Mt.Omine Tochidaira CherryForest
Mt. Omine is a 399 meter high peak in the Kushigata mountain range, the smallest range in Japan. It's a famous spot for hill cherry blossoms, and in 1934 the Tochidaira Sakura Jurin cherry forest was designated a National Natural Monument. There are over 40 varieties of cherry tree here, including North Japanese hill cherry, Kasumi-zakura cherry, and Okuchoji cherry, which can be differentiated as they spread up from midmountain to the peak. Some trees are naturally produced hybrids, and in spring they paint the mountain surface in a snowy blanket of petals. There is a well maintained trail up to the observation deck, and it's a popular hiking course from early spring into autumn.