A Springtime Sakura Journey Along the Tarumi Line

🌸 A Springtime Sakura Journey Along the Tarumi Line 🌸

When spring arrives, the view from the Tarumi Railway transforms into a sea of pink. The stretch from Tanigumiguchi Station to Tarumi Station is adorned with blooming Somei Yoshino and wild cherry blossoms. The sight of the train slowly passing through tunnels of flowers feels like a scene straight out of a storybook.

One of the highlights is the area around Usuzumi Sakura Park. Here stands the "Usuzumi Sakura," a national natural monument said to be over 1,500 years old. When in full bloom, it creates a breathtaking view alongside the surrounding cherry blossom trees. In the quiet morning hours, the crisp mountain air, chirping birds, and even the sound of the train form a harmonious springtime symphony.

From the train window, you'll see cherry blossoms along the river, solitary trees blooming in the countryside, and flowers blooming beside small, unmanned station platforms. If you step off the train, you'll encounter flower beds lovingly maintained by locals, as well as warm hospitality in the form of sakura mochi and amazake at local tea shops.

📍 Tips for Visiting
• Best viewing period: Late March to early April
• The Usuzumi Sakura changes color from pale pink to white to light gray as it blooms, offering different expressions depending on the timing.
• Recommended photo spots: Around Tanigumiguchi Station and Kochibora Station
• Trains run every 1–2 hours, so check the timetable in advance

🚃 Recommended Stops Along the Tarumi Line

1. Around Motosu Station
• Roadside Station Oribe no Sato Motosu
True to Motosu's reputation as a pottery town, this station features Oribe ware and local crafts. Seasonal vegetables and local delicacies are also available, with sakura-themed sweets making an appearance in spring.

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2. Kochibora Station
• Riverside Cherry Blossom Path
Just steps from this unmanned station, a hidden gem of cherry blossoms lines the river. It's a popular spot for railway enthusiasts to capture photos of trains framed by cherry blossoms.

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3. Tanigumiguchi Station
• Tanigumisan Kegonji Temple
A 10-minute bus ride from the station. The spring scenery of cherry blossoms along the temple's approach is stunning, with Somei Yoshino and weeping cherry trees blooming together. Don't miss the yomogi kusa mochi in the temple town.

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4. Takashina Station
• Furuta Shokin Memorial Hall
A small museum dedicated to philosopher Furuta Shokin. The peaceful environment includes a garden where cherry blossoms bloom in season.

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5. Tarumi Station
• Usuzumi Sakura Park
Home to the "Usuzumi Sakura," a national natural monument over 1,500 years old. The tree's blossoms change color as they bloom and fall, creating a mystical sight. Local food stalls also set up shop in the park.

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🌸 Small Joys Along the Way
• Enjoy a bento on the bench of an unmanned station for a quiet moment unique to local railways
• Try sakura mochi or gohei mochi at sweet shops along the route
• A telephoto lens is handy for capturing trains and cherry blossoms together

🌸 Tarumi Line 1-Day Sakura Train Journey Model Course

9:00 Start at Motosu Station
• Make a morning stop at Roadside Station Oribe no Sato Motosu.
Pick up sakura dorayaki (cherry blossom pancakes) and local vegetables as souvenirs. About a 5-minute walk from the station.

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10:00 Kochibora Station (Cherry Blossoms at the Unmanned Station)
• The moment you step off the train, you'll see cherry blossoms lining the river.
This time of day offers the best lighting for photos with the train in the background.

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11:00 Tanigumiguchi Station → Bus to Tanigumisan Kegonji Temple
• A stunning display of Somei Yoshino and weeping cherry blossoms along the temple's approach.
• Enjoy the famous yomogi kusa mochi as a snack in the temple town.
Stay: About 1.5 hours

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13:00 Takashina Station (A Quiet Philosophical Stroll)
• The garden of the Furuta Shokin Memorial Hall also features small cherry blossoms.
A peaceful retreat away from the hustle and bustle of tourist spots.

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14:30 Arrive at Tarumi Station → Usuzumi Sakura Park
• A 10-minute walk from the Tarumi Line's final station.
If the 1,500-year-old Usuzumi Sakura is in full bloom, you'll be awed by its branches covered in flowers.
• Take a break with sakura ice cream or local soba noodles from the park's food stalls.

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16:30 Enjoy Cherry Blossoms from the Train Window on the Way Back
• On the return trip, relax and admire the cherry blossom-lined scenery bathed in the afternoon light from the Tarumi Line's windows.

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🌟 Model Course Highlights
• Seats on the right side of the train offer better views of cherry blossoms and mountain landscapes on many sections
• Check the timetable in advance, as trains between Motosu and Tanigumiguchi run every 1–2 hours, allowing for leisurely stops
• Visit Tanigumisan Kegonji Temple during the cherry blossom festival to enjoy the illuminated blossoms at night