The "Kakunodate Cherry Blossom Festival" began on the 20th in Kakunodatemachi, Semboku City, Akita Prefecture, which is known as one of the most famous cherry blossom spots in the Tohoku region.
Kakunodatemachi, Semboku City, Akita Prefecture, is one of Tohoku's leading cherry blossom viewing spots, known for its weeping cherry blossoms on Bukeyashiki Street and the rows of cherry blossom trees that stretch for about 2 kilometers along the Hinokinai River.
The "Kakunodate Sakura Festival" began on the 20th, and many people enjoyed the arrival of spring by taking a walk under the cherry blossoms and taking pictures.
This year's Sakura Festival was held on a smaller scale following last year as a countermeasure against the infection of the new coronavirus, and events on the special stage and stalls in the parking lot were canceled, but it was canceled last year. The night cherry blossoms will be lit up in a shorter time than usual, from 5:30 pm to 9 pm.
Also, although banquets cannot be held on the riverbed, it is not restricted to eat with a small group of family members living together.
According to Semboku City, the weeping cherry blossoms on Bukeyashiki Street will bloom for 4 minutes, and the Yoshino cherry tree along the Hinokinai River will bloom for 2 minutes, both of which are expected to be in full bloom over the weekend.
A 71-year-old woman from Saitama Prefecture said, "I had a chance to see wonderful weeping cherry blossoms in good weather. It's spring of my life."
The "Kakunodate Sakura Festival" will be held until May 5th.