in Matsumoto City, Nagano
Koboyama Tumulus is a kofun burial mound located in Matsumoto City in Nagano. It is estimated to have been built sometime in the 3rd or 4th century. The inhabitant of the tomb is not known; however, it is speculated to have been an important warlord. Kofun burial mounds can be found all over Japan. They were built as a sign of wealth and power by old lords during the Kofun period. The Koboyama Tumulus is the oldest on in eastern Japan. It is 60 meters tall and over 66 meters long. There are over 2,000 cherry blossom trees of different varieties that have been planted on the hill since the 1980s by the locals. Each year many people visit during spring to see the cherry blossoms at Koboyama Tumulus. It is a popular spot for hanami or flower viewing!
My Experience
We visited the Koboyama Tumulus in the 2nd week of April. The cherry blossoms were almost at their peak. We were very fortunate to visit on such a sunny day. It was a little difficult finding parking as the parking lot for the park is closed on weekends during cherry blossom season. We had to park a little far and walk, since there weren't very many parking lots in the area either. There are two paths to get up the hill. We took the back one to go up. The back path is mostly paved and is less steep than the path through the hill. It took maybe about 20 minutes for us to reach the top.
From the top, you can see a stunning view of the city as well as the Minami Alps in the distance. The cherry blossom trees at the top were so beautiful! They apparently have somei yoshino, yaezakura, and shidarezakura trees on the hill, so you can see a variety of pink and white blossoms. There were many people picnicking and taking pictures at the top! We took the front trail down the hill which goes directly through the trees. Some parts of the trail are a bit steep so we had to be careful! There were also many people picnicking on the sides of the hill as well in the grassy areas. The hill and the forest of cherry blossoms was so serene and peaceful! I can see why it is a popular place to come for hanami! The tumulus is truly an amazing site to see especially from far away. You can see the hill completely covered in blossoms!
Address
2-1000 Namiyanagi, Matsumoto, Nagano 390-0822
Access
Matsumoto Station - 45 minute walk
Koboyama Iriguchi Bus Stop - 1 minute walk
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