Spring Exchange Adventure | Sakura in Kyushu, Nature’s Best! 🌸

#cherryblossom25 In early April, we ventured on a lovely hike along the Chikuhō • Kawara Line in Kyushu, Japan. This trail spans about 11.5 kilometers, with picturesque rural landscapes, a 522-meter elevation gain, and a 567-meter descent, taking around 5 hours to complete. The starting point, Saitō Station, boasts 103 years of history, and the train tracks are lined with cherry blossoms. Many people were gathered by the tracks, snapping photos as trains zoomed by, giving off a scene straight out of a Japanese movie. Along the way, we passed Kawara Shrine, surrounded by cherry blossoms, where kids kicked soccer balls and played under the trees while adults enjoyed leisurely picnics on the grassy lawns—a picture-perfect, warm, and happy moment. What I loved most about this outdoor adventure was how tranquil it was—few people, but the cherry blossoms were dense and wild, bursting with life. It felt raw and untamed, unlike the neatly arranged flowers you find in parks, where you often encounter crowds around every corner. This made it feel much more alive and vibrant, a truly special experience. As Qingming marks the peak of cherry blossom season, I’m lucky to have caught them in full bloom! The cherry blossoms continued to thrive, and even around Shodoshima and Shikoku Aquarium, the blossoms were still standing strong, expected to last for about another week and a half. 🌸 #naturalwonders