Kyoto: Full Bloom

Full bloom was announced in Kyoto yesterday on April 5, and the cherry trees I saw in the city today reflected that state. This morning's slight drizzle did not negatively impact the open blossoms, which tend to be sturdy against wind and rain in the first few days after opening. Warm and sunny weather is forecast for the next three days, and I expect the cherry blossoms to remain at their best viewing through those few days at the least.

The progress to full bloom is moving northwards, and full bloom was announced in Kanazawa and Toyama in the Hokuriku Region today.

I started my day checking out the cherry trees along the Philosopher's Path. Thanks to the morning drizzle and the relatively early time, the path was not crowded at all. I am pleased to report that the mainstream Somei Yoshino cherry trees along the two kilometer stretch were at their best viewing, and I expect the blossoms to remain attractive for the next few days.

My second spot was Sewaritei Yodogawa Riverside Park, along the Yodo River near the border between Osaka and Kyoto. The park is best known for its 1.4 kilometer long path lined with over 200 cherry trees. I found that the cherry blossoms were 1-2 days away from full bloom, and the warmer than average temperatures forecast for today and the next few days should encourage the cherry trees to reach their best sooner.

Until April 13, there is a cherry blossom festival at Sewaritei Yodogawa Riverside Park, during which food trucks set up shop. A 100 yen admission fee is charged at Sewaritei, which goes towards conservation of the trees, public amenities like toilets and rubbish collection, security and crowd control.

The closest station to Sewaritei Yodogawa Riverside Park is Iwashimizu Hachimangu Station (about 30 minutes from Kyoto or 40 minutes from Osaka) on the Keihan Main Line. The park is about ten minutes on foot from the station.

My last spot for the day was Uji. Many of the cherry trees are found along the Uji River, and I observed them to be at full bloom. Like the cherry trees at the Philosopher's Path, I expect the cherry blossoms in Uji to remain at their best for at least the next few days.