Every year, during cherry blossom (Sakura) time around the middle of April, the premises of Japan Mint along the entire Yodo Riverside Lane, a full length of 560m, is opened to the public for one week for cherry blossom-viewing (Sakura-no-toorinuke).

ICHIHARATORANOO	SASABEZAKURA	KOUKA

At present there are about 340 trees of about 141 varieties such as Kanzan, Fugenzo, Shogetsu, Benitemari, Shibayama, Kizakura and Yokihi to name a few.

The majority of the trees are late-blossoming, doubleflowering varieties, and are quite impressive when in full bloom. For over a century ever since the lane was first opened in 1883, this annual event has been cherished by people as a poetical spring-time feature of Osaka.

It is said Benitemari, Otemari, Kodemari and Yorozakura are rare kinds of cherry (Sakura) and are scarcely seen in any other places.

With cherry blossoms (Sakura) in full bloom the new academic year for schools and the new fiscal year for businesses begin and people gather under the trees to admire the flowers towards the end of March or the beginning of April.

What the rose is to England, the cherry blossom (Sakura) is to Japan-the flower of flowers.

Walking through the cherry blossom (Sakura) tunnel you feel like walking in a dream, especially at nightime when the blossoms are illuminated.

Without cherry blossom (Sakura) the Japanese would never have been cheerful and youthful.

The beauty of the flower, however, does not last long like a candle light burning down so suddenly. The petals fall in the spring breeze after a short span just like the falling snow in cold winter.

Without cultivation of the trees by the previous generation you are not able to admire the ephemeral beauty of the flowers.

Yo no naka ni Taete Sakura no nakariseba
Haruno kokorowa Nodoke karamashi
(Ariwara no Narihira)

(WORD FOR WORD) Without cherry blossoms (Sakura) in the world
How tranquil our hearts would be in spring