Two weeks ago now, we went for a cycle ride to Shuzenji, in Shizuoka prefecture, from Mishima along the Daiba and Kano Rivers. For most of the way there is a cycle path. Occasionally you have to cross some roads and it can be unpleasant for a few minutes, but mostly, its a quiet and safe cycle and the scenery, when you get out of Mishima into the countryside, is wonderful.
We have cycled along here many times before, but this was our first time specifically to see the cherry blossoms.
The first place we went to was in Izunokuni. Its called Kanogawa Sakura Park. Its right on the cycling road and was quite busy that day because the blossoms were wonderful.
Then, after Izunokuni, we crossed over the river and cycled along Kano river past Joyama Mountain, the cherry trees were showing off their wonderful colours here too, even the wild cherries which were blooming on the mountain!
A little further on, on the outskirts of Ohito, just round the corner from Joyama, we had our lunch, some sandwiches and snacks, sitting along a pretty path across from a bridge.
Finally, we cycled to Shuzenji, bought a few beers and sat on one of the benches by the cycle path, next to the river, and watched the petals falling as the river washed by. Its one of my favorite places to sit and relax.
After that, we got a bit lazy and, returning to Izunokuni, we went to a hot spring and then got the train (you can put your bikes on the train at the weekends if its before 5pm) back to Mishima.
It was a really nice day, the cherry blossoms were fully open and the weather was warm and sunny all day. Perfect!