Cherry Blossoms and the Shibata Sakura Festival
A Spectacular Spring Landscape
From early to late April, the annual Shibata Sakura Festival attracts more than 200,000 visitors from Miyagi and other parts of Japan.
During the cherry blossom season, the park becomes a vibrant destination filled with blooming trees. One of the most memorable experiences is walking beneath the cherry blossoms and enjoying the views across the surrounding landscape.
The park’s cherry trees are especially impressive when viewed together with the rows of cherry trees along the Shiroishi River. The combination creates an expansive spring landscape that is one of the highlights of southern Miyagi.
The 305-Meter Slope Car
A popular attraction has been the Shibata Town Funaoka Castle Ruins Park Slope Car, a 305-meter elevated vehicle connecting the hillside with the summit.
The journey takes approximately 3 minutes and 40 seconds one way. From the windows, passengers can look down over the cherry trees and seasonal flowers as they travel toward the summit.
However, the slope car has been out of service since summer 2024 because of equipment problems. It was also scheduled to remain out of operation during the 2025 Shibata Sakura Festival. Visitors should check the latest operating information before planning to use it.
Flowers to Enjoy Throughout the Year
More Than Cherry Blossoms
Although Funaoka Castle Ruins Park is particularly famous for its spring cherry blossoms, the park offers seasonal scenery throughout the year.
Hydrangeas add color in early summer, while red spider lilies create a striking autumn display. The park also features an open garden created and maintained by local residents, allowing visitors to enjoy a variety of flowers in different seasons.
This community involvement gives the park a welcoming atmosphere and reflects the connection between the local residents and the landscape.
Momiji no Ki Has Not Been Forgotten Observation Deck
The Momiji no Ki Has Not Been Forgotten Observation Deck offers another scenic viewpoint within the park. It is associated with the camphor tree featured in the novel Momiji no Ki wa Nokotta by Japanese novelist Yamamoto Shūgorō.
From the observation deck, visitors can enjoy the surrounding scenery while also learning about the literary connection between the area and the famous historical novel.
Funaoka Peace Kannon — A Symbol of Shibata Town
A 24-Meter Statue Overlooking the Town
Standing on the summit of the park is the impressive 24-meter-tall Funaoka Peace Kannon, one of the symbols of Shibata Town.
The statue was built in 1975 by Tokusaburo Noguchi, a local resident, using his own funds. He established the statue in memory of his late wife and as a prayer for world peace.
The concrete Kannon statue holds a dove, a symbol of peace, in its hands. Its elevated position makes it a prominent landmark and an important feature of the park.
Visitors were once able to enter the interior of the statue, but access has been suspended for safety reasons since the Great East Japan Earthquake of 2011.
Community Garden “Hana no Oka Shibata”
A Garden Created by Local Residents
To the south of the Kannon statue plaza is the Hana no Oka Shibata Community Garden.
The garden has been designed and maintained by residents of Shibata Town. More than 100 varieties of flowers, including tulips and roses, bloom throughout the grounds.
Because the flowers change with the seasons, the garden offers something different each time visitors return. It is also a pleasant place to slow down and enjoy the landscape away from the busier cherry blossom areas.
The History of Funaoka Castle
A Castle in an Important Strategic Location
Funaoka Castle, also known as Shiho-yakata, was a mountain castle located in an area that had long been an important transportation and strategic hub.
The castle site occupies a naturally advantageous position between the Shiroishi River to the south and the Arakawa River to the north. Its location was important not only from a military perspective but also for transportation and economic activity.
Around the 16th century, the site became the residence of the Shibata clan, retainers of the powerful Date family. During the Edo period, the Harada clan also lived here.
The Kanbun Incident
In 1671, the Harada clan was brought to an end following the Kanbun Incident, also known as the Date Disturbance, a major political dispute within the Sendai Domain.
Afterward, the Shibata clan again occupied the site. The castle buildings eventually disappeared, but the historic grounds were preserved by local residents and later developed into the public park that visitors can explore today.
A Brief Historical Timeline
Around 1200: The site was used as a residence by the Shibata clan.
16th century: The Shibata clan, retainers of the Date family, established its residence here.
1615: Harada Munemasa took up residence at Funaoka Castle.
1671: The Harada clan was abolished following the Kanbun Incident.
1970: Interest in the site increased following the broadcast of the NHK historical drama Momiji no Ki wa Nokotta.
1990: Funaoka Castle Ruins Park was selected as one of Japan’s Top 100 Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots.
2004: The park was selected as one of the 36 Scenic Views of Miyagi Zao.
Panoramic Views from the Summit
Views of the Zao Mountains and Pacific Ocean
The summit of Funaoka Castle Ruins Park provides expansive views across the surrounding region.
On clear days, visitors can see the Zao Mountain Range and look toward the Pacific Ocean. During spring, the combination of blooming cherry trees and distant mountains creates an especially memorable view.
The elevated location also helps visitors understand why this site was historically valuable as a castle and defensive position.
Access to Funaoka Castle Ruins Park
By Train
The park is approximately a 10-minute walk from Funaoka Station on the JR Tohoku Main Line.
This convenient access makes the park relatively easy to include in a sightseeing trip through southern Miyagi, particularly during the cherry blossom season.
By Car
The park is approximately 11 km from Murata Interchange and about 12 km from Shiroishi Interchange on the Tohoku Expressway.
It is also approximately 14 km from either Iwanuma Interchange or Watari Interchange on the Sendai-Tobu Expressway.
Parking
Parking at the park is normally available free of charge. During the Shibata Sakura Festival, however, some parking areas may charge a fee, and temporary parking areas are established to accommodate the large number of visitors.
Enjoy the Four Seasons at Funaoka Castle Ruins Park
Funaoka Castle Ruins Park combines cherry blossoms, seasonal flowers, history, and spectacular scenery in one destination. Its approximately 1,000 cherry trees make it one of Miyagi’s most memorable spring attractions, while the nearby Hitome Senbonzakura creates an even larger cherry blossom landscape along the Shiroishi River.
Beyond the famous spring scenery, visitors can explore the former castle site, admire the Funaoka Peace Kannon, walk through the community garden, and enjoy views of the Zao Mountains and Pacific Ocean.
For international travelers interested in Japanese cherry blossoms, samurai history, traditional Japanese landscapes, and seasonal sightseeing, Funaoka Castle Ruins Park offers a chance to experience several aspects of Miyagi’s culture and natural beauty in a single visit.