毎年、地域のサクラの開花情報をいち早くお届けするため、地元の名所を巡っています。

例年であれば、地方気象台の発表とほぼ同時に、地元のサクラも見頃を迎えるのですが、今年は場所によってまだほとんど咲いていないという、不思議な状況です。

先日、地元の有名なサクラスポットを訪れたのですが…「あれ？もう遅かったかな？満開を過ぎて散ってしまったのかな？」と目を疑うほど、花が咲いていませんでした。

寒暖差が激しかったり、雨が降ったりしたことが影響しているのかもしれませんね。

そんな中、先日訪れた大分県臼杵市の臼杵城跡のサクラは見頃を迎えており、多くの花見客でにぎわっていました。南国であるはずの地元より先に大分で見頃を迎えるとは、なんだか不思議な感覚です。

臼杵城跡では、天守閣跡へと続く坂道を上りながら、空に向かって伸びるサクラの木々を見上げました。

広場に近づくと、風に舞う花びらが美しく、遠くには屋台の並ぶ賑やかな様子が見えます。

昔は500円程度で気軽に買えた屋台の食べ物も、今は値上がりしてしまい、少しばかり買う覚悟が必要になった気がします。春風が肌寒く感じられ、お財布の中身も心なしか寂しいような…。

それでも、周りを見渡せば、仲間や家族と楽しそうに花見を楽しむ笑顔があちらこちらに咲いていました。ああ、これこそ日本の春の風景だな、と心が温まりました。

私の地元でも、近いうちにきっとこんな素敵な景色が見られるはず！その日を心待ちにしながら、地元のサクラを観察しようと思います🌸

Every year, I visit all the local famous cherry blossom spots to be the first to report on their blooming status.

Usually, the local cherry blossoms reach their peak bloom around the same time the local meteorological observatory announces the official opening.

However, this year, it’s quite strange – depending on the location, some haven’t even started to bloom yet.
I went to one of the local famous spots on Sunday. I was so surprised by the lack of blossoms that I thought, “Huh? Am I too late? Did they already reach full bloom and are now scattering?”
I’m just guessing, but I think the drastic temperature changes and the rain we’ve had might be playing a role.

Interestingly, the cherry blossoms at Usuki Castle Ruins in Usuki City, Oita Prefecture, were in full bloom. It felt odd that they reached their peak earlier in Oita than in our more southern region.
Usuki Castle Ruins were bustling with many cherry blossom viewers. As I walked up the slope towards the castle tower ruins, I looked up at the cherry trees stretching towards the sky. Approaching the plaza, with cherry blossom petals fluttering in the breeze, I could see the scene of food stalls lined up in the distance.

The street food that used to cost 500 yen is now more expensive, and it feels like you need a bit of resolve to casually buy something to eat. The spring breeze felt chilly, and so did the contents of my wallet…

Looking around, my eyes were met with scenes of people enjoying hanami (cherry blossom viewing) with their friends and families, their faces full of cheerful smiles. This is truly a Japanese scene, and it warmed my heart.

Hoping to see such a sight in my own town soon, I’ve decided to start posting daily updates from today.