Kaizu-Osaki: 4 beautiful Cherry Tree Promenade

Kaizu Osaki: A 4km cherry blossom tunnel along the shore of Lake Biwa
The area is full of magnificent nature of Oku-Biwa Lake throughout the year, and is popular as a comfortable driving and cycling course. In addition, from the Kaizu east exit, a nature promenade "Omiumi no Be no Michi" is maintained, so you can enjoy a pleasant walk.

Kaizu Osaki, one of the eight views of Lake Biwa

Kaizuosaki is a shore reef area jutting out into Lake Biwa located in Makino-cho, Takashima City, Shiga Prefecture. This is one of the most scenic spots in Lake Biwa National Park, and it is one of Biwako Hakkei (Eight Views of Lake Biwa), counted as "Gyomu (morning mist) / Kaizuosaki no Gansho (rocks)". On the edge of the cape where the cliff approaches the lake, there is the Osaki-ji temple of the Shingon Sect.

About 800 Cherry Trees at Kaizu Osaki

In spring, about 800 splendid Yoshino cherry trees, from the old cherry tree over 80 years old to the young tree that will be passed on to the next generation, extend for about 4 km on the shore of Lake Biwa. Every year, the best time to see it is from early April to mid-April, and it is known as a late-flowering cherry blossom spot in the Kansai region. Lake Biwa's best reef, the lake's greenery, the view of Chikubu Island in the distance, and the exquisite contrast of the scenery are beautiful no matter how many times you see, and it is crowded with many visitors every year. In order to pass on this beautiful scenery to future generations, the local "Beautiful Makino and Sakuramori Association" is also working on conservation activities.

Kaizu Osaki is mysterious in the early morning

Many visitors and photographers visit every year to take a best shot. Even in the early morning, even before six o'clock, a lot of photographers have already set up tripods on the roadside.
If you don't like a crowd, it is recommended staying an inn from the day before. Morning fog often occurs, and you can enjoy the mysterious views of Lake Biwa and Yoshino cherry tree in the early morning.
Tourists from all over Japan come to see the cherry blossoms of Kaizu Osaki at a glance. Therefore, it must be the most luxurious way of viewing cherry blossoms in a kayak or canoe and watch the cherry blossoms from Lake Biwa.

A cherry-blossom viewing boat is also operating

Even if you don't have your own boat or kayak, there is still a way to enjoy the cherry blossoms of Kaizu Osaki from Lake Biwa. Ride a "Cherry-blossom viewing pleasure boat Kirari" from Makino Sunny Beach in front of Villa Sansui, which the pink flag is a landmark.
The route is about 60 minutes from and to Makino Sunny Beach-Osaki-Nihonmatsu. Now, there are several cherry blossom viewing boats in Kaizu Osaki.

Hiking leisurely on the promenade while watching the cherry blossoms

Many cherry blossoms are near the bus stop, and it is so crowded with many people. However, if you walk northwards while watching the cherry blossoms, people become sparse, so you can enjoy the cherry blossoms relatively calmly and slowly.
If you have enough time, please walk not only near the bus stop but also to the the Osaki-ji Temple. Walking and viewing the beautiful cherry blossoms will be so exciting!

The end of promenade: Osaki-ji Temple

The scenery of the lake shore changes as you walk. There are beaches with lots of round pebbles and rugged reefs protruding, and the expression of various watersides is one of the pleasures that are not limited to cherry blossoms. After a 30-minute walk along the 2km long promenade, a tunnel appears in front of you, and a sightseeing boat dock can be seen on the lake shore, which is the end of the promenade.
Sure to stop by Osaki-ji Temple. The view of Lake Biwa from the observatory of this temple, which is located slightly high up the stairs, is worth a look.

《Access》

Access is good on foot or by shuttle bus or community bus. During the cherry blossom time, you can ride on a "flower viewing bus" which you can get on and off as many times as you like. There is also a shuttle bus between Makino station and Kaizu Osaki Exit. It is also fun to rent a bicycle at Makino station.
From Makino Station to the entrance of promenade, it takes about 30 minutes on foot.

《About flowering time》

It usually blooms around April 3 for about 10 days in the normal year. Of course, it is natural, so it fluctuates due to the weather and other factors. It is often about one week later than Kyoto city and about three days later than Hikone city.