William Heading into peak cherry blossom season this weekend, here is a suggestion to two sites to visit. The park on Shirakawa between Taikobashi and Meigobashi is interesting - it was begun by common citizens following the ravages of war, and though now maintained by the city, it retains a home-spun vibe. Convenient access by tram or bus, and you can enjoy the burbling of the stream while hanami-ing. Another is the castle’s Sannomaru. A small park sunk behind the museum and baseball stadium, it is greatly overshadowed by its more expansive, famous, and (mostly) cherry tree-less Ninomaru. Take the free castle shuttle bus, alight at the museum stop, and it’s a short downhill walk directly behind. Happy hanami to all! - looks like we’re in for excellent weather ’til Tuesday.