Nara City Tourism Association

Flowing through Nara City and Yamatokoriyama City, the Saho River is a famous cherry blossom viewing spot. Along the river is a magnificent avenue of cherry trees that is lively with many visitors during cherry blossom viewing season. The cherry trees along the Saho River are said to date from the end of the Edo Period (1603–1868) when the Nara City Magistrate Kawaji Toshiakira had them planted there. Every year from late March to early April, the Saho River Kawaji Sakura Festival is held in the area between the Shimochokei Bridge and JR Sahogawa Bridge, and the cherry trees are illuminated at nighttime during this period. The sight of the cherry blossoms reflected on the river’s surface at night is truly mystical.

*Light-up from sunset until 8 p.m.