The Nijukken Road is one of Japan’s best places to see cherry blossoms in their full glory. The seven-kilometer straight section of the road is flanked by 3,000 beautifully blooming cherry trees in spring. In early May, the Shizunai Cherry Blossom Festival is held, attracting as many as 200,000 visitors from across Japan.
During the festival, Ryuunkaku, an elegant guest house built in a palace style in 1909, is open to the public. It was previously used to host members of the Japanese imperial family and other dignitaries. Even now, it houses national treasures such as furniture and harnesses used by imperial family members.