Cherry Blossoms in Hocchi

Brompton and I went to Hocchi, Numata City of Gunma Prefecture yesterday to visit some of famous old cherry blossom trees in bloom. The area was filled with full bloom cherry flowers at present. Because of its elevation of 600-700 meters, the full blooming of the cherry blossom trees there start about 2 weeks late from those in Tokyo and its vicinity.

Take bus bound for "Tambara" at JR Numata Station. (It takes about 3 hours from Tokyo Station by local train.)


Getting off the bus at Kashozan bus stop, I unfolded the bike and started to ride here. First destination was Kami-Hocchi Jizo Zakura,  an old famous weeping cherry tree in the area with more than 200-year old of its life. It still takes another few days to be fully bloomed.

Next, I arrived at Hocchi Higanzakura, a kind of cherry blossom, which is 15 meter tall and more than 500 hundred year old. It is very famous as one of Natural Monuments (Gunma Prefecture Designated).

 

Weeping cherry trees in full bloom at Tenshoji temple. Always wonderful.

I was also impressed by this cherry tree. It says "Cherry Blossom Tree of Hocchi Castle Ruins."

The tree has observed many wars and survivals of Samurai Lords for some hundreds years.

Brompton and I went down the sloped road to Numata-City. The town was covered by full bloomed cherry trees, too. The 2 photos below were Jobori River cherry blossoms. The Numata Castle was surrounded by several moats like Jobori River (Jobori means a moat). The castle was built in 1532 and existed until 1682.

Due to unsettled climate in recent weeks, quite a few Japanese were not able to enjoy cherry‐blossom viewing. But still you are in time for cherry-blossom viewing when you visit Numata City this week!

Spring soon finishes and rainy season will follow before Summer.