Between late March to early April, news reports are filled with stories, not of the violent or world issues kind, but of blossoms. More specifically, cherry blossoms. Reporters will give estimates on the dates in which cherry blossoms all over the country will be in bloom. It's an annual, eagerly-awaited ritual in Japan to enjoy cherry blossoms outside, as the blossoms only last a week or so.
On April 5th, I headed out to a small town festival, in central Kanagawa, celebrating the arrival of these beautiful, pink blossoms. Please enjoy the photos:
(top left) River & lone tree, in full bloom:
(bottom and far right) Deer antlers and a deer skull, for sale by local merchants:
The local festival was held on Iiyama ("Rice Mountain"). It's a small, but well known spot in Kanagawa to view cherry blossoms at their peak. We had to hike up the mountain, following a small river, to see the trees. The hike took about 15 ~ 20 minutes.
(far left) waterfall & blossoms:
(top, right) sunlight through the blooms:
(bottom, right) festival lanterns:
I had been to Iiyama before, as it's quite famous for trail running. There are five, well marked courses, all free to use. An information house is located at the base of the mountain, providing maps and advice for runners. I plan to come back and blog about the trails another time.
(far left) cutenekko, under the trees:
(top right) view of the cherry trees from the peak:
(bottom right) more lanterns line our route up:
A note about the use of lanterns in Japanese festivals:
They are used to advertise the festival (names appear in kanji on one side) as well as thank sponsors (these names appear on another side). The lanterns are also used at night, to add to the atmosphere of the festival. So, if you are walking around Japan and come across paper lanterns hanging from tree to tree, you'll know you've come across a festival! ^_^
(top left) Vendors selling snacks, a common sight at festivals:
(top right) Stage
(bottom) Looking down from the temple to the festival sight / temple at the top of Iiyama:
From the top of the mountain, I enjoyed the sounds of Japanese taiko (drum). I'm not sure why the members are all wearing fox masks though.....
My friend and I enjoyed a picnic lunch on the park grounds. Many other groups were here, enjoying the blossoms and festival atmosphere. During cherry blossom season, it's common to see public parks filled with people spread out on blue plastic sheets, enjoying a picnic lunch or evening meal outside. Drinking alcohol outside is permitted. Common picnic foods include:
sushi, yakisoba (fried noodles), karaage (fried chicken), or bento (boxed lunches, purchased from a food shop)
Sunlight peeks through the cherry blossoms:
Sakura viewing is perhaps, the most anticipated event in Japan. The normally very stoic Japanese transform into light-hearted, jovial creatures during this time; everyone enjoys this season.
Early April is typically the best season to see sakura in full bloom. Be warned: famous areas such as Kyoto, are packed with people, so make hotel reservations well in advance. I recommend venturing out the smaller, local town festivals, such as this one at Iiyama.
~ Information ~
Iiyama Sakura Festival is held outside of Atsugi, in central Kanagawa. Dates vary depending on the cherry blossoms, but usually, the first or second week in April. This festival was the 50th anniversary!
Festival website is here.
Access from Shinjuku:
Take Odakyu train to Hon Atsugi. Travel time: 1 hour. Change to Kanachu bus going toward Iiyama. Get off at "Iiyama OO Mae" Bus time: 20 minutes. Walk up the road to the top of the mountain (15 minutes).
Access information site is HERE.
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