A Japanese tradition of viewing cherry blossoms in spring

 The cherry blossoms are now almost in full bloom. So, I went to the castle park in Nagahama City, Shiga Pref., Japan. In fact, this park is located about one kilometer away from my house.  

Actually, it had been raining for the past two or three days, so, I was worried about how the cherry blossoms were. However, as it turned a sunny day today, I decided to go and have a look, and they were in almost full bloom, with lots of people enjoying the blossoms.

👆In fact, this castle is not the original. It was originally built in 1573. But it was abolished in 1615. After many years passed, it was reconstructed in 1983 modelled on the castles of the Azuchi-Momoyama period (1573～1603). The interior is open to the public as a history museum.

The cherry trees in the park are almost in full bloom today. But there is a rain forecast again this weekend, which may cause the blossoms to fall. So, today is the best timing to see the blossoms, I think.

As you can see, people enjoy picnics under cherry blossom trees, which is called Hanami. It’s popular to have picnics while admiring the cherry blossoms and feeling relax. 

I should have brought something to eat and a picnic cloth, too.

Having lunch under these cherry blossoms would be a truly special experience, I imagine.

Unlike the bustling daytime cherry blossom viewing, nighttime cherry blossoms offer a sense of tranquility and mystery.　Illuminated by lanterns, paper lanterns, and other lights, they radiate a fantastical beauty.

The children are walking the dog.

The illuminations create a magical scene, don't they?

You can see red lanterns in the distance.

The red illuminations create an even more fantastical atmosphere. Perhaps expecting that effect, there were also people taking pictures in cosplay.

Photos were taken on 2nd April 2026