayed for safety.
Even today, those traditions continue.
When you visit as a tourist,
it’s easy to walk past places like this.
But when you stop and read,
you start to see how the land has lived over time.
Standing by the river, surrounded by blossoms,
I found myself thinking about that.
Momiji the Shiba Inu
And Momiji?
She didn’t care about the cherry blossoms at all.
Not even a little.
She just kept looking at the river.
Trying to go down the slope,
focused only on the water.
She greeted other dogs,
then went right back to watching the river.
“Hey Momiji, look—it’s cherry blossoms.”
No response.
But maybe that’s fine.
For her,
the scent of the river is probably more interesting
than the scent of flowers.
And honestly,
that feels kind of right.
Summary
Harukimichi does get crowded,
but the wide riverbank makes it comfortable.
The scent of the blossoms
makes this place a bit special.
And the stories behind the name and the shrine
add depth to the experience.
As for me…
I still regret paying for parking. (laughs)
Next year,
I’ll definitely come back better prepared.
Momiji will probably still be staring at the river.
But that’s okay.
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