Cherry blossoms on trees planted for Princess Aiko at Sakuratoge pass in Fukushima Prefecture, northeastern Japan, are almost in full bloom on April 22.

A total of 2,001 of Oyamazakura trees were planted here in 2002 to commemorate the birth of Princess Aiko in 2001.

After that, more cherry trees were planted to commemorate exchanges with New Zealand and other countries, and the number of trees grew to about 3,000.

Since the flowering period of Oyamazakura cherry blossoms is short, they are also referred to as “phantom cherry blossoms.”

S/ Visitor: I was surprised. It’s beautiful. I didn’t know there was such a place. I’m moved. 

The best time to see the cherry blossoms is nearing the end.