Honshiogama Station Sakura: What A Difference 4 Days Make [SPOT REPORT]

     On Monday, March 27th, my child and I found ourselves scouring our city for cherry blossoms, which of course are not known to bloom in this area of Japan so plentifully in March, but nevertheless, we were walking and looking. The only cherry blossoms we managed to find that were blooming near the station were actually right in front of the station on the Aqua Gate side. That's the one that leads to Aeon Townmall Shiogama and eventually Marine Gate, the ferry port for this area. 

     Fifteen cherry blossom trees of a few varieties line the sidewalk and dot the island in the middle of the traffic circle on this side of the building. On Monday, two of them were in bloom and nothing else really seemed to be budding.

     After a few days of bright sunshine and warm temperatures, apparently the rest of the shy flowering trees reluctantly elected to join their fabulous neighbors and bloom thoroughly as well. As of Thursday, March 30th, no fewer than ten of the fifteen trees are in bloom, with eight heading towards full bloom and the early bloomers heading towards leaf town.

The big one in the middle and the drooping deep pinks are still waiting for their turn, but most of the light petals are out now.

     If you're looking for some place to sit down and have something of a proper hanami picnic, this will not do at all. If all you needed was to look at some blossoms and take some selfies, this is a great place to do it.

     Right now, the temperature is also ensuring that it won't be the worst time either. While we saw a few other folks taking selfies, it also seems like everyone moves on quickly.

We're waiting for you, magenta droopers. Don't let us down!

     Honshiogama Station is on the Senseki Line between Sendai Station and Matsushima Kaigan Station. The best nearby parking lot is at Aeon Townmall Shiogama or Homac, though do remember to make a purchase if you choose to park there.