ASAHI, Toyama (Japan): Tourists on Saturday (April 12) enjoyed the view of cherry blossoms and tulips in full bloom alongside the snow-capped Northern Alps in Asahi, Toyama Prefecture.
At this time of year, the town is known for what is referred to as its “spring quartet,” as visitors can enjoy four seasonal features together: a 1.2-kilometer-long row of cherry blossom trees along the Funagawa River, fields of tulips and canola flowers in bloom and the Northern Alps still capped with snow.
On Saturday (April 12), however, visitors might have found they were a bit early to appreciate the full spring quartet, as few canola flowers were blooming due to the recent cold weather.
They are expected to be at their best early this week, according to the town’s tourism association.
A 26-year-old visitor from Australia said he found the scenery beautiful even with an element missing, as there is no such extensive row of cherry blossom trees in his home country.
The Japan News also reported that in Matsumoto, Nagano, about 4,000 cherry trees were seen at their peak on Saturday (April 12) on an ancient tomb against a view of the snow-capped Northern Alps in Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture.
The trees were planted around the Koboyama tomb, which was created around the late third century, about 40 years ago by local residents.
From the upper part of the tomb, visitors could enjoy the combination of pink flowers, the city center in the near distance and the Northern Alps still covered with snow.
“It’s nice that we can enjoy a top-down view of cherry blossoms here, rather than looking up at them,” said a 73-year-old man from Nakatsugawa, Gifu Prefecture, who added that he visits the tomb every spring.
The tomb’s cherry blossoms are expected to be at their best through around Wednesday (April 16). - The Japan News/ANN
