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It’s an important part of Japanese culture to mark the seasons as they pass each year, making the most of the natural beauty that each snowy winter storm or humid summer afternoon brings to the island nation of Japan, and that traditional culture is most obvious in spring. When the winter chill starts to fade and a warm breeze wafts through the air, cherry trees begin to bud with pale pink petals, as cherry blossom (or “sakura”) season begins all over Japan. To enjoy the cherry blossoms to the fullest possible extent, the people of Japan head out into the balmy spring air each year for “hanami” (cherry blossom viewing), bringing blankets to spread out on the grass under the trees, drinks and snacks to make the most of the day, and of course plenty of friends and family to revel with together under the falling cherry blossom petals.

The people of Miyoshi love the tradition of hanami as much as anyone, and when cherry blossom season starts, there are a couple go-to spots in the city for enjoying the gorgeous spring flowers. One of the very best is along the bank of the Saijo River, in Asahimachi Park.

Down the embankment stretching alongside the Saijo River, a leisurely stroll will take visitors past one cherry tree after another, and when the trees begin to bloom at the end of March, they turn into a wall of pink petals between the rushing water and residential Miyoshi. Thanks to the convenient path along the water, green grassy areas perfect for settling down and picnicking on, a small playground area perfect for entertaining younger kids, and convenient facilities like nearby public toilets, it’s an ideal spot to enjoy the spring weather and Miyoshi’s beautiful cherry blossoms. Visitors can even catch a glimpse of Miyoshi’s iconic Tomoebashi Bridge down the river!

With lights placed at intervals along the riverside path, springtime travelers can even enjoy the cherry blossoms along the Saijo River after dark! The cherry blossom petals glow in the moonlight, offering up a different kind of “hanami” under the stars. Make the most of Miyoshi’s beautiful springtime by sitting down in the grass and grabbing a drink with a friend, or taking a special someone on a romantic stroll as the petals softly rain down from above.