Yoru no Mori: Sakura Tunnel

Overview

The Yoru no Mori area in Fukushima is famous for its cherry blossoms, with old trees lining a 2.4-kilometer stretch. Since the nuclear accident, few people visit, but in spring, former residents gather and the area bustles with activity for a short time. This year's cherry blossoms are a little special. In April, the evacuation order for part of the “cherry blossom tunnel” was lifted. Some people are returning to the village to restart their lives in sync with the cherry blossoms, but the remaining 80% of the tunnel remains in the “difficult-to-return zone,” where residency is still prohibited. For three days, people gather under the full bloom of the flowers, reminiscing about their hometown.