Yamanaka Kei

Overview

Located near the border of Osaka and Wakayama prefectures, Yamanaka Kei in Sakainanshi City, Osaka Prefecture, thrived as a post town on the Kishu Kaido highway during the Edo period, serving the Kishu Tokugawa clan's journeys to and from Edo (present-day Tokyo). Until the mid-Showa period, it prospered as a hot spring resort town. However, the number of visitors later declined. To revitalize the area and restore its natural beauty around the old townscape of the Kishu Kaido in Yamanaka Kei, local residents began planting cherry trees along the Yamanaka River in the 1960s. Today, approximately 1,000 magnificent cherry trees line the riverbanks, drawing numerous hanami (cherry blossom viewing) visitors and significantly contributing to the area's revitalization. Approximately 1,000 Someiyoshino and Yamazakura cherry trees create a stunning display. Peak bloom is around late March to mid-April. At night, the blossoms are dramatically illuminated. The annual 'Yamanaka Kei Cherry Blossom Festival' is held at Wanpaku Kingdom, featuring a variety of exciting events. Easily accessible from Yamanaka Kei Station on the JR Hanwa Line, it's a must-see destination!