Miura Kaigan Cherry Blossom Festival 2016

It happens in early spring every year; and, every year I go. It's the Kuwazu-zakura cherry blossom trees planted along the train tracks in Miura Kaigan. This type of cherry tree blooms about a month ahead of the other types of cherry trees. It's amazing to see!

After getting off the train at the Miura Kaigan station one is immediately immersed in blossoms.

Right outside the station entrance there are several trees and they just suck you in with their beauty.

And, this is only the beginning of the viewing experience.

But, first thing is first, and that includes being entertained by local ladies performing a folk dance.

After the dance was over I made the 15 minute walk along the train tracks to where the tree line begins.

 The mustard greens yellow blossoms add a nice contrast to the beautiful pink cherry blossoms.

This may technically be spring, but it is cold out here. The blossoms attract a lot of visitors.

This is like being in love.

The blue train zips by in the background.

A trip down the embankment and under the train tracks will take us out to a quaint tree lined pond.

If the sun would come out and shine this would be a great place for a picnic lunch.

Even though it's a bit damp and cold out here, it doesn't distract from the enjoyment one gets from viewing this spectacular display of mother nature at her best.

I noticed a couple on the opposite side of the pond enjoying a picnic lunch together. There are rice fields here and I suspect that the pond's true purpose is as a reservoir for irrigating the rice fields.

The marshland around the pond is also attractive; in a marshlandish sort of way.

 The view from this train track overpass is quite popular with photographers.

Walking back toward the station I see that people continue working their way to and from the pond.

These images were all taken on a Tuesday. If I had visited here on the previous Sunday the crowds would have been nearly impossible to deal with.

I'm nearly back at the beginning of the 400 meter long tree line.

One last look back before returning to the station.

In front of the station merchants are selling yakitori, sweets, local produce and of course... drinks!

If one is looking for a place to impress a date, this is it! And, it's a cheap date too! Just train fare and you're there!

Last shot of the day, staring down the empty tracks wait for my train home to arrive.

Thanks for stopping by!
Mike