AirVen­tures Cherry Blossom+Green Tea

A trav­el­ogue for all the senses

The thermos flask clicks softly. The green tea is still warm. Steam rises – a crisp, clear wisp into the cool morning air. You take a sip, place the flask back in the cup holder and start the old Toyota Corolla, the sort that still often rolls along the roads in rural areas. The engine hums calmly, ready to accom­pany you through the day.

Your journey begins at the Ōhata River, the main river of the munic­i­pality of the same name, where National Route 279 opens up its tunnel of blos­soms. A mist still hangs over the coast­line. The sun lingers behind the hills, as if reluc­tant to disturb the day. The air is fresh, carrying the rustling of leaves, the distant calls of birds, the hum of a moped.

Then the tunnel begins. Left and right: Somei-Yoshino cherry trees, as far as the eye can see. The branches close over you to form a lumi­nous canopy. Sunlight filters through the pink blos­soms as if through rice paper – deli­cate, almost trans­parent. A few petals dance in front of the wind­screen, landing on the bonnet like confetti at a quiet cele­bra­tion. It smells sweet – like a memory returning: the scent of cherry blossom, mixed with tea and damp tarmac.

You switch off the engine in a small clearing. Next to a tree, a family spreads out a blanket, shares onigiri, laughs softly, and pours tea. Hanami. So simple, so peaceful. You get out and the blos­soms drift onto your shoulder as if in slow motion. Beneath your shoes lies a carpet of blos­soms, soft as paper.

You drive on towards Mutsu. The tunnel of blos­soms thins out, tree by tree. No sign, no archway. Just one last branch bending low over the road – as if bowing. Then, a bend in the Deto River. And suddenly it’s there: blue against pink. The Tsugaru Strait lies deep blue in the morning light. A quick glance – and you know: this is it. The strip of water between Hokkaidō and Honshū.

You stop, open the door and sit on the edge of the seat. One last sip of tea, now cooler, but still smooth and clear. You take a deep breath and it smells of every­thing that was: of blossom, morning mist, tea – and a hint of the Pacific.

Best time to visit: Late April to early May for the cherry blos­soms at their peak.
Getting there: Easily acces­sible by car or bus from Mutsu City; the nearest station is Shimokita.
Places of interest: The mystical Osorezan Bodaiji Temple by Lake Usori and the Mago­jiro­mainari Shrine in Ōhata.
Activ­i­ties: Boat trip from Ōhata to Mutsu Bay with stun­ning coastal views; relax at Yagen Onsen Yagenso, approx. 10 km away.
Café: Fresh coffee at Ushi­tora Coffee in Ōhata.
Accom­mo­da­tion: Mutsu Grand Hotel or Kamenoi Hotel Aomori Makado.
Loca­tion: Country road in Kyūshū, Japan

Length: approx. 4 km
Connec­tion: Links the towns of Kasamai and Ohata
Special feature: Famous for cherry blos­soms (sakura) in spring
Events: Hanami festi­vals and picnics during the blossom season
Scent: Deli­cate cherry blossom, green tea and a hint of sea air