Spring in Japan, as many of you know, is famous for the stunning, yet short-lived, cherry blossom season (cherry blossoms = sakura, is Japanese).

This season didn’t disappoint and I was able to view one of the best locations for 花見 (cherry blossom viewing) in the Machida/Naruse area: The Onda River. The Onda River is a small river that winds thru Machida and Naruse before joining the larger Tsurumi River near Nagatsuta. It’s a very short distance from my house or the Tamagawa Campus and both sides of the river are lined with cherry trees. There is a very well-maintained pedestrian path also along both sides of the river but for about 2 weeks in mid-late March it’s mobbed with photographers and families strolling lazily and taking it all in.

I often cycle along this pedestrian path (bikes are allowed, in case you were wondering) when I don’t have heaps of time but I need to get out for some exercise. Earlier this month I was able to record a short video as I cycled along the river enjoying the brief beauty.