The cherry blossoms at the Matsusaka Castle Ruins will soon be in peak bloom! Enjoy around 250 cherry blossom trees at an evening illumination from 6 pm to 9 pm nightly from March 27 to April 10, 2026. 

You can also grab a bite to eat from food trucks and booths at the second bailey of the castle ruins from Friday, March 27 to Sunday, March 29.

Yozakura, or enjoying cherry blossoms in the evening, is part of hanami, a tradition of appreciating flowers during their peak blooming season. The hanami custom in Japan is believed to have begun as early as the eighth century and eventually expanded to include evening flower viewing. Today, popular cherry blossom spots around the country hold night illuminations during the full bloom season to continue the long tradition of hanami and add variety to the flower-viewing experience.

After the sun sets, the illuminated flowers appear suspended in the dark night sky at this beautiful historic site in Mie Prefecture.

Summary

Cherry Blossom Night Illumination 2026
Where: Matsusaka Castle Ruins (Open in Google Maps)
When: Friday, March 27 – Friday, April 10, 2026 @ 6 pm – 9 pm nightly 
Entry fees: Free
Getting there:
-    On foot: 15 min walk from Matsusaka Station
-    By bus: Take a Mie Kotsu or Suzunone Bus and get off at the Shiyakusho-mae (City Hall) stop
-    By car: 15 min drive from the Matsusaka Interchange on the Ise Highway, park at the Matsusaka Municipal Parking Lot

*Photos are from the 2025 season.