Cherry Blossom Report: Nagano
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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2009/04/13 - Cherry Blossom Report: Nagano
Takato Castle Ruins Park
April 13, 2009 - petals starting to fall
Takato Castle Ruins Park is on the site of the former stronghold of the Naito Lords of southeastern Nagano Prefecture. All that remains of the castle today are the ruins of its walls, among which nearly 1500 cherry trees are planted.
Takato is an extremely popular site for cherry blossom viewing, and today was quite crowded with thousands of people strolling around and many holding cherry blossom viewing parties (hanami). The cherry blossoms are illuminated in the evenings from April through early May.
The cherry trees around the park are of the local Takato Kohigan variety of cherry tree that has slightly smaller and redder petals than the usual Somei Yoshino variety. The blossoms appear to be at full bloom although they are just beginning to fall, creating hanafubuki (flower blizzards) with every gust of wind.
Matsumoto Castle
April 13, 2009 - full bloom
Matsumoto Castle is one of the most complete and beautiful of Japan's original castles. There are about 300 cherry trees planted around the castle grounds.
The cherry trees around the inner grounds of the castle can be viewed while walking around the paid area of the castle grounds. There are a few different varieties of cherry trees around here including some large shidare-zakura (weeping cherry trees).
There are more cherry trees, mostly of the common Somei Yoshino variety, around the outer grounds and castle moat which shade areas ideal for holding cherry blossom viewing parties (hanami). Additionally, the trees along the moat are illuminated on evenings in April.
The cherry blossoms around the castle are currently in full bloom. They should remain at their peak for a few more days; however, there is poor weather and rain forecasted over the next few days which may have a negative effect on the blossoms.
Alps Park and Shiroyama Park
April 13, 2009 - full bloom
Alps Park and Shiroyama Park are large city parks located on hills overlooking Matsumoto City from the north. There are nearly 1800 cherry trees planted around the two parks.
Alps Park has wide open lawns surrounded by cherry trees that would be good places to hold cherry blossom viewing parties (hanami). There are also a number of walking paths around the park that lead through cherry groves, as well as barbecue areas among the trees. Parts of the park offer views of the Japan Alps across the valley.
Shiroyama Park has a large open lawn and children's play areas that are shaded by cherry trees. There are many places to hold cherry blossom viewing parties.
The cherry trees around both Alps Park and Shiroyama Park are at full bloom. They should remain at their best over the next few days, although the forecast for Matsumoto calls for poor weather and rain through the week.
Koboyama Park
April 13, 2009 - petals starting to fall
Koboyama Park is on a hill in southern Matsumoto City that is covered by a cherry tree forest made up of nearly 2000 trees. The top of the park has views of the Japan Alps across the valley.
The cherry blossoms around Koboyama can be enjoyed while walking on the hiking trails through the trees, and although the park is mostly on a moderately steep slope, there are flat areas good for cherry blossom viewing parties (hanami) about halfway up the hill.
The cherry blossoms of Koboyama Park have peaked and are just starting to fall, creating pleasant hanafubuki - flower blizzards. The blossoms should remain attractive over the next few days, however poor weather and rain are expected in Matsumoto through the week.
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