Though spring is in full swing around the Kanto Plain, the northern parts of Japan’s mainland, including Aomori Prefecture and Misawa AB, are finally enjoying cherry blossom season.

Yoshihito Morita, a Misawa Commissary employee, took a trip on April 22 to popular cherry blossom-viewing spots Saruga Park and Hirosaki Park to mark the arrival of the blush beauties.

A 100-minute drive from Misawa AB via a scenic Hakkoda-Towada Goldline, lined with walls of snow, Saruga Park is home to over 300 cherry blossom trees and is currently hosting Hirakawa Sakura Matsuri festival.

Saruga Jinja near the park was a majestic Shinto shrine with a large torii gate. Morita said the classical majestic shrine buildings looked even solemn, filled with beautiful Sakura blossoms.

Hirosaki Castle Park is a 30-minute drive from Saruga Park featuring over 2,600 cherry trees. Morita said this site was crowded with locals and tourists relishing in the stunning grounds.

Cherry blossoms around the outer moat have reached peak bloom, but the other areas in the castle park will meet their peak this weekend or later, according to Morita.

“There is a heart-shaped Sakura blossom spot (some trees are stretching and creating a heart shape) in the park, and a lot of couples took their photos at the romantic site,” Morita said. “As the blossoms will be fully blooming, it will give an even more fantastic, romantic effect, especially in the evening under the night illuminations.”

Sakura are temporary, so don’t miss them before they’re gone!

Saruga Park (Hirakawa Cherry Blossom Festival)

• Runs through May 6, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. (night illumination: sunset – 9 p.m.)

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Hirosaki Castle Park (Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival)

• Runs through May 5, 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. (night illumination: sunset – 10 p.m.)

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Misawa Air Base

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