On 8 April, the cherry blossoms started to bloom in Niigata, so I went to check the blooms at nearby places of interest!

The first one is the Kami-yan Lagoon Park (hard to read, but it's called 'Uwasekigata Kouen') in Nishigama-ku, Niigata City (formerly Makimachi).

Kamiyamagata Park

This park has a large area with a playground and a promenade that you can walk around (it's quite a long way!). There is a promenade where you can enjoy the scenery of the four seasons.

April is a good time to see the collaboration of cherry blossoms and rape blossoms!

Cherry blossoms, rape blossoms and Mt Kakuda

The cherry blossoms were still at the beginning of flowering, but the rape blossoms were in full bloom!

Will it be in full bloom next week?

Marukoyama Park (Old Iwamuro Village)

The next stop was Marukoyama Park in the neighbouring former Iwamuro village.

There are also cherry blossoms near the Dairo no Yu a short distance away.

Yahiko Shrine and Yahiko Park

I came to the parking lot of Yahiko Shrine.

This place is not quite ready yet (;-).

It's later than elsewhere, so you can enjoy the cherry blossoms for longer!

Arrive at Yahiko Park!

It's still a bit early here too!

Close-up shot.

弥彦駅

I came to Yahiko Station.

The area around here is closer to full bloom than the park!

It may just be in full bloom for the 'Yuukake Festival' this Saturday!

A tugwheel for the Yukake Festival was located in front of the station.

Only recently, cars that used to run on the Echigo Line have entered the Yahiko Line.

I was used to seeing those previous vehicles, so I kind of miss them a bit.

I wonder if I'll get used to it in time -

The cherry trees on Station Road are nearly in full bloom!

This year's Yuukake Festival will be held amidst cherry blossoms in full bloom.

I hope it will be sunny!

Click here for information on the Yuukake Festival, to be held on Saturday 11 April.

http://www.e-yahiko.com/notice/2015yukake.html

We look forward to seeing you in Yahiko!