Shimizu Park cherry blossoms SPOT REPORT

This morning in the Kanto region was overcast and cold, but the skies cleared up in the afternoon. The gloomy, cold days earlier spurred the cherry blossoms to bloom in my region, northern Chiba Prefecture, wedged between Saitama and Ibaraki. Time for prime cherry blossom viewing!

The most recent Japan Meteorological Corporation cherry blossom forecast indicates this is the week. So with a break in the clouds, I headed for Shimizu Park, one of the top 100 cherry blossom spots in Japan.

Let me show you around.

On the west side of the park bordering the Zao River, the cherries are just starting to bloom. You can catch the last of the nanohana here, too.

The peaches are at their peak, and the cherries are just starting to burst into bloom at the field athletics course.

At the plum grove on the hillside, the shidare zakura has started its show. The park lights it up until 8 p.m. during the blooming period.

How are cherry trees looking where you are? Spot reports, please!