Why You Should Visit
The 12th edition of Sumaura Park's cherry blossom event, offering both daytime seaside blossoms and one of the Kansai region's largest night illumination shows. New this year: lantern ceiling with cherry projection mapping, a light waterfall 'Niagara Wall,' and the crescent moon photo spot 'Moonlight Chair.' Food trucks and special menus from SUMA Terrace also available. Free admission.
Essentials
- location
- Sumaura Park West Area & Sumaura Sanjo Amusement Park
- period
- March 31, 2026 (Tue) - April 9, 2026 (Thu)
- Time
- Daytime cherry blossoms: All day
Night illumination: 18:00–21:00 - cost
- Free (some attractions at Sumaura Sanjo Amusement Park are paid)
- access
- Directly from Sanyo Electric Railway 'Suma-ura Koen Station.' One stop from JR Suma Station via Sanyo Railway (approx. 3 min). Approx. 40 minutes direct from Kobe Sannomiya via Sanyo Railway.
- NOTE
- Night illumination runs 18:00–21:00. New this year: Lantern Ceiling × Cherry Projection Mapping, Niagara Wall (light waterfall), Moonlight Chair (crescent moon photo spot). Food available 13:00–21:00. Event may be modified or cancelled depending on cherry blossom conditions or severe weather. Check Sanyo Railway's official website for latest info.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an admission fee?
What time does the night illumination start?
How do I get there?
LOCAL UPDATES
Local Updates
Suma-ura Park
Suma-ura Park: Things to See & Do
Suma-ura Park stretches along the Suma coastline in Kobe, with cherry blossoms visible right from the train platform. Around 1,000 cherry trees bloom on the hillside above the Seto Inland Sea, making it one of Kobe's premier hanami spots. The area is also historically significant as a site of the Genpei War, with monuments like Atsumori's Tomb dotting the grounds.
1,000 Cherry Trees & Seto Inland Sea
Cherry blossoms cascading down the hillside with panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea beyond — a uniquely Kobe combination.
Atsumori Sakura Night Illumination
The annual Atsumori Sakura event features projection mapping and cherry blossom illuminations from 18:00–21:00 each spring. The nighttime atmosphere is completely different from daytime.
Ropeway & Car-levator
Access the summit amusement park via ropeway or the unique 'car-levator.' The observatory offers views stretching from Kobe city to the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge.
Suma-ura Park: Photo Spots & Tips
Best Shots
- — Capture the Seto Inland Sea through cherry blossoms from the station platform (wide-angle recommended)
- — Full panorama of the hillside covered in cherry blossoms
- — Night cherry blossoms with projection mapping during Atsumori Sakura event
Best Timing
- — Cherry blossom peak: late March to early April (varies by year)
- — Golden hour with the sea glowing orange creates stunning backdrops
Weekends during cherry blossom season are very crowded. Early morning, weekdays, or evening during the Atsumori Sakura event offer a more relaxed experience. Summit attractions may close due to weather.
Suma-ura Park: Access, Hours & Fees
- Opening Hours
- Park: Open 24 hours (free area)
Suma-ura Summit Park: 10:00–17:30 (seasonal/weather dependent)
Atsumori Sakura illumination period: until 21:00 - cost
- Park entry: Free
*Additional fees apply for mountain facilities such as the ropeway and car-levator. Please check the official website for details. - Best Time
- Late March to early April for cherry blossoms. The Atsumori Sakura event offers both daytime and nighttime experiences.
- Suggested Duration
- About 2 hours
- Access
- Directly from Sanyo Electric Railway 'Suma-ura Koen Station.' One stop from JR Suma Station via Sanyo Railway (approx. 3 min). Approx. 40 minutes direct from Kobe Sannomiya via Sanyo Railway.
- Accessibility
- Directly from Sanyo Electric Railway Suma-ura Koen Station. Ropeway to the summit departs from within the park. The park has many slopes and stairs; comfortable shoes recommended.
Nearby Spots
We present captivating tourist attractions in the surrounding area.
Suma Rikyu Park
*The park will be closed between January 15 and January 23, 2026 for scheduled inspection and maintenance. A park with a European palace-like atmosphere. Features a fountain plaza and seasonal flowers. Autumn leaves are at their best from mid to late November. Annual pass (¥900) grants access to three parks including Forest Botanical Garden and Sorakuen Garden.
Kobe Suma Sea World
Opened on June 1, 2024, Kobe Suma Sea World in Suma-ku, Kobe is a large-scale aquarium featuring the only orca performance in western Japan, dolphin shows, and marine life exhibits.
Tainohata Yakuyoke Hachimangu Shrine
Taibata Yakuyoke Hachimangu Shrine is revered as Japan’s oldest sacred site for warding off misfortune. Known affectionately as “Taibata no Yakujin,” it has long been a place of prayer for protection, health, and good fortune.
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