Hello everyone,

I hope you are enjoying your spring vacation. After a rainy week last week, the weather is beautiful these days. Itis a good chance to spend some time with family and friends.

One of the most popular things to do is go look at the cherry blossoms. There are some beautiful ones around Wakayama Castle, near Yamanakadani Station, and even near my house beside Onosato River. They are popular places to go for many people to enjoy the season.

I’ll give you some advice though. Those places are popular with many people, but if you put in a little effort yourself, you can find your very own cherry blossom trees. If you look to the mountain side, there are many cherry blossom trees that are hiding 11 months out of the year. Then, in March or April, they reveal themselves as a pink puff amongst the greens and browns. If you go hiking in the mountains, you can find your very own cherry tree, and make it your secret spot for years to come.

I have mine on the hiking trail around Unzampo Mountain, between Osaka and Wakayama. I visit it every year like seeing an old friend. It gets me ready for the new challenges ahead.

See you soon!