Okama Shrine: Sakura Finally Starting [SPOT REVIEW]

     April first was a great day for checking out the cherry blossoms around Shiogama, Miyagi, Japan.

     As mentioned in a previous post, Okama Shrine, a small shrine located a block away from the main entrance stairs of Shiogama Shrine, is likely to be a great place for a couple of selfies or enjoying a cup of gelato procured from a shop nearby, but it wasn't quite ready as March wound down.

     We were delighted to see a difference on April first, when the background area I had mentioned before as a great selfie place was finally showing some decent flowering in their taller sakura trees. The big, old and oddly shaped cherry blossom trees were still not ready to bloom yet upon that visit.

This oddly shaped tree still wasn't ready for the season quite yet but might be soon.

The walk to the back is short and a tiny bit scenic, but well worth the steps as long as mobility issues  are not too much. The massive roots in the way can be a problem if the visitor is in a wheelchair.

    We were visiting with out of town friends but saw fit to take our little detour to the back and were elated when we turned the corner and saw the two trees bright and flowering, one bright pink and one pale, almost white. 

My kid, posing skillfully with a stuffed cat balanced on her head.

     My kid was the only one I could entice to come forward for a picture but she really enjoy it and balanced the cuddle buddy of a stuffed animal on her head as a bonus.

     As I explained in my previous post about this place, there isn't really convenient parking nearby. I would recommend taking the train or parking at the Aeon near the station if you do not have mobility issues.