In my previous post, I shared my experience transitioning from a researcher visa to a student visa. The process was simple; I just needed to visit the immigration office to register the visa change and then return on the designated date, which happened to be April 1st.
That day was unforgettable for me. Upon arriving at Mito Station and walking towards the immigration office, I saw cherry blossoms blooming for the first time. The trees lining the road were adorned with flowers. The view was breathtaking and brought me a sense of peace. Cherry blossoms truly have a calming effect, as if they were inviting me to embark on a new adventure this spring.
I will show a comparison of photos from the same location in February and April. Even though it’s the same place, the atmosphere is completely different. In February, the air was cold, and the trees were bare, while in April, the cherry blossoms were in full bloom, bringing new life and beauty to the scene.
Unfortunately, due to a tight schedule, after receiving my residence card from the immigration office, I had to catch the bus back to Tsukuba. However, the brief moment with the cherry blossoms left a deep impression on my journey.
If you ever have the chance to visit Japan, I highly recommend visiting Kairakuen, one of the largest parks in Japan located in Mito. Besides being famous for its cherry blossoms, Kairakuen is also known for its plum trees, which bloom from late winter to early spring. So, if you visit a bit earlier before the cherry blossom season, you can still enjoy the beautiful sight of the plum trees.