Cherry Blossoms in Odawara
Japan’s cherry blossom trees, also known as sakura, tend to bloom right around the beginning of April each year. This makes for a tourist rush as everyone, from locals to international visitors, try to catch the magical time before it fades. Finding places that are off the beaten path in smaller cities can make the season much more manageable. Odawara is just such a place.
The main attraction is Odawara Castle, one of the smaller of Japan’s medieval keeps. Like the others, it features a moat around the park’s perimeter with a stunning bridge entrance. The trees were still in full bloom, the last such weekend that I could have caught them, and the late afternoon light was just right. Don’t be afraid to get out of Tokyo or Kyoto and seek out these other attractions. You’ll usually look back on the experience with a smile, and a new grasp of that city’s local culture.
Photos taken with the Nikon Z9 and Z 24-70mm f2.8 S, Z 35mm f1.8 S lenses