Late January to early Feburary, Okinawans enjoy the blooming sakura (or cherry blossom) trees sooner than other regions in Japan where they typically bloom later in March and April. There's a short window of time that blossoms stay at full bloom, about a couple weeks, so people swarm to the cherry blossom festivals on the weekends at key viewing locations to celebrate the season. We didn't make it to any of the festivals up north in Nago, and dismal, rainy weather kept hindering us from taking the drive. Fortunately, Danno had a day off work for "Super Bowl Monday," so after the game when the weather seemed to improve a bit, we decided it was our only chance to venture north to Mt. Yaedake and try to get a view.Luckily, the rain ceased and even gave us some moments when sun broke through the clouds. Going on a Monday meant we avoided the huge crowds and a bumper-to-bumper drive up the mountain, so it turned out to be a very relaxing time. The cherry blossom trees hug the windy path, and you simply pull over and take photos anywhere along the road.
Leyna enjoyed getting a closer look.
A nice passerby took our photo.
After exploring the mountain road, we stopped off at the park where the festival was held. It made for a nice stroll and more photos since it was empty!
Mission accomplished. Maybe we'll try to catch a festival next year. The sakuras are so beautiful we want to grow a tree back in the states!
Leyna enjoyed getting a closer look.
A nice passerby took our photo.
After exploring the mountain road, we stopped off at the park where the festival was held. It made for a nice stroll and more photos since it was empty!
Mission accomplished. Maybe we'll try to catch a festival next year. The sakuras are so beautiful we want to grow a tree back in the states!
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