I went to see the cherry blossoms at Senbonzakura in the nearby Nature Utilization Village, which I visit every year.
Forty years ago, this place was already famous as a cherry blossom viewing spot, but today there were already cars with out-of-state license plates lined up, many of whom had come to stay overnight.
For the past 13 years, I have been driving around the course in a reverse direction, going east, to avoid the peak crowds.
The slope of the eastern promenade had collapsed, and there were more dangerous spots.
I suddenly remembered that the town collects a contribution from each household as an environmental improvement fee.
On the way back, we stopped by the cherry blossoms around DAM, which was Haru-chan's walking course, and a single cherry tree at the pump area across the river.
I picked a bud from a side branch of a cherry tree, placed it in a cup, and enjoyed the cherry blossom viewing atmosphere.
This year too, I was able to quietly enjoy cherry blossom viewing. I'm sure it will be bustling with cherry blossom viewers on the weekends.
