Sho-kawa Cherry Blossoms and Asuka Heritage Site Implement New Parking Reservations in Japan

The town of Sho‑kawa (荘川町) announced that its cherry‑blossom park opened in late April 2026 (Reiwa 8) with visitor information on limited restrooms, traffic guidance by guards, and a warning about a bear sighting near the second parking area. The park will be illuminated each year from May 3‑5.

Following the UNESCO World Heritage registration of the “Asuka‑Fujiwara Imperial Capital,” Asuka village in Nara Prefecture will introduce a reservation‑only system for tourist‑bus parking at several lots, beginning in August and running as a pilot until March 2027. The scheme includes specific time slots, fees of 3,000 yen per bus, cash‑only payment, and a similar reservation system for short‑term stops.

Both initiatives aim to manage visitor flow and protect local attractions during peak tourism periods.