2013/03/22 - Kumamoto Report
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Today I stopped byKumamoto as I made my way south acrossKyushu. The blossoms here officially opened on March 16th, one week earlier than average, and were at a similar state as those aroundFukuoka. The blossoms in both cities are quickly approaching full bloom and maintain a slight lead over the blossoms inTokyo.

Suizenji Koen

My first stop this morning was toSuizenji Koen, a beautifullandscape garden that reproduces in miniature the 53 post stations of the Tokaido, the historic road that connected Tokyo with Kyoto during theEdo Period. There are about 150 cherry trees spread out around the garden, and the blossoms can be enjoyed as you walk around the strolling path that encircles a large central pond. You cannot veer off the path, althoughpicnicking is allowed in certain designated areas.

The cherry trees around the garden seemed to be quickly approaching full bloom early this morning, but weren't quite there just yet. They could reach full bloom at any moment, but considering this afternoon's cold and rainy weather, it probably won't be today. Tomorrow looks like great weather, though, so let's hope that the remaining blossoms will open in time for the weekend crowds to enjoy them.

Some parts of the garden are covered inearlier blooming varieties of cherry trees of which some were at full bloom and some have already dropped all of their petals.

Kumamoto Castle

From Suizenji Koen it is a short tram ride toKumamoto Castle. The impressive castle keep and surrounding grounds are one of the best in Japan as well as one of my personal favorites. The castle is also thecity's most popular cherry blossom spot with over 1000 trees planted around the grounds. Today their blossoms were similar to those at Suizenji Koen and were just not quite at full bloom yet. But the trees here actually opened four days earlier than Kumamoto's official reference tree on March 12th already, so its not so surprising that they looked even more advanced than those around the rest of the city. And I think it's a good chance that they reach full bloom as early as tomorrow.

There were really only a handful of trees around the castle keep itself, while most of the large groupings were found along the lower walls and circles of defense (maru). The Takenomaru, along the outer southern wall, in particular should be a popularhanami party spot tomorrow.

Kumamoto Castle will also have a cherry blossom festival starting tomorrow (March 23). The celebration goes until April 7th and will have special events and performances throughout. The castle keep and grounds will also be illuminated in the evenings from 17:00 to 21:00 for the duration of the festival.

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