Cherry blossoms in Shizunai

Shizunai Nijukken Road is one of the popular spots for cherry blossom viewing. 

It has 3,000 cherry trees lined seven (seven!) kilometers along the road. 

We visited the site on Monday (May 9th, 2011).  As you can see from the picture,

the cherry blossoms were in bloom, but it was a bit too early. 

The official “in full bloom” declaration was issued on Wednesday, so  now the road

must be even more beautiful.  It’s a pity that the best timing for cherry blossoms

viewing only lasts for one week or so. 

You should be there on this weekend.  Right now!

Another fun to visit this region at this time of year is seeing foals that were born this spring. 

Can you see a young horse wearing a cute little horse coat in the picture above? 

This is the view from “Thoroughbred Ginza Park”. 

You can see Hidaka mountain range in the distance, still covered with snow. 

This area is called “Thoroughbred Ginza”, because there are a lot of thoroughbred

racehorse ranches.