"Ota x Ishii DELA LOVER" is a variety show where Bakusho Mondai's Hikari Ota and TV Host Ryoji Ishii delve into the classics of the Tokai region! This time, we announce the ranking of cherry blossom spots in the Tokai region selected by weather forecasters. There are over 100 cherry blossom spots in Aichi, Gifu, and Mie (according to the program's research). Which is the most beautiful place among them? Weather forecasters, who pay the most attention to cherry blossom trends, cast their serious votes! We also introduce exquisite gourmet food at cherry blossom viewing spots.

Nagoya's classic spot that attracts approximately 400,000 people

The 6th place in the "Tokai Region Cherry Blossom Spot Ranking Selected by Weather Forecasters" is Tsuruma Park in Showa Ward, Nagoya City, right after getting off Tsurumai Station. It is a classic cherry blossom spot in Nagoya City that attracts approximately 400,000 people. There are about 750 cherry trees in a large area equivalent to about 5 Vantelin Domes. It has also been selected as one of the "100 Best Cherry Blossom Spots in Japan".

Weather forecasters commented, "It's famous as the best place for cherry blossom viewing. It's a park loved by citizens," and "You can fully enjoy cherry blossom viewing with just one picnic sheet."

During the cherry blossom festival, there are plenty of gourmet options such as food trucks and beer gardens. The illuminations last until 10 PM, so you can enjoy the night cherry blossoms.

According to weather forecaster Shinji Sakurazawa, who has covered cherry blossoms over 100 times, it is "the liveliest cherry blossom viewing spot in the Tokai region."

A recommended gourmet spot near Tsuruma Park is "Tenmusuya Oniten," located about a 1-minute walk from Tsurumai Station, near the park entrance. The first store opened in Osu Shopping Street in 2022, followed by the Tsuruma Park store the next year.

The secret to its popularity is the wide variety of tempura. In addition to shrimp tempura, there are over 10 kinds of freshly made tempura rice balls, including maitake mushrooms, chicken tempura, and pickled plums.

A famous spot since the Edo period! What is "Mikawa no Arashiyama"?

The 5th place in the "Tokai Region Cherry Blossom Spot Ranking Selected by Weather Forecasters" is Sakura Fuchi Park in Shinshiro City, Aichi, about a 1 hour and 15 minute drive from Nagoya City. It is characterized by the emerald green of the valley and the pink of the cherry blossoms, with about 1200 cherry trees. It has a long history, being a famous cherry blossom spot since the Edo period, and is also known as "Arashiyama in Mikawa region".

Weather forecasters commented, "The cherry blossoms, the emerald green color of the river, and the contrast with the red bridge over the river are very beautiful. I recommend taking a rental boat and just gazing at it."

According to Sakurazawa, the elevation is slightly higher than the plains, so the blooming is a few days later than in Nagoya and other areas.

Approximately 130 cherry trees along a 1.4 km stretch

The 4th place in the "Tokai Region Cherry Blossom Spot Ranking Selected by Weather Forecasters" is the "Okansakura Tree-lined Street" in Higashi Ward, Nagoya City, a short walk from Exit 2 of Takaoka Subway Station. Approximately 130 Okansakura trees are planted along a 1.4 km north-south road.

Weather forecasters commented, "The cherry blossoms here bloom the earliest. They bloom facing downwards, so when you look up, you'll say hello to the flowers!"

It all started in 1961 when 16 saplings were planted at the request of local residents who wanted "the earliest blooming cherry blossoms in Nagoya." Among them, the recommended cherry blossom spot is "Bunka no Michi Futabakan." It is a building full of Taisho romance, and when viewed from across the street, the cherry blossoms and the roof are said to be very beautiful.

According to Sakurazawa, "Okansakura (winter cherry blossoms) bloom in the cold season. In 2026, they bloomed from mid-February." After the Okansakura finish blooming, Someiyoshino cherry blossoms will bloom. It is said to be the first place in Nagoya where cherry blossoms can be enjoyed, and where Nagoya's cherry blossom season begins.

A recommended gourmet spot in Higashi Ward is "Terre et Terre," about a 2-minute walk from the Okansakura tree-lined street. It is a popular bakery that has been selected as one of the "Tabelog Hyakumeiten" five times, and currently has three stores. On holidays, people line up for bread.

They are committed to local production for local consumption, and about 40 kinds of bread are always available in the store. The main store in Higashi Ward has an eat-in space on the second floor, so people stop by to enjoy bread after cherry blossom viewing. Their specialty is "Ferme," where homemade custard made with brand eggs from Tokoname City, Aichi, and Hokkaido milk is filled upon order. Other popular items include "Brioche Melon Pan," a French sweet bread brioche topped with crispy cookie dough, and "Perle Craquante," a soft cocoa bread topped with crunchy French chocolate pearls.

The most popular item is the croissant "Salut," which sells over 200 units a day. It is so popular that there are staff members who only make Salut. According to Arata from Terre et Terre, the biggest feature is its unique texture, which is crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside.

To uncover the secret of its crispy and chewy texture, we followed them from 5 AM before opening! First, they sandwich "Yotsuba Butter," made from 100% Hokkaido Tokachi raw milk, between dough kneaded with domestic flour. To make a croissant with over 100 layers, they repeatedly fold and roll out the dough thinly.

If baked as is, it would become a typical croissant with horizontal layers, but the key at Terre et Terre is to turn the cut dough sideways. This way, the surface of the bread has layers of not only dough but also dough and butter, creating the crispy and chewy texture.

The 2nd place in the "Tokai Region Cherry Blossom Spot Ranking Selected by Weather Forecasters" was a tie between "Yamazaki River" in Nagoya City and "Neodani Usuzumi-zakura" in Motosu City, Gifu, and the 1st place was "Gojo River" in Inuyama City, Aichi!

Kairaku Park with its undulating terrain that makes the cherry blossoms stand out

Sakurazawa's recommended cherry blossom spot is also Kairaku Park in Tsu City, Mie, which has about 1000 cherry trees.

According to Sakurazawa, it was originally a lord's garden and villa, which was renovated. It is an undulating, three-dimensional park, so the cherry blossoms stand out.

From CBC TV "Deraraba" broadcast on April 8, 2026