On 18th April I visited Ueda castle in Nagano pref.When I passed by the main gate two days before,cherry blossoms were at their best. Therefore, I was really looking forward to seeing them.

Colour of cherry blossoms slightly differs each year, more pinky or whiter depnding upon the weather.Cherry blossoms at the main gate were so beautiful and I am fascinated with them.

When I went further into the castle I was quite disappointed to find out  a long chain of stalls along the moat.The other side of the stalls is full of cherry trees.

Stalls might be usual sight for local people at local festivals.However, I’d be pleased if you oculd consider what real OMOTENASHI means.

I met a young man in bullet train to Osaka.He is from Burmuda and here in Japan to see cherry-blossoms.It is a long way to come over here, 2 hours to U.S., 6 hours waiting for transit and another 14 hours flying.Thank you for coming far away.

Just before my departure I heard a news that Zoheikyoku(mint bureau) opens its cherry blossoms tunnel of 700 metres long from 11th this month to public.I guess what he has seen are, say single cherry blossoms but those of Zoheikyoku are double blossoms and nothing but gorgeous. I recommended to go and I am sure he will enjoy them, too.

For lunch he bought Makunouchi bento (lunch box)and made sure what he was eating.He even learned minimum necessary Japanese phrases before his departure.He seemed to enjoy every minutes. I am very much impressed.