Higashine: Cherries, Kannon and places to play

Cherries, special places of worship and a variety of places to play give Higashine a character all its own. The city can be explored through different interests: its cherry-growing tradition comes to life at events, while Kannon sites and cultural venues offer other points of interest. When planning a trip, you can start by considering which of these experiences appeals to you most.

Cherry traditions in motion

The Higashine Cherry Marathon route passes through orchards in early summer, when the cherries begin to ripen. Every year, many runners from across Japan take part. The race combines a sporting event with cherry season and the orchard landscape. Another cherry-themed event is the cherry-pit-spitting competition held in Higashine. The city is the birthplace of Sato Nishiki, a cherry variety known as the “queen of cherries.”

Kannon sites and stories passed down through generations

Kurotori Kannon is the 19th stop on the Mogami 33 Kannon pilgrimage route. The site is also known for its Mukasari wedding votive plaques, which are attached closely together to the walls and ceiling. The plaques give the site a distinctive appearance and make it a point of interest for travelers interested in religious traditions. The numbering also places Kurotori Kannon within a larger pilgrimage route, rather than leaving it to stand alone.

Another religious tradition is associated with Maria Kannon: a wooden image of Mary holding the infant Jesus, passed down as a hidden worship statue at Ryusenji Temple. According to the tradition, hidden Christians of the Edo period left the statue at the temple while traveling. If you are interested in the history of religious beliefs, this story offers another distinct perspective on Higashine. It remains a tradition passed down through generations; Maria Kannon should not be confused with the Mukasari plaques at Kurotori Kannon.

Natural monument, art and learning

The Higashine Big Keyaki is a large tree on the grounds of Higashine Elementary School. It is designated a Special Natural Monument of Japan, and is estimated to be more than 1,500 years old. Its estimated age and special protected status set the tree apart from the cultural attractions: here, a single tree is the main focus.

Higashine’s cultural venues also have different areas of focus. Higashino Mori is an art and cultural exchange center created through the extensive renovation of the former Higashino-Mori Museum. Manabia Terrace, by contrast, combines the functions of a library, an art museum and a center supporting civic activities. As a facility for information, art, culture and learning, it covers several themes at once. You can therefore tailor your travel interests around art and cultural exchange, learning, or the city’s religious and natural attractions.

Places to play in every season

Higashine Asobia Land offers a wide range of outdoor play options year-round. These include a large net play structure, water play areas, craft and mud-play areas, and a bouncing dome. In winter, there are also snow activities. For families traveling with children, this range of activities is another reason to consider Higashine. Together with the cherry events, Kannon sites and cultural venues, it offers a variety of themes rather than a single focus.

When looking for a vacation rental in Higashine, your personal interests may be the deciding factor.

If you’d like to explore other places, you can find Nan'yō, Takahata, Nishimurayama District, Kaminoyama, Sagae, Mogami District, Tendo and Yamagata here.

For the broader travel overview: Yamagata Prefecture.