さくら堤公園・Sakura Riverbank Park

Life continues busy which leaves less time for exploring. The weather is often poor too, with plenty more rain now the winter is behind us. All this heat and rain though means the countryside has changed dramatically from the greys and browns of winter to the greens and pinks of early Spring, in just a few weeks. The birds are singing their hearts out and insects are starting to appear.

I decided to escape the computer for a while and go and find some sakura. It is in full flower for such a short time you have to take whatever chances you get. I parked at Heisei no Mori, a lovely park in Kawajima, checked on my phone to make sure I was headed the right way, then started out across the rice fields to the river. It was pretty windy, especially walking through such wide, open spaces, but at least it wasn’t too hot. I found the river fairly easily, then it was just a matter of following that round to the park, making sure to bear right at the fork to cross over the river or you’ll end up at a different riverside. It was beautiful with blue skies, yellow nanohana that was buzzing with insects and sakura in full flower by the path. It was utterly quiet and peaceful.

The park itself is quite busy, but as it wasn’t the weekend it wasn’t too crazy. There were plenty of people taking photos, enjoying picnics and just basking in the Spring warmth. I have bought strawberries from a little hut by the side of the path – it’s quite a way along, don’t give up! – but alas it was closed today so I had to head home empty handed. Yoshimi is famous for it’s strawberries and Ichigo-no-Sato is well worth a stop if you’re passing (the early bird catches the strawberry).

Once I had taken the requisite million photos I turned and made my way back to Heisei no Mori.