An Historical Hanami

Posted on May 10, 2007 by Faith Kitsunezaki

I love spring in Japan, not only is the change in the weather nice, but to see the spectacular wonder known as sakuraRefers to both ornamental cherry trees and their blossoms. or cherry blossom in full bloom is magnificent! We often visit many spots during this time chasing the fragile beauty of the short-lived blossom. One of our many haunts is Gongendo Park in Satte. It is only a ten minute car ride away for us, for others it is a few minute bus ride from the Satte train station.

During the day we can enjoy a stroll along the sakura lined pathway extending for as far as the eye can see, this year was the 77th current matsuri or festival. The history though of viewing the sakura in Gongendo extends back to Edo times when there was once a river upon which even the Mikado or royal household traveled upon to see the spectacular blossoms. Now this river like so many Edo rivers before and after it has been filled in and is like a lonely valley, except for in this season the lively mass plantings of golden yellow nano hanna or rapeseed flowers which provide an interesting contrast to the pink sakura on the walkways above.

In addition to this, like all matsuri or festival in Japan there are several booths from which one can buy takeaway food or try their hand at a game, there is also a beer hall for those wanting to relax even more.

At night you can also visit Gongendo during the cherry blossom festival. Lights shine up into the trees providing a magical atmosphere in the cool evening air, with only the scrunch of feet on the slate paths, the drunken laugh of merrymakers on picnic blankets, or the enticing aroma of takoyaki (friend octopus Yorkshire pudding like balls) to draw you away from the night lit beauty of the blossoms.

So if you have a chance, why not visit a park outside of Tokyo next spring and drink in the history of the place, or at least in the beer hall!