Cherry Blossom Report: Kagoshima
by Scott, staff writer of japan-guide.com
This journal is a log of my travels within Japan. Here you'll find my personal opinions on the places I've been and the things I've seen. Also expect to see the occasional review and editorial. Thanks for reading.
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2009/03/27 - Cherry Blossom Report: Kagoshima
Hirakawa Zoo
March 27, 2009 - petals starting to fall
The Hirakawa Zoo is a large zoo and amusement park located in southern Kagoshima City. There are about 1000 cherry trees found here, most of them planted around a large lawn at the center of the zoo. The zoo is a popular cherry blossom viewing (hanami) spot especially with families with small children.
The cherry trees around the Hirakawa Zoo reached full bloom a few days ago. They are beginning to lose their petals and many new leaves are visible among the blossoms. There is a high chance of rain over the next few days and the blossoms are at a state where the rain could shorten the cherry blossom season.
Sakurajima Dinosaur Park
March 27, 2009 - full bloom
The Sakurajima Dinosaur Park is a city park on Sakurajima, a volcanic peninsula in Kagoshima Bay. The park is geared toward children and has a number of fiberglass dinosaur play structures among several hundred cherry trees. This is a popular spot to hold cherry blossom viewing parties (hanami) especially with those with small children.
The cherry trees around the park reached full bloom a few days ago. Their petals are just beginning to fall and new leaves are starting to peak out from between the blossoms. There is a high chance of rain over the next few days and the blossoms are at a state where the rain could shorten the cherry blossom season at the Dinosaur Park.
There are also a number of later blooming yaezakura, cherry trees with more than 5 petals, around the park. Some of them are just beginning to open while most are still closed.
Kotsukigawa Riverside
March 27, 2009 - opening (10-50%)
The Kotsukigawa River runs through central Kagoshima City. Just a short walk from Kagoshima Chuo Station, there are 500 cherry trees planted along the banks of the river.
Most of the cherry trees are planted along a path on the riverside. A number of trees are found in small park areas which are popular spots to hold cherry blossom viewing parties (hanami).
The blossoms have only recently opened and will not reach full bloom until after a few more days. Cool weather and a high chance of rain is forecast for the next few days which may delay the full opening of the blossoms along the river.
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