Walking beneath Hitome Senbonzakura A spring avenue of cherry trees along the Shiroishi River

As soon as I stepped onto the plaza at Shiroishi River Park, the levee to my right was lined with cherry trees. The river was on my left, with a bridge straight ahead. I thought I’d start by admiring a blossom up close, as I usually do when I go cherry blossom viewing, but my eyes were drawn to the long line of trees. I stopped with one arm stretched out and almost called, “Look, they go all the way over there!” even though I was on my own.

The morning air was still chilly, and I was glad I’d brought a light jacket. I straightened the cuffs of my lavender hoodie, then walked a little farther along the river. The trees close by changed as I went, but more blossoms still stretched into the distance. I couldn’t take it all in from one spot; I found myself wanting to keep going.

The row of cherry trees known as Hitome Senbonzakura stretches for about 8km along the Shiroishi River levee. No wonder I kept wondering what lay farther ahead. I didn’t try to hurry through the whole stretch today; instead, I took my time with the trees that caught my eye in the park. After following the long row into the distance, I turned to the branches right in front of me. The very same blossoms felt different up close.

When I looked toward the river, the sky felt wider than it had while I was looking up at the cherry trees. Up close, branches filled my view, but the river opened out beyond them. I took a breath, then lifted my gaze to the levee again. I loved being surrounded by cherry blossoms, but I grew especially fond of seeing them beside the wide, flowing river.

The cherry trees were planted in Taisho 12 and Showa 2, thanks to a donation from Kaijiro Takayama, a native of Ogawara. Even this huge avenue began with someone planting the first trees. Looking up at the branches, I felt glad to be standing there today, seeing how much the trees had grown. Now, the memory of the blossoms comes with the story of how the avenue began, and I know I’ll still be thinking about both once I’m home.

While I was admiring the blossoms, I started craving something sweet too. Ogawara has Sarashi Yoshi Ame, a candy that looks like fine strands of thread bundled together. I’d heard it melts away gently in your mouth, and after seeing the blossoms I couldn’t help wanting to try it. From the plaza, I reached out toward the long line of blossoms once more. I’d meant to finish my morning walk there, but now I wanted to make time for the town’s sweets too.