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.

Actually, it had been raining for the past two or three days, so, I was worried about the condition of the cherry blossoms. 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. Many years later, 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 blossoms in the park are almost in full bloom today. However, rain is forecast again this weekend, so the blossoms may fall. I think today is the perfect time to see flowers.

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.

I imagine that having lunch under these cherry blossoms would be a truly special experience.

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, I saw some people were dressed in cosplay and taking pictures.

Photos were taken on April 2nd, 2026.