Thirty years ago, Yoshiko Tagai discovered her dream cherry blossom viewing spot when she moved to Wakayama's Kimiidera area.
It was the first year of her marriage. She had just left her job where she met her husband and left her mother's house before moving to Wakayama to start a new life.
Tagai was still trying to come to terms with the sudden death of her father two years ago from an illness.
She was excited to start a new chapter of her life, even though she didn't know anyone in Wakayama.
A neighborhood fishmonger offered fresh seafood. Most of the fish on the shelves were new and fascinating to Tagai who grew up in a landlocked area.
The shop lady showed her how to prepare the fish and she enjoyed learning how to cook them.
Tagai's favorite cherry blossom spot was on her way to the shop. It was a narrow path for pedestrians and cyclists lined with cherry trees.
The seasonal blooming would start slowly, a bud opening here, another there until all the trees were in full bloom to form a magnificent sakura tunnel.
You might be feeling lonely in the new town, but you will be right, the cherry blossom trees seemed to be saying to her as if to fill her with energy.
The oldest daughter of Tagai was born at the time and got married recently. The young couple talking about their wedding plans reminds Tagai of her honeymoon days.
The family moved from the neighborhood after a few years.
Tagai has never returned to the sakura path because she wants to keep the perfect blossoms in her mind's eye.
This article is part of a series of stories about the memories of cherry blossoms that have been solicited from readers.