Takamatsu: Full Bloom

My cherry blossom reporting in Shikoku continues with a visit to Kagawa Prefecture on the northeastern end of the island. Full bloom was announced in Takamatsu, the prefectural capital, yesterday on April 3. The cherry blossoms I observed today reflected that announcement. Warm and sunny weather is forecast for the next 4-5 days in Takamatsu, and I expect the cherry blossoms to remain at their best through the coming weekend and into next week.

Elsewhere in Japan, the sakura frontline has progressed to the Tohoku Region in the northeastern side of Japan with the opening of the first blossoms announced in Sendai and Fukushima cities as well as in Fukui City in the Hokuriku Region.

About an hour by train from downtown Takamatsu, Kotohiragu Shrine, typically referred to as Kompirasan, is Shikoku's most popular and well-known shrine. There are approximately 3500 cherry trees on the spacious shrine grounds, and one of the most well-known areas to see them is along the approach to the main hall. I observed the cherry trees here to be at full bloom, and expect the blossoms to be at their best through this coming weekend and into next week.

It should be noted that the shrine sits atop a hill, and there are 785 steps to the main hall. Rental walking poles (100 yen per pole) are available at the bottom of the stairs. Those with more time and energy can continue further up the mountain to the inner shrine. It took me about 40 minutes to get to the main hall, and then I turned around to take the path less traveled through the forest back to the station, which took about 30 minutes.

My second and final cherry blossom spot was at Ritsurin Garden in central Takamatsu. This understated and spacious garden is easily one of Japan's most beautiful gardens, and I observed the cherry trees here to be at full bloom as well. I saw many locals enjoying cherry blossom viewing parties (hanami) under the cherry trees, and expect the garden to be even more crowded this coming weekend thanks to the open blossoms and good weather forecast. The cherry blossoms are expected to remain at their best through this coming weekend and into next week.

Until April 6, the garden is illuminated in the evenings from 18:00 to 21:00 (entry until 20:30).