〈cancel〉Enjoy the avenue of cherry blossoms illuminated at night: Saho River Kawaji Sakura Festival

※Unauthorized reproduction of images on this page is prohibited

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.

Related articles

Nara for first-timers - a thorough guide to Nara City, from history, highlights, and the popular, to hidden gems! Recommended sightseeing spots, gourmet food, access information, and more.
Nara for first-timers - a thorough guide to Nara City, from history, highlights, and the popular, to hidden gems! Recommended sightseeing spots, gourmet food, access information, and more.
https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/feature/narashi
Information on Nara's cherry blossom season in 2025
Information on Nara's cherry blossom season in 2025
https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/feature/cherryblossoms

General Information

Event period
March 29 - April 7, 2024
Event remarks

Saho River

Recommended

Recommended articles

Why are there deer in Nara Park? Learn how to interact with them, tourist etiquette, and historical background.
Why are there deer in Nara Park? Learn how to interact with them, tourist etiquette, and historical background.
https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/feature/deer
All About the Great Buddha
All About the Great Buddha
https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/feature/daibutsu
Nara's World Heritage Sites
Nara's World Heritage Sites
https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/feature/world-heritage
A selection of 21 recommended gourmet foods in Nara. Featuring a range from classics to local specialties and famous products, popular sweets!
A selection of 21 recommended gourmet foods in Nara. Featuring a range from classics to local specialties and famous products, popular sweets!
https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/feature/gourmet
All about the highlights of Naramachi, which has retained traces from Edo, Meiji, and post-war periods.
All about the highlights of Naramachi, which has retained traces from Edo, Meiji, and post-war periods.
https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/feature/naramachi
Nara for first-timers - a thorough guide to Nara City, from history, highlights, and the popular, to hidden gems! Recommended sightseeing spots, gourmet food, access information, and more.
Nara for first-timers - a thorough guide to Nara City, from history, highlights, and the popular, to hidden gems! Recommended sightseeing spots, gourmet food, access information, and more.
https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/feature/narashi
Find out all about the attractions of Nara Park, from recommended ways to go around it, to the gourmet highlights and accommodations nearby.
Find out all about the attractions of Nara Park, from recommended ways to go around it, to the gourmet highlights and accommodations nearby.
https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/feature/narapark
Information on Nara's cherry blossom season in 2025
Information on Nara's cherry blossom season in 2025
https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/feature/cherryblossoms
The Four Seasons in Nara
The Four Seasons in Nara
https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/feature/seasons
Takigi O-Noh: A mysterious world lit by firelight
Takigi O-Noh: A mysterious world lit by firelight
https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/feature/takigiono

Nearby Sightseeing Spots

You Might Also Like

Information on Nara's cherry blossom season in 2025
Information on Nara's cherry blossom season in 2025
https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/feature/cherryblossoms
Nara Park
Nara Park
https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/spot/detail_10089.html
Recommended Cherry Blossom Spots in Nara City
Recommended Cherry Blossom Spots in Nara City
https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/feature/sakuraspotinnara
The Four Seasons in Nara
The Four Seasons in Nara
https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/feature/seasons
Nara Light-Up Promenade: A Glimpse of World Heritage by Night
Nara Light-Up Promenade: A Glimpse of World Heritage by Night
https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/spot/detail_10191.html
Nara for first-timers - a thorough guide to Nara City, from history, highlights, and the popular, to hidden gems! Recommended sightseeing spots, gourmet food, access information, and more.
Nara for first-timers - a thorough guide to Nara City, from history, highlights, and the popular, to hidden gems! Recommended sightseeing spots, gourmet food, access information, and more.
https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/feature/narashi
Tsukigase Plum Creek Tenjin Plum Grove
Tsukigase Plum Creek Tenjin Plum Grove
https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/spot/detail_10109.html
Summer Deer Gathering 'Shikayose'/Tobihino
Summer Deer Gathering 'Shikayose'/Tobihino
https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/spot/detail_10255.html
The Museum of Yamato Bunkakan
The Museum of Yamato Bunkakan
https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/spot/detail_10038.html
Takigi O-Noh: A mysterious world lit by firelight
Takigi O-Noh: A mysterious world lit by firelight
https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/feature/takigiono
to top