Kiimidera Temple in Wakayama City is renowned for it's beautiful blossoms and is overrun by camera-toting tourists like myself! I spent an entire afternoon admiring the trees.

The most impressive blossoms were at Nakayama Temple which I uncovered during my hike up Nakayama mountain on a beautiful, sunny afternoon in April.

My street in Wakayama is lined with cherry trees. For two weeks, I craned my neck to enjoy the blossoms while cycling by on my bike! Luckily I didn't crash into anyone or anything!

Wakayama Castle was also in full bloom during my Spring break. Everywhere, families and employees sat on pieces of plastic enjoying their snacks and relaxing. I didn't see any rambunctious karaoke singers, or too many drunk people like I read about in the paper. Apparently, over 180 were hospitalized during "hanami" due to excessive drinking and related mishaps!

The magnificent trees symbolize the arrival of Spring, and a new school year. (I have new teachers at some of my schools, and hundreds of new students. It's now officially a lost cause to try and remember anyone's name!)

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