Cherry blossom viewing in the Nagahama castle park in Japan.

 I have heard that the cherry blossoms are in full bloom today in Nagahama Castle Park, but the weather is supposed to get worse from tomorrow onwards, so I went to view the cherry blossoms in the afternoon. But it occurred to me that it would be more beautiful at night, because the cherry trees and the castle were lit up. So, I went there again after dark. Incidentally, this park is located in Nagahama City, Shiga Pref., Japan.

  The location was in a park with the Nagahama castle originally constructed by the warload Toyotomi (Hashiba) Hideyoshi in 1573. But this castle was abolished several decades later, and most of the materials were said to be diverted to the construction of Hikone Castle, about 16km south from here.

  In 1983, the castle was reconstructed, and its inside is open to the public as a historical museum. This castle is closely related to the NHK Taiga historical drama to be broadcast in 2026, entitled "Toyotomi Brothers".

 

The castle is lit up at night and red lanterns are hung between the cherry trees at the back, creating mystical ambience.  

They have cherry blossom viewing quietly sitting on a ground sheet. 

The cherry blossoms photographed at night seem to be floated in the darkness.

Photos were taken on April 9th, 2025.