I had my first sighting of cherry blossom in Atok Benguet, though it was just a small tree then with just one or two blooms on it, it still is exquisite. And imagine my delight when I saw a full bloom with not just one tree but a bunch of them and not with just one bloom but the whole tree itself.
The Japanese Friendship Garden is where my foot took me as they offer these gorgeous blooms. Make sure to catch them before spring ends. The garden has a lot to offer not only the exquisite blooms but an equally various lovely assortment of flowers too. The garden, in addition, has koi ponds and watching them bequeaths rejuvenating and relaxing mood. There is also an assortment of bonsai trees. The garden as a whole is so serene that you cannot help yourself not to wander off and meditate and commune with the surroundings.
I came here to see the blooms with my own Sakura, my daughter. She had fun as much as I did. It was early November of last year when we first visited this place sans the blooms yet the garden was still serene and equally offered comfort. This time around, it was more than comfortable and I already marked my calendar for the next spring. This is something I will look forward to for the next season with my daughter Sakura.
There is, however, a minimal entrance of $10 for students and seniors and $12 for adults. To fully enjoy the beauty of the garden, it may be better to visit on a weekday except on the third Tuesday of every month. This is where it gets fully crowded since this is free admission for all San Diego residents. The Japanese Friendship Garden is open Mondays to Sundays from 10 am to 6 pm except on Saturdays where they closed earlier at 3:30 pm.
