Cherry Blossom viewing season doesn’t last for long, with each area holding about two weeks of full flowers. Last week the Toyama trees were in full bloom (and still are in some areas) making me cross my fingers that we would be lucky to catch Osaka’s season. Osaka Castle Park is reportedly home to almost 5000 cherry trees, which at their peek would turn the entire area into a sea of soft pink and white petals. It turns out this weekend was the tail end of the season, with most trees still holding on to some blossoms but mostly having grown their green leaves for the summer.
Then ten minute walk up to the castle turned into an hour when we passed through a large area of plum trees with a mix of big purple flowers, some still as buds. I’ve never seen anything like them, and although they aren’t the famous Cherry Blossoms, I found them just as pretty.
My last visit to Osaka Castle was in the middle of winter, meaning the park and castle were fairly deserted. This time it was in it’s full spring boom, and it was really nice to see colour in the trees and to people watch a little. Just outside the entrance to the castle was a cherry tree full in bloom, attracting a lot of photos and prayers tied to the branches.
Maki Mountain 