Shiroishi Riverside: Full Bloom

After my report in Fukushima yesterday, today I headed a little further north to take a look at the cherry blossoms on the banks of the Shiroishi River. To my delight, I found that they were in full bloom. Despite the light drizzle today, the blossoms were looking sturdy so I expect the best viewing period to continue through the weekend and into early next week.

A little outside Sendai City, the Shiroishi Riverside can be reached in 35 minutes by train from Sendai Station on the JR Tohoku Main Line. Get off at Funaoka Station and it's a quick walk from the station's north exit to the riverside. Right at the entrance to the walk here, you'll find Sakurahodo Bridge, which gives a lovely view of the Somei Yoshino trees lining the river.

The Somei Yoshino are the highlight, but about a 15 minute walk further along the river, you'll come to the Shiroishi River Sen-ou Park, which has a beautiful array of flowering trees in all different colors. Next to it, a small area with food trucks and seating has been set up.