NAKA05(Fukushima-city)：Sakura Paradise, Hanamiyama！(HAMA、NAKA、AIZU！）

On the 16th of April, we made our first trip of the spring. Being spring, the theme this time was 'Hanami' or flower viewing.

 After a 15 min bus ride from Fukushima Station, we arrived at our first destination, 'Hanami-yama'. (Lit. flower viewing mountain)

For those who are unfamiliar with Japanese culture, Hanami may seem like a bizarre custom at first.  You might think 'What's so great about looking a bunch of flowers?'.

However when trying it for themselves most people find themselves giving in to the beauty of the Sakura(Cherry blossoms). If I was to compare it, I would liken it to looking at the starry night sky. The cherry blossoms bloom seemingly endlessly, providing a view that is hard to tire of.

It's all the more fun when eating lunch under the cherry blossoms with friends and family. 　

It would seem that the cherry blossom trees have a mysterious power behind them. The reality is that the custom of hanami has spread out from Japan, becoming popular in countries all over the world, including America, Taiwan, and the Phillipines.

Of course cherry blossoms are not exclusive to Japan. While walking the mountain track, we overheard a guide introducing a particular tree that had been imported from England. I took this as a sign that cultural exchange is not exclusive to the human world, but occurs in nature as well.

When I was in Christchurch, I always enjoyed climbing the mountains to see the view of the city from the top.　

After reaching the peak of Hanamiyama, the view of Fukushima City reminded me of Christchurch. However there was one signficant difference. The power of the cherry blossoms made for a view that was even more beautiful.

If you have the chance, please come and enjoy Fukushima's beautiful spring。