No.14 Cherry Blossom Season
It looks like this weekend will be the peak time for cherry blossoms (Sakura) in Ise City. The following pictures of Miyagawa Tsutsumi Park’s cherry trees were taken yesterday (April 6th), but I saw the same trees today—less than 24 hours later—and the blossoms were already much bigger and much more colorful. The warm weather in the last few days has really jump-started the Sakura season!
For me, cherry blossoms have always been a symbol hope and renewal and and reminder that no matter what has happens during the year, spring always comes. I am sure that I am not the only one who feels this way; I think for many Japanese people, whether young or old, this is a magical time of year. And this year, considering the recent earthquake and tsunami and the seemingly endless stream of difficult news from the north, this year’s Sakura season brings a special meaning for many of us.
There are many places people can view cherry blossoms in Ise City. If interested in finding a place to view Sakura, please refer to this site to find more information.
In addition to the many parks and designated areas within Ise City to view Sakura, I personally like to view the many scattered wild cherry trees that dot the hills and mountainsides around the city. To me, they make the whole mountain softer and more colorful. The colorful pink blossoms clearly stand out amongst the many Japanese cedar trees making a usually beautiful scene even more special. If you are visiting Ise City, please take special note of the wild cherry trees along the mountain side to the south of the city. They are a special treat.