This is my third spring in Japan, but only my first time ever to see the much hyped Hirosaki Sakura Matsuri. Actually, that's technically untrue as I did in fact go once last year, but it turned out to be more of a barren branch festival.


Well I'm pleased to report however that this year the festival actually lived up to the hype, and the park was really quite impressive looking. While I'm glad to have finally seen the trees in full bloom, I'm not sure if it was worth the cost to my health. Ever since last weekend my throat has been killing me, likely the result of some kind of cherry blossom allergy I never knew I had. Unfortunately, Noheji High School is surrounded in cherry trees as well so it looks like I'm going to have to endure this torture for some time to come.

Follow up:

These look much nicer than they taste.



In addition to the usual live goldfish and turtles for sale, this year you could also buy your kids a cute baby chicken for only 200 yen! Anyone know if a soar throat is a symptom of Avian Flu?




The lame Disney truck was back again this year, as was the neat motorcycle stunt show.





The haunted house was back as well, with an even spookier and more confusing display.



There are no mini donuts on this midway, but there are lots of slimy alternatives.




There are some sweets too such as suckers, ice cream, snow cones, cotton candy and candy coated strawberries. Like most good tasting things in Japan, they all come with a hefty price tag though. A single strawberry costs 100 yen, and cotton candy will set you back at least 500!



Oh right, the cherry trees.




And here's a nice shot of the river lined with sakura.



Same location, but at night.




The park is quite beautiful by day, but it looks even better at night. The park is much less busy and the trees almost look like ghosts.



I thought I'd be a bully and torture some sakura, but they sure got me back for my insolence.




Cool looking old tree in the "pay zone". One nice perk about visiting the park at night is that the pay zone is free.




To conclude, here's a shot of Hirosaki's mini castle. It was really nice to get a chance to finally experience the blooming of the cherry trees before leaving Japan. That being said, I can't wait for it to end as I would really like to regain the use of my throat.