Hanamomo no Sato

Earthly paradise view spot

The Ouchizawa area of Higashichichibu village is nicknamed "an earthly paradise" due to the stunning scenery in spring. Hanamomo no Sato is a lookout tower on top of a hill within the valley, that affords a panoramic view of the valley. The area is worth a visit all year round for a gentle hike, but it is particularly resplendent in spring when the prunus are in bloom. The area has hundreds of peach blossoms which color the hills in pink from late March to early April on an average year, but this year they bloomed much earlier than normal. There is a car park beside the lookout tower. It costs 300 yen per car per day. It runs on the honor system - you pop the money into a box beside the public toilets in the car park. There is also a vending machine beside the toilets.