Sakura overload, part 1: Ako
It is my first spring in Japan and I was really looking forward to it, not only because I was looking forward to warmer weather, but especially for the famous cherry blossoms. In the fall and over the winter I had been noticing the many gnarly old cherry trees all over the place, at the castle grounds, in various small parks and along my street, also known as “Station North Cherry Tree Road” (駅北桜道). I had expected it to be nice, but it far exceeded my expectations. What a glorious celebration of springtime! Here are some pictures from Ako and especially from the Ako castle grounds.
Along the canal
The inner moat
Inside the outer walls
View from the tea garden
Garden pond
Inner walls
Outer walls
Looking north towards the mountains
grape vines
East gate
Gorgeous photos, George.
Thanks Bill! Glad you are enjoying them!
what an amazing journey you are on, George! and you bring us with you in this rich and colorful blog. It is such a window on that world, old and new, and you. Hope to see you here again before too long.
Thank you Rakusan! Yes it has been an experience of a lifetime and I am so happy to be able to share traces of it with friends in far flung places. And I do hope to be there sooner rather than later too!