Nagano Suzaka Wolong Park Cherry Blossom Festival debuts in 2026! 600 cherry blossoms x nighttime cherry lights x free shuttle buses are a must-visit in spring!

If you want to avoid the crowds in Tokyo and Osaka when you go cherry blossom viewing in Japan in spring, you may want to turn your attention to Nagano Prefecture. Wolong Park (臥龍公園), located in Suzaka City, has been selected as one of the "100 Famous Cherry Blossom Spots in Japan" and attracts a large number of tourists every spring, and from April 1st to April 19th, 2026, it will hold a limited-time "Wolong Park Cherry Blossom Festival," which will combine nighttime cherry blossom lighting, limited-time events, and discounts for the downtown area to create a complete spring travel experience that goes beyond cherry blossom viewing.

About 600 cherry blossoms are planted in the garden, mainly in the colorful Yoshino pond, which together with the water and the natural landscape create a springtime scene with a Japanese flavor. The bright cherry blossoms during the day and the dreamy reflections on the water at night make for an unforgettable experience.

A dreamy view of approximately 600 cherry blossoms x water reflection

The most unique feature of Wolong Park is the combination of cherry blossoms and water features. Around the Dragon Pond in the park, there are about 160 cherry blossoms, and when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, the sea of pink blossoms intertwines with the reflections on the water surface, creating a picturesque scene.

During the daytime, you can enjoy the layers of cherry blossoms in the sunlight, while at night, when the lights are lit, the cherry blossoms are illuminated with soft shadows, which are even more romantic when they are reflected on the surface of the water. This different atmosphere between day and night is one of the attractions of Wolong Park.

Night Cherry Blossom Lighting: 18:00～22:00 Limited Romantic Hours

During the best cherry blossom viewing period, the park will be illuminated at night from 18:00 to 22:00 daily. The lighting design emphasizes the interaction between the cherry blossoms and the water, giving the whole park a dreamy and tranquil night view.

The actual lighting period may be adjusted according to the blooming condition, so we recommend checking the latest information before shipment.

Remembering Carter: Cherry Blossom Viewing and City Touring

A special feature of the Cherry Blossom Festival is the "Memory Card" with discounts. By paying a parking license fee, you will receive a souvenir card that entitles you to discounts or service privileges at partner stores in Susaka City.

This design allows travelers to not only enjoy the cherry blossoms in the park, but also extend their trip to the city to experience local food and stores, creating a more complete travel experience.

Free Shuttle Bus: Convenient transportation to and from shopping centers

To ease the crowds during cherry blossom viewing, free shuttle buses will be provided during the event to connect Aeon Dream Mall Suzaka and Wolong Park.

Run dates: April 11, April 12
Route: Aeon Dreamland Suzaka ⇔ Wolong Park
Fee: Free

It is a very convenient transportation option for travelers who do not drive.

Parent-Child Friendly Parks: Zoos and Amusement Rides

Wolong Park is not only a cherry blossom viewing spot, but also a comprehensive park popular with local families. There is a small zoo and amusement facilities in the park, making it a great place for families to visit.

Visitors can also enjoy cherry blossoms on the pond by boat and experience the spring scenery from different angles. Inside the park, you can also enjoy local specialties, such as the all-black "Black Kanto" and Japanese-style dumplings, which make cherry blossom viewing even more fun.

Event Information

Event: Wolong Park Cherry Blossom Festival
Event Period: April 1 - April 19, 2026
Night lighting: 18:00～22:00 (adjusted according to blooming conditions)

Parking Assistance Gold:
Ordinary car: 1,000 yen
Bus: 5,000 yen
Time: 7:00～21:30

※ On weekends, it is recommended to use the parking lot of the City Hall (free of charge) to avoid the crowds.

Transportation

By car: About 10 minutes from the Nagano Higashi Interchange in Suzaka.
By Train: 20-minute walk from Suzaka Station on the Nagano Line of the Nagano Dentetsu.

Conclusion: Hidden Places for Cherry Blossom Viewing in Spring in Nagano

The Wolong Park Cherry Blossom Festival combines cherry blossoms, water features, nighttime cherry blossom lighting, and city promotions, making it a cherry blossom viewing spot where you can enjoy nature and local culture at the same time. If you are looking for a less crowded but equally beautiful cherry blossom viewing spot, this is a great spring destination.