Achi Village in Nagano Prefecture is known throughout Japan as the best place to view the country’s most beautiful starry skies. But did you know that this starlit village also offers another breathtaking sight each spring?

Each hanamomo (flowering peach tree) blooms in shades of red, white, and pink on the same branch, creating a beautiful gradient of colors. Around 10,000 hanamomo trees have been planted across Achi Village, transforming the area into a vibrant, dreamlike landscape—like a scene from paradise.
In this article, we’ll introduce the village’s main attraction, Hanamomo-no-Sato, as well as the Hirugami Onsen area—your perfect base for exploring the blossoms—and the best ways to enjoy your stay in springtime Achi.

Hanamomo-no-Sato: Japan’s Very Own Peach Blossom Paradise

Hanamomo-no-Sato in Achi Village, Nagano Prefecture, is renowned as one of Japan's premier destinations for flowering peach trees. Thousands of trees line the gentle slopes for several kilometers, their red, white, and pink petals blending into mesmerizing color gradients—every angle a perfect photo opportunity.

The hanamomo season usually runs from mid-April to early May. During this time, the Hanamomo Festival is held, featuring local produce, regional specialties, and lively food stalls. In 2025, the festival took place from April 12 to May 6. (Dates vary each year, so be sure to check the latest official information before your visit.)

If you’re visiting by car, there’s a large paid parking lot conveniently located near the Sonohara IC exit on the Chuo Expressway. Traffic can be heavy on weekends and during peak bloom, so plan to arrive early. Guests staying in nearby Hirugami Onsen can take advantage of the convenient Hanamomo Bus (reservation required, paid service), which runs twice daily—morning and afternoon.

Hirugami Onsen

When visiting Achi Village in spring, the hanamomo blossoms are the main attraction. While Hanamomo-no-Sato is the best-known viewing spot, flowering peach trees can be found throughout Achi Village—about 10,000 in total—turning the entire area into a vibrant canvas of spring colors.

As a base for exploring Achi, Hirugami Onsen is highly recommended. The hot spring waters are known as bihada-no-yu, or beauty-enhancing hot springs, leaving your skin soft and hydrated—making it one of Japan's most beloved onsen destinations.

Surrounded by mountains, Hirugami Onsen offers a peaceful rural atmosphere. Each morning, a local morning market is held, where visitors can browse seasonal produce and handmade foods while chatting with friendly locals. Staying overnight at a traditional onsen inn and strolling through the morning market offers a wonderful glimpse into everyday countryside life in Japan.

Many hanamomo trees are planted along the Achi River and throughout the onsen town, allowing visitors to enjoy the colors of spring with just a short stroll from their inn.

At night, Hirugami Onsen transforms into the gateway to Japan’s most beautiful starry sky. The popular Starry Sky Night Tour at Heavens Sonohara offers expert-led stargazing under an unspoiled night sky filled with twinkling constellations. With hanamomo by day and stars by night, you can experience Japan’s natural beauty around the clock.

How to Make the Most of Your Stay in Hirugami Onsen

To make the most of your time in Hirugami Onsen, take advantage of the area’s unique attractions and experiences that let you soak in both the beauty of nature and Japan’s culture.

A must-do in Achi is the Tenku no Rakuen (Paradise in the Sky) Night Tour

At an elevation of 1,400 meters, the summit of Heavens Sonohara is free from artificial light, revealing a dazzling canopy of stars. Ride the lift to the top, lie back, and gaze up at the vast, glittering sky—an unforgettable experience in Japan’s countryside. Real-time multilingual star commentary is available via smartphone audio.

If you’d like to enjoy a bit of light hiking, head to Fujimidai Kogen Plateau, accessible by lift and mountain bus from Heavens Sonohara. The round-trip trail to the plateau takes about two hours and offers sweeping views of both the Southern and Central Japanese Alps.

For a deeper connection with Japan’s history, take a short trip from Hirugami Onsen to explore the Nakasendo post towns, which once linked Edo (Modern-day Tokyo) and Kyoto. With their stone-paved streets and preserved Edo-period architecture, towns like Magome-juku and Tsumago-juku feel like a step back in time and are especially popular among international visitors. Now that the Misaka Smart IC has opened, the drive from Magome-juku to Achi takes only about 20 minutes.

Wrap-up

While cherry blossoms are Japan's most famous spring flower, the vivid colors of hanamomo are just as stunning, giving travelers a fresh perspective on Japan's springtime beauty.
Base yourself in Hirugami Onsen, join the Tenku no Rakuen Night Tour, and capture the spectacular views of Hanamomo-no-Sato. Beyond what we’ve introduced here, Achi offers even more to discover—from riverboat rides and fruit picking to scenic hikes and historical walks—making it a destination full of endless charm.