Driving to Mount Fudekage A spring morning begins at the car park among the cherry blossoms

On an early April morning, my driving friend and I drove to Mount Fudekage. After winding up the mountain road, we parked just below the summit, with cherry branches stretching close to the car. We planned to walk from here, but first I wanted to eat the cream bun I’d brought.

I unwrapped it beside the red car and took a bite. The soft bread was filled with cream, perfect for a morning snack. It was a bun from Mihara, and eating it beneath Mihara’s cherry blossoms made me happy—we were already enjoying a taste of the city’s spring before our walk had even begun.

My friend was busy getting the cherry blossoms and the car in the same shot. Still holding my bun, I looked toward the sea beside the little building. From the car park, I could see it only through the trees; when I spotted an island beyond them, I wanted a wider view of the water.

Once I’d finished eating, I headed toward the stairs. I’d worn a pale pink cardigan and a beige skirt today, and I wanted blossoms in the photos too. I stopped along the path through the grounds, and my friend took one more picture.

From the lookout, I let my gaze travel from island to island across the Seto Inland Sea. The sea I’d spotted at the car park stretched out before me here. I’d come for the cherry blossoms, but by the time we left, I’d taken photos of the sea too. I was glad we’d left time for a slow morning walk.