Hanami in the mountains

I have lived in Japan for over a decade but this is the first spring in which I have a car. This means I can finally reach all those hard-to-reach places not accessible by public transport or that are tucked away up in the mountains and therefore not reasonable to get to by bike.

    For years, I have been dreaming of exploring the hills just north of my little town of Oizumi in Gunma Prefecture. Those hills straddle the border between Gunma and Tochigi and as you go along the winding mountain roads, it is likely you will be crossing back and forth into the two different prefectures.  

    There are many sites to see no matter where you decide to go and on which road you find yourself on, but the easiest way to find a gorgeous spot to enjoy a meal under the blossoms would be to look for dams and parks. There are two I was able to take my son during this year's Hanami season. We went to Kiryu River Dam in Umeda, Gunma and Matsuda Dam located in Ashikaga, Tochigi. 

    At the Kiryu River Ram, we played at a park on the west side of the reservoir that gave an amazing view of the mountains. There was a flower park next to the playground filled with only yellow blooms.     We went here just a bit too early for the sakura which had buds on all of the trees but none yet open. But you could tell it is gorgeous when in full. There is plenty of space to play and spread out. The best place to sit and eat would be at the bottom of the yellow flower park. There are a few seats under some shade trees. 

    When we were able to venture out again, this time heading to Mastuda Dam, the sakura were in full bloom. Just driving up to the dam, there were parks and little turn off to make pits stops in order to take pictures of the flowers. The dam’s park was full of photographers trying to get the perfect photo. There is plenty of space for everyone to find a spot to enjoy themselves and a little stream running down from the dam through the park leading out down the mountain. My son and I had spent the day up in the mountains hiking, so we didn’t actually do hanami here. Jake was even too tired to get out of the car, but I enjoyed a short stroll around. 

     For those able bodied enough, I do recommend trying to go by bike because I am sure the experience will be pleasantly enhanced by not only the sights, but also the smells and sounds along the way, as well as the accomplishment of getting to your destination. The Rindou (mountain roads) are famous for road and mountain bikers. I don't know why but for me the feeling of accomplishment is the best condiment in any bentou. There were families that I watched with envious eyes, biking up to Matsuda Dam. I am certain they had the best hanami possible.