Experience Japan's Famous Keio Cherry Blossom on a Unique Agricultural Tour in Nishikawa Town

Discover the Magic of Keio Cherry Blossoms in Nishikawa Town

On April 18 and 19, 2026, Hibiya Kadan, in collaboration with Nishikawa Town in Yamagata Prefecture, will hold the 3rd Agriculture Tour centered around the famous Keio cherry blossoms, boasting a satisfaction rate of 96%. This unique event will offer participants an intimate experience with the cherry blossoms and the stunning natural setting of Nishikawa Town, renowned for its picturesque rice paddies and lush landscapes.

A Cultivated Partnership for Regional Revitalization

Hibiya Kadan, a leader in floral arrangements and related services, has been forging connections between urban consumers and rural producers since the establishment of a comprehensive partnership agreement with Nishikawa Town in February 2024. This ongoing collaboration aims to promote local development through floral and tree cultivation, sales, and experiential learning. The Agri Tour has become a hallmark of their efforts, successfully attracting urban visitors to the town with a combination of floral beauty and local cuisine. Previous surveys have highlighted participants' appreciation for experiencing areas not typically accessible to tourists and hearing directly from local producers, reinforcing the tour's charm beyond a standard sightseeing trip.

The Allure of Keio Cherry Blossoms

Keio cherry blossoms are celebrated for their early blooms that herald the arrival of spring. Yamagata Prefecture proudly leads Japan in producing these unique flowers. Unlike the typical cherry tree varieties, Keio cherry trees have slender branches adorned with delicate, light pink flowers that bloom in clusters. Since the 1960s, Nishikawa has been cultivating these blossoms using a traditional forcing technique, allowing for delightful spring festivals even in the coldest months.

Experience a Full Weekend of Exploration

Participants in the Agri Tour can look forward to a fully immersive two-day experience, aptly themed 'Chasing the Signs of Spring.' Travelers will get to wander through 14 hectares of cherry blossom cultivation, all powered by the pristine waters of the nearby Mt. Gassan.

Tour Highlights Include:

- Floral Arrangement Workshop: Guests will have the unique opportunity to select their own cherry blossom branches for a hands-on arrangement experience, guided by expert florists.
- Seasonal Culinary Delights: Participants will delight in local cuisine, including dishes paired with regional wines and sake. A particularly popular feature is the chance to harvest wild vegetables and enjoy fresh tempura made from their finds.

Itinerary Overview:

- Day 1:

- Gather at Yamagata Station
- Lunch at 'Niku Soba and Drinking Place Matsu'
- Visit to Mt. Gassan Lake
- Winery tour and tasting session
- Dinner at 'Sansai Ryori Tamaki'
- Overnight at Shizu Spa with 'Henwakusui no Yu'

- Day 2:

- Foraging for mountain vegetables around the accommodation
- Cherry blossom farm visit and blossom picking experience
- Lunch featuring mountain vegetable tempura at 'Kawadoi-tei'
- Cherry blossom arrangement workshop
- Visit to Nishikawa Roadside Station
- Conclusion at Yamagata Station

Explore Nishikawa’s Cherry Blossom Fair

Additionally, from February 3-9, 2026, Hibiya Kadan will hold a special Keio cherry blossom fair showcasing about 14,000 cherry trees in their stores across Tokyo and neighbouring prefectures. During this period, customers will experience a taste of spring and can order directly from the renowned online shop.

Exclusive Online Sales

Hibiya Kadan is also offering limited sales of their curated Keio cherry blossoms online. Customers can bring the beauty of Nishikawa’s blooms straight to their homes, ensuring that everyone can experience the essence of spring even from afar.

Conclusion

The 3rd Nishikawa Town Keio Cherry Blossom Agri Tour presents a unique opportunity to explore the beauty of nature, enjoy local flavors, and create lasting memories that celebrate the arrival of spring. Join us in this enriching journey to connect with the heart of Japan's floral heritage.

About Hibiya Kadan

Founded in 1872, Hibiya Kadan has expanded to about 190 locations nationwide, emphasizing community collaboration, wedding floral arrangements, corporate floral services, and various aspects of green living through floral artistry and local engagements.
Visit the official website for more details: Hibiya Kadan

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