The cherry blossom is regarded as a national flower of Japan. Every spring, people look forward to seeing cherry vlossoms. When cherry trees burst into bloom, they realize the real spring has come.
Many people go to see cherry blossoms. There are a lot of cherry-blossom viewing sights all over Japan. One of my favorite places is "Tama Shinrin Kagaku-en" located at the foot of Mt. Takao in Hachioji.
This place used to be a forestry-research station where a variety of trees including cherry trees are planted and preserved.
(5 photos above are the view at the beginning of April)
Particularly, the beauty of cherry blossoms is well known lately.
(4 photos above are the view in the middle of April)
According to the brochure, about 1,700 cherry trees with more than 70 kinds are planted on the undulating hills.
Although cherry trees bloom for a short period of time (about one week), here are a lot of different varieties and you can enjoy the beautiful flowers from the middle of March to the beginning of May.
(4 photos above are the view at the beginning of May)
Access: 10 minutes on foot from JR Takao Station
For further information:
www.ffpri-tmk.affrc.go.jp/