“Hanazono weeping Shidare cherry blossoms” are in full bloom. You can enjoy the “upside-down cherry blossoms” reflected on the water surface of an agricultural pond. (in Tanagura Town, Fukushima Prefecture)
FUKUSHIMA, Apr. 1 – A 200-year-old weeping Shidare cherry blossom tree is in full bloom on the bank of an agricultural pond in Tanagura Town, Fukushima Prefecture. The Edo-higan variety cherry tree stands out on the dike between the reservoir and rice fields. When there is no wind, you can also enjoy the “upside-down cherry blossom tree” on the water’s surface. This year, the tree started to bloom on March 15, 10 days earlier than usual.
Volunteers from the Hanazono Branch of the Tanagura Tourism Association cut weeds and maintain the area. When the tree is in full bloom, they serve drinks, hold a concert, and sell locally-harvested rice called Hanazono Sakura on the bank.
“The blossoms tell us it’s time for farmers to start working. Hana-ikada, or flower rafts (flower petals floating along the surface of the water), is also beautiful. Please enjoy,” said Yoshimitsu Matsumoto, a 73-year-old rice grower and a deputy head of the branch. They light up the tree from 6:00 p.m. in early April.