Southern Ocean Cherry Blossoms in Full Bloom at Wushantou Reservoir; Japanese-Style Festival Kicks Off

▲ The Wushantou Japanese-Style Festival includes performances on the Japanese koto and experiences of traditional Japanese matcha tea ceremonies. (Photo / Provided by Tainan Irrigation Association)

Reported by Lin Yue / Tainan City

The annual Southern Ocean cherry blossoms at Wushantou Reservoir are gradually blooming beautifully. To celebrate their full bloom, the scenic area will host the Japanese-Style Festival from March 11 to April 4, creating a strong Japanese atmosphere throughout the park. This allows visitors to feel as if they are enjoying cherry blossoms in Japan, making Wushantou Reservoir more vibrant and lively during the blossom season.

Currently, cherry blossoms can be found at multiple spots within the Wushantou Reservoir Scenic Area, including the right side of the main entrance, opposite the memorial hall, near the Bathhouse Power Plant on the Champs-Élysées Avenue, the Yasui Kazuo Memorial Park, Zhongzheng Park, and Sakura Park. The varieties of cherry blossoms in the park now include Kawazu-zakura, yaezakura, weeping cherry, Southern Ocean cherry, and Fuji cherry—totaling five types.

Yang Ming-feng, president of the Tainan Irrigation Association, said that due to the warm winter this year, the cherry blossom season across Taiwan has been slightly delayed. For instance, the blooming period of Kawazu-zakura and yaezakura at Wushantou Reservoir is later than in previous years. However, the Southern Ocean cherry blossoms are currently in full bloom. Their pale pink petals create a stunning layered view when in full display, offering a different charm compared to the usual bright peachy hues of yaezakura. This year, an additional pedestrian cherry blossom viewing path has been set up beside the Champs-Élysées Avenue to allow visitors to safely admire the over 80-year-old Southern Ocean cherry trees as their blossoms fall like snow.

To coincide with the cherry blossom season, the Wushantou Reservoir Scenic Area is specially hosting the “2017 Wushantou Japanese-Style Festival: Experience Traditional Japanese Culture” event from March 11 to April 4. Activities include DIY mochi-making, shimenawa (sacred straw rope) crafting, Japanese koto performances, traditional Japanese matcha tea ceremonies, free trials of traditional Japanese clothing, and ringing a prayer bell. Aside from strolling along the Champs-Élysées Avenue and enjoying the romantic atmosphere of the falling cherry blossoms, visitors can also explore the Yasui Kazuo Memorial Park and various scenic spots around the reservoir, as well as enjoy a variety of exciting performances. The Wushantou Reservoir Scenic Area looks forward to sharing the joy of cherry blossom viewing and experiencing a taste of foreign culture with everyone.