April 15, 2000. Joetsu, Niigata Prefecture. Cherry blossoms in the Takada Park.

The road to the monument of loyal dead lined with cherry trees in the Takada Park. It was cloudy though cherry blossoms were at their best. I took it early in the morning (6:00 am.) for it looked like it would be rainy soon. A vinyl sheet someone prepared for o-hanami party can be seen. Flowers came out a week later than the forecast. People can hardly wait!