Kofu Maizuru Castle | A Timeless Sakura Rendezvous

| Embark on a timeless sakura rendezvous. As Layback Li Bai said, "Cherry blossoms last seven days, beacon fires a thousand years, only Maizuru Castle's spring dares to gamble with time." When Tokyo's cherry blossom viewing spots were overflowing with tourists, I resolutely embarked on a journey to Kofu, diving headfirst into this secret sakura sanctuary hidden in the depths of time. It turned out to be a superb spring adventure, a blend of fantasy and history 🎉 1. Deep Dive: A Double Feast of Sakura and History Check in at these spots on the Warring States Sakura Map📍 • Tenshukaku Ruins Cherry Blossom Stairway: Climb the 228 stone steps🚶, with weeping cherry blossoms cascading down like pink waterfalls on both sides. Arrive 30 minutes before sunrise for an unobstructed view and a breathtaking panorama of the Kofu Basin🌄. • Ninomaru Moat Mirror Sakura: Rent a small boat (JPY 2000/hour🛶) and sail into the moat to admire the stunning reflection of cherry blossoms, the waning moon, and the castle walls in the water, as if stepping into the Edo world of *Rurouni Kenshin*. • Hidden Easter Egg: Search for the Takeda family's diamond-shaped crest carved in stone🗿 under the ancient "Mitsubayazakura" tree. Legend has it that touching it grants the strategic power of "Fū-Rin-Ka-Zan" (Wind, Forest, Fire, Mountain). Immersive Night Sakura Experience✨ After the lights are turned on at 6pm, carry a paper lantern🏮 and stroll along the ruins of the Honmaru Palace. A koto player performs "Koshu Gunka"🎶 at the turret, and falling petals drift into sake cups in rhythm with the music, creating a magical atmosphere. 2. Embrace the Arts: Unveiling the Treasure Route📜 • 6:00 am Sakura Horse Track Encounter: Head to the "Sakura Horse Track" for a chance encounter with elderly bird walkers and receive a handwritten haiku note📃. • 10:00 am Kofu Castle Tea Ceremony: Reservations required🙋. Kneel on a cherry blossom tatami mat and savor matcha🍵 served in tea bowls replicated from those used by Shingen Takeda during his military campaigns. • 3:00 pm Retro Carriage Exploration: Take a retro sightseeing carriage (JPY 1500🚕) around the Nishinomaru and listen to the driver recount the dark tale of "Souls Buried Beneath the Cherry Trees." • 7:30 pm Takeda Shrine Prayer: Request a "Flower Guardian" charm🎐 at the Takeda Shrine and tie your wishes to the thousand-year-old sacred tree. 3. Photography Secrets: Capture Stunning Shots📸 Bring a Fujifilm XT5 camera with a 35mm prime lens. • Filter Settings: Use an NC filter with the grain set to weak. • Shooting Techniques: Stand at the western arrow slit of the Tenshukaku and use a telephoto lens to capture a breathtaking shot of cherry blossoms with Mount Fuji in the background🗻. If it rains, shoot upwards with a transparent umbrella☔ to create a poignant image of raindrops colliding with falling petals. 4. Friendly Reminders: Avoid Common Pitfalls🚫 • Clothing Mishaps: Don't wear *geta* (wooden clogs)👘! The gravel paths of the ancient castle can be tough on your toes. Soft-soled sandals are recommended. • Food Guide: The limited-edition cherry blossom festival bento boxes sell out quickly! Rush to "Shingen-an" before 11am to buy cherry blossom taiyaki🍢, or you'll have to wait in a long line. Navigation: 1-chome, Marunouchi, Kofu City, Yamanashi Prefecture (15-minute walk from JR Kofu Station🚶‍♂️) Bloom Forecast: March 28 - April 10, 2025 (Storms may end this cherry blossom spectacle early🌩️) This hidden gem of a cherry blossom viewing spot is worth a visit. Like and save this post🌟, and come to Kofu Maizuru Castle for your next cherry blossom viewing!