Japan Train Trip: Episode 17

Leaving the snow-covered Gala Yuzawa behind, we switch gears for a sunny day to admire the vibrant colors of summer, especially the sweet cherry blossoms. After all, it wouldn't be right to visit during this season without capturing some beautiful floral images.

Instead of returning to Tokyo, they headed to Kumagaya City in Saitama Prefecture. Upon exiting the train station, they intended to visit the popular cherry blossom viewing spots in the area.

The group decided to abandon their planned itinerary and explore the city at their own pace. They stumbled upon a sparsely populated park with an abundance of cherry blossoms, including both standard and weeping varieties. Seizing the opportunity, they settled down for an impromptu picnic. The unique beauty of the drooping blossoms served as a reminder that unplanned adventures can lead to unexpected discoveries.

The relaxed atmosphere made us linger for quite some time, until we realized that we could visit another cherry blossom viewing spot. It was only a short train ride away, and we believed it would be equally spectacular.

From Kumagaya, we traveled to the Hanami venue, one of the best cherry blossom viewing spots in Japan. We came to see the cherry blossoms in full bloom, as I checked that this event would offer a quintessential Japanese Hanami experience. That place is Omiya Park.

Omiya Park is located in Saitama Prefecture, just 27 kilometers from Tokyo. It is a popular spot for cherry blossom viewing due to its proximity to Tokyo and convenient access. Visitors can easily take a day trip to the park and return to the city. We also planned to return after our visit, so we decided to come here.

No need to worry about getting lost after getting off the train, as there are many fellow travelers all heading to the same hanami spot. Most of them are Japanese themselves.

And as expected, when we arrived, we saw the cherry blossoms in full bloom, and the crowd was equally full. It was a nostalgic reminder of the real Hanami atmosphere I experienced many years ago in Kyoto.

A Sea of Cherry Blossoms: A Sensory Immersion

The park is a tapestry of hundreds of cherry blossom trees, each seemingly aged and predominantly of the Yoshino variety. Their delicate single petals, a pale pink bordering on white, paint the sky with a soft, ethereal glow. Beneath the canopy, picnic blankets claim their territory, while food stalls line the paths, tempting passersby with a kaleidoscope of culinary delights. The mere act of observing and savoring the food becomes a delightful experience in itself. The atmosphere is best captured through the evocative power of imagery.

We had a wonderful time together, enjoying the cherry blossoms to the fullest, even though we didn't get to sit under the cherry trees or have a hanami like the Japanese. And then we said goodbye to Omiya and returned to Tokyo.

Today was a truly rewarding day. In the morning, I played in the snow, and in the afternoon, I admired the cherry blossoms. Life is full of such simple joys.

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