Walking on a Cherry Blossom Carpet with My Dog at Nagayu Onsen Shidare-zakura no Sato

Located in the Nagayu Onsen area of Taketa City, Oita Prefecture, “Nagayu Onsen Shidare-zakura no Sato” (The Weeping Cherry Village) is an irresistible spot for flower lovers, where an entire mountainside is blanketed in cherry blossoms. Spanning about 30,000 tsubo (roughly the size of two Tokyo Domes), the site is home to approximately 2,600 cherry trees of six different varieties. From March to April, these varieties bloom in succession, offering a long and beautiful season.

On the day of our visit, the weather was unfortunately rainy. When we arrived at the parking lot, a gentle drizzle tapped against the windshield, and the air felt a bit chilly. Elmo was fidgety, clearly wanting to get out, but he kept glancing at me as if asking, “Are we not going yet?” while listening to the sound of the rain.

Since we had come all the way to Taketa City, we decided to wait in the car for the rain to let up. Looking through the wipers, I could see that the weeping cherries were likely past their peak bloom. Even so, the slopes were dyed in shades of pale pink, and my excitement began to build—I realized that this mood had its own unique charm.

Before long, the rain turned into a light mist. “Alright, Elmo, let’s go!” I said as I grabbed his leash. Elmo wagged his tail and spun in circles at my feet. It was a bit cold, but I hoped the weather might mean fewer crowds and an easier walk. With that, we headed toward the entrance of Shidare-zakura no Sato.

A Stroll with Elmo After the Rain | The Petal Carpet Was Beyond My Expectations

As we entered the park just as the rain settled, the first thing that caught my eye was the ground, completely covered in cherry petals.

While the flowers remaining on the trees were indeed past their peak, the ground was spectacular. Soft layers of pink and white petals had accumulated, making it feel as though we were walking on a literal “cherry blossom carpet.”

Elmo seemed to find the soft ground quite pleasant; his pace was lighter than usual as he trotted along, sniffing everything. He leaned his nose down, taking his time to investigate the scent of the blossoms mixed with the damp earth. The post-rain air was misty and still, and because the petals were clinging gently to the damp ground, they didn’t blow away, making for a very comfortable walk.

Rows of cherry trees lined the slopes, with deep pink varieties interspersed among the lighter ones, creating a colorful landscape of mixed early and late bloomers. While the “fluffy” look of full bloom is wonderful, I honestly felt that this gradation—unique to the later part of the season—was just as lovely.

Thanks to the rain, the sky was overcast, but that meant there were fewer people. I appreciated not having to worry too much about crowds when taking photos. I ended up squatting down countless times to capture shots of Elmo against the backdrop of the cherry-lined paths.

Points for Dog Owners: Soft Ground and Spacious Fields—But Mind Your Manners

Nagayu Onsen Shidare-zakura no Sato is incredibly spacious. With many areas located on slopes, even a leisurely walk feels like a bit of light exercise. Elmo and I trekked along, feeling like we were on a mini mountain hike.

The ground consists mostly of grass and soil rather than hard asphalt, which seemed very comfortable for Elmo. Even after the rain, it wasn’t so muddy that we couldn’t walk; instead, it felt soft and cushioned. However, there were a few muddy patches, so I’d say a towel is a must for dogs with white fur or those whose paws get dirty easily.

Despite the rain, I saw quite a few other dog owners, which made me realize just how popular this spot is. The park is very welcoming to pets—their official social media explicitly states they are pet-friendly—so the atmosphere is very relaxed for those visiting with dogs.

Because of that, I felt once again that good manners are essential:

• Never let go of the leash.
• Keep a respectful distance when passing other dogs.
• Always pick up after your pet.
• Be mindful not to wander into the frames of other people taking photos.

Elmo tends to get a bit excited when he sees other dogs, so when passing others, I moved to the edge of the path and kept him on a short lead. Even on a rainy day, there was a fair amount of people, so I imagine it gets quite lively on a sunny weekend.

Food Stalls and a Quick Break: A Cozy Spot to Warm Up

One highlight of the day was the presence of a few food stalls. Just as the rain was starting to make me feel a bit chilled, a warm, savory aroma wafted toward me, and I found myself naturally drawn to it.

There was a tent serving yakisoba, light snacks, and hot drinks. Other visitors were also taking a breather there after viewing the flowers. The warmth of the hot drink cup against my cold fingertips felt incredibly soothing.

I gave Elmo some treats I had brought along while I recharged my own energy with some stall food. Having something small to eat is surprisingly important when you’re out with a dog; it really boosts the human’s mood! While it wasn’t a massive festival-scale setup, I was genuinely grateful they were open despite the rain. Snacking lightly while looking at the cherry blossoms before heading back out with Elmo—that relaxed pace was very pleasant.

Worth It Even Beyond Peak Bloom—Looking Forward to a Return Trip with Elmo

This visit to Nagayu Onsen Shidare-zakura no Sato wasn’t exactly “perfect” in terms of conditions:

• It was rainy and a bit cold.
• The cherry blossoms were slightly past their peak.

Despite that, it was a trip that left me feeling truly glad I came. While looking at the trees made me think, “It must have been even more breathtaking a few days ago,” the carpet of petals at our feet and the misty, damp scenery of the slopes were sights I could only have experienced on a day like this.

Elmo seemed to enjoy walking on the soft ground, and I was surprised by the park’s popularity even in the rain. Thanks to the dog-friendly atmosphere, I was able to enjoy a long, peaceful walk without worry.

Next time, I hope to time it perfectly with the full bloom for a “revenge” trip with Elmo. I’m already excited about the different scenery and the expressions I’ll be able to capture then.

If you’re looking for a dog-friendly outing near Taketa City, Oita, I highly recommend “Nagayu Onsen Shidare-zakura no Sato.” It’s enjoyable even on a rainy day, and above all, the experience of wandering across those wide, cherry-covered slopes with your dog is something special.