Okama Shrine in Shiogama: Wait for It. [SPOT REPORT]

     On the afternoon of Saturday, March 25th, my kid and I took a walk around Shiogama, Miyagi in search of cherry blossoms. We weren't entirely surprised when we happened up Okama Shrine replete with trees that were barely beginning to bud. Geography and a farmer's almanac if not the observations of people like me who live in northern Japan would indicate that cherry blossom aren't exactly popping just yet. They usually don't for another month.

The huge hunk of tree to the left is an ancient Sakura, but as you can see, no blossoms yet. Out of the shot in the left foreground are lovely benches for partons to use for a short rest and make great places to enjoy the gelato from a nearby shop.

The view from the end of the year walkway shown before includes a few more cherry blossom trees in equally lackluster states of bloom.

     It is my guess that this area will be excellent for viewing after 2 weeks at least. The petals aren't even visable on these trees yet.

I feel like this would make a great selfie spot when the blooms are out. Since this isn't the main shrine in Shiogama, it doesn't get the same foot traffic and might make for a more subtle and quiet good time by comparison.

   When we are a bit closer to golden week, it is likely that this place will be nice for pictures or a short walking trip. A small, independent gelato shop rests just half a block from the shrine and a tea house that offer small lunch options is even closer, directly across Motomachi Street. 

The foot traffic was so minor that near 5PM on Saturday, the morning's gravel raking was still somewhat visible. Whether that was from a lack of blooms or a lack of interest remains to be seen.

     By train, this is a short ten minute walk from Honshiogama Station on the Senseki Line. If you drive, be careful with your parking choices as there aren't really spaces in the immediate area. Personally, I would park at the Aeon Townmall Honshiogama (on the other side of the station) and walk.

Even the sakura by the big red tori wasn't ready for spring yet, but just you wait.