Cherry Blossoms in Flight A week has passed since the bloom was announced in Kyushu, but full bloom still continues in Kikuchi City, Kumamoto Prefecture. The petals' centers have begun to turn red, so the blossoms will start falling soon. At Kikuchi Park in Kumuchi, Kikuchi County, roughly 3,000 cherry trees, including Somei-yoshino and yamazakura, are in full bloom. This year, many visitors, including those from overseas, are enjoying hanami. The Kangetsuro Observation Deck inside the park offers a superb view of Kikuchi Park's cherry blossoms and the city of Kikuchi. A promenade runs through the park, forming a tunnel of cherry trees. Even as the petals begin to fall, you can stroll through drifting blossoms. The park also has a “Love Bench,” where you can relax while viewing the cherry trees. A row of cherry trees lines the approach to Kikuchi Shrine, and walking under the canopy offers a beautiful contrast of blossoms against the blue sky. Every year the cherry trees bloom from mid-March through early April. The stage when petals start to fall also makes for wonderful photos and videos, so please come and visit.