Himeji Castle - Viewing the Cherry Blossoms

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Guide to Himeji castle and grounds.
Himeji is the most popular place in Hyogo Perfecture and in the top 100 best places in Japan for viewing the cherry blossoms, having a picnic, and listening to music, while contemplating the transitory nature of life.

Cherry trees - Sannomaru Hiroba the castle's grounds- Viewers spread out mats on the ground
The castle is surrounded by about 1,000 cherry trees!

Huge crowds gather - Koto players entertain

Koto players are dressed in traditional kimono - this year is 14th Taiko drum performance
The taiko drum and it's energetic movements are quite a contrast to the refined harp-like quality of the koto

Himeji City, Japan has a sister city in the USA: Phoenix, Arizona.