The cherry trees surrounding the Nagahama Castle Museum of History are in full bloom in spring, with approximately 600 cherry trees in full bloom at once. This location has been selected as one of the 100 best cherry blossom viewing spots in Japan, and the view from the Nagahama Castle keep (observatory) is spectacular, like a sea of cherry blossoms. Also, during the period of the festival, the castle is illuminated at night for several days to coincide with the blooming of the cherry blossoms.