Magatayama Park in Sumoto

Heidi Potter shares a half-remembered photo and memories of cherry blossoms past and present.

My first real hanami experience was in the grounds of Himeji Castle - for much of the year, an uninspiring stretch of yellowing grass, but coming to life with cheerful crowds each spring. We added our blue plastic sheet to the quilt covering the grass, unpacked our picnic and enjoyed the early sunshine. There’s no denying that it’s a good place for a party: the castle is always impressive and its graceful lines are enhanced when framed by delicate blossom.

However, while vainly scouring ancient albums for a half-remembered picture, I chanced upon this from Magatayama Park in Sumoto. A failure as a photograph, but it brought back happy memories. Not far from one of the schools I taught at, it was a pleasure to wander over to this hillside park with its glorious cherry blossom with colleagues after work. At this time of year, pathways are decorated with lanterns but it’s never too busy and the mountainside cherries have no competition.

In more recent years when I’ve chanced to be in Japan at cherry blossom time, I have been lured to some ‘prime’ viewing spots following the hordes carrying cameras and selfie-sticks. The blossoms are exquisite to be sure, but nothing beats being able to pop out for a quiet hanami in your own neighbourhood with friends.

Looking out at Regent’s Park from the windows of Daiwa Foundation Japan House where the Japan Society has its offices, the newly planted cherry trees beside the lake were in full bloom last week - thanks to the Sakura CherryTree Project many more of us will be able to enjoy the cherry blossom in our neighbourhoods, local parks and schools in the UK over the coming years.