Enjoy spring with the cherry blossoms of Kesennuma!

With the arrival of spring, Kesennuma is also in the season when cherry blossoms add color to its scenery. Although there are few large parks in the city where you can enjoy cherry blossom viewing on a large scale, there are cherry blossom spots scattered around that you can enjoy while taking a walk or passing by in a car. We have picked out some cherry blossom scenery that is unique to Kesennuma that will make you want to stop by for a bit. Why not enjoy the spring air and casually get into the cherry blossom viewing mood?
We'll introduce you to the best cherry blossom spots in Kesennuma, as well as some cherry blossom sweets that you can buy in stores around the city and enjoy at this time of year!

*This article isPrevious article by citizen writer KazueThe information has been updated and added.

1. Mount Aba

A 239m high mountain that offers a panoramic view of Kesennuma Bay and the city. Named for its origins in "praying for safe voyages and good catches," it is one of the symbols of the port town of Kesennuma, and the view from here is almost always used in videos introducing Kesennuma. At the fifth station of the mountain, which can be reached by car, there is the dragon-themed "Abayama Park."
Although there are only a few cherry trees, this is the only place where you can take photos of the spring-like scenery of Kesennuma.
As you stroll, you can hear the lovely calls of cuckoos and other spring birds.

2.Furuyadate Hachiman Shrine

Furuyadate Hachiman Shrine is a shrine located on a hill in Nakase, Matsuzaki, in the city.This is a variety of cherry tree called "Edo Higan Sakura."

There are several kinds of cherry trees in the temple grounds, and I would like to introduce one called "Kumagaya Sakura." It was planted by the citizens of Kumagaya (Saitama Prefecture) who have ties to Kumagaya after the earthquake.

▲The Kumagaya cherry tree near the bulletin board has been there for 14 years.

Kumagai Naozane (Lord Kumagai Jiro Naozane), a military commander under Minamoto no Yoritomo, was based in Kumagaya City, Saitama Prefecture, but he gained territory in various places due to his military achievements in the Genpei War and the subjugation of the Oshu Fujiwara clan. Naozane's grandson, Naomune, also moved to Kesennuma, and it is said that he boasted of his military power as a samurai group known as the Kumagai Clan in Kesennuma until the downfall of the Kasai clan at the end of the Sengoku period.
Many of the people with the Kumagai surname, which is said to be the second most common in Kesennuma, trace their origins to Kumagai Naozane and his grandson Naomune, who were active during the Sengoku period.
In order to support Mr. Kumagai and Kesennuma, which has ties to Kumagaya City, after the earthquake, the citizens of Kumagaya donated Kumagaya cherry tree seedlings to temples and shrines associated with the Kumagaya Party, such as Furuyadate Hachiman Shrine and Hokkyoji Temple.Facilities such as the Reconstruction Memorial Park and the Folklore Museum,They are also being delivered to many citizens of Kesennuma.

Additionally, during cherry blossom season, the shrine offers a special "Sakura" goshuin (temple/shrine stamp) handmade by the priest using an eraser stamp. The offering fee is 500 yen. Because each one is handmade, only pre-printed stamps are available. The period for receiving the goshuin is from March 28th (Saturday) until around the end of April, when the cherry blossoms in the shrine grounds have fallen.

3. Kamiyama River

The cherry blossom-lined streets along the Kamiyama River were a popular cherry blossom viewing spot even before the disaster. In the past, there were many more cherry trees lined up, and the area was bustling with cherry blossom-viewing visitors in the spring. The cherry trees around Kamiyama have been cut down for embankment construction, but you can still enjoy the beautiful cherry blossom trees along the river from Sorimatsu Park to Aiko Kindergarten. When in full bloom, you can enjoy a stroll amid the petals dancing in the breeze.

4. Kesennuma Library

Near Kesennuma Library, where children pass by on their way to school.
During the day, you can enjoy the cherry blossoms from the library windows, and every year local people light up the cherry blossoms.
We also recommend visiting early in the morning to see the cherry blossoms in front of the Kesennuma Junior High School gymnasium, next to the library.

5. Shobudazawa

A large reservoir can be seen near Iwaizaki Interchange. In 1547 (Tenbun 16), the village built an embankment for agricultural purposes, and it became the Shobudazawa Reservoir. Since then, the reservoir has irrigated the Hashikami area. It is a large freshwater pond, rare in Kesennuma, and is a popular place for local residents to relax. It is also famous for the swans that fly in during the winter, but in the spring, you can enjoy the pond with its cherry blossoms in bloom. It is recommended for those who want to quietly enjoy the cherry blossoms.

6. Denpoji Fudoson

Denpo-ji Fudoson is located in Joraku in the city, where you can see weeping cherry blossoms. Denpo-ji Fudoson, which is also the origin of the name of the nearby JR Fudo-no-sawa Station, is located near Kesennuma High School, in a quiet place on a hilltop with lots of greenery.

KESENNUMA HITOTOKI NADESIKO

Financiers made in collaboration with BLACK TIDE BREWING using malt lees. Each one is carefully garnished with a salty cherry blossom, giving you a taste of cherry blossoms filling your mouth.

Store name

Beniume Uomachi Main Branch

Tel

0226-22-0469

Opening hours

9:00 ~ 18:00

Closed days

Sunday

Address

2-1-13 Uomachi, Kesennuma City

Sakura Daifuku

The cherry blossoms are finely chopped and kneaded into the daifuku dough, making this a sweet and sour yet slightly salty treat that matches perfectly with the sweet bean paste inside, making it an excellent Hanako delicacy for this time of year.

Store name

Hanako Okashi Matsuiwa store

Tel

0226-22-6629

Opening hours

9:30～17:30

Closed days

Open all year round except New Year's Day

Address

Kesennuma City Akaiwa Mud Tree 18

[Spring Limited Edition] Hoya Boya Monaka (Sakura)

The wonderful aroma of cherry blossoms spreads the moment you put it in your mouth. The lightly sweetened bean paste is smooth and refreshing. This is a spring-only monaka.

Store name

Confectionery shop Isamiya

Tel

0226-42-3056

Opening hours

9:00～18:00

Closed days

Thursday

Address

Kesennuma City, Motoyoshi-cho, Tsuya Tateoka 12-3

Sakura Roll

The "Sakura Roll" is available again this year in limited quantities, in celebration of spring. Homemade butter cream and fragrant cherry blossom leaves. The light pink cherry blossom cream will make you feel spring. It's the perfect gift for this time of year. (Storage instructions: Refrigerate for 1 week)

Store name

Koyama Confectionery

Tel

0226-22-0868

Opening hours

9:00～19:00

Closed days

Wednesday

Address

1-31, Kesennuma City Fish Market