Sakura Yakitori Picnic at Koriyama Castle Ruins

Spring had truly arrived in Nara, Japan. The cold winter winds were gone, replaced by a soft, warm breeze that carried the sweet scent of flowers. It was finally "Sakura" season! Everywhere you looked, the trees were covered in delicate pink and white blossoms.

"Let’s go to Koriyama Castle today!" Lyn suggested at breakfast. "The cherry blossoms are in full bloom, and it is the best time for a picnic."

Lyn and Linda prepared for the trip with great care. Because the castle grounds are very large and can be crowded, they decided to use two strollers—one for each pet. Star sat proudly in the first stroller, wearing her favorite floral harness. Pinkysan sat regally in the second one, her green eyes wide as she looked at the passing scenery. They didn't look like ordinary pets; they looked like little queens being carried through their kingdom!

As they walked toward the castle, they passed through a street lined with small wooden stalls. The air was filled with a mouth-watering aroma. Suddenly, Star’s nose began to twitch rapidly. Sniff, sniff, sniff. She had discovered a "Yakitori" stall where a man was grilling delicious chicken over hot coals.

"Woof!" Star barked, pointing her nose toward the rising smoke. She looked at the stall, and then looked back at Lyn with her best "puppy eyes." Pinkysan stood up in her stroller, too. She smelled the savory soy sauce and chicken, and her whiskers began to dance.

"I think they are hungry for a snack," Lyn laughed. She walked to the stall and bought four sticks of fresh yakitori. She carefully took the meat off the sharp wooden sticks for Star and Pinkysan to make sure it was safe for them to eat.

Finally, they reached the castle grounds. The massive stone walls of Koriyama Castle looked grand and ancient against the bright blue sky. They found a perfect spot under a giant, leaning Sakura tree. Linda pulled a soft blue picnic blanket from her bag and spread it out over the green grass.

"This is the perfect spot," Linda said, sitting down.

The group settled in for their picnic. The scene was magical. Every time a light wind blew, thousands of pink petals fell from the branches, swirling through the air like warm, pink snow. Some petals landed on Star’s head, and others floated into Pinkysan’s water bowl.

"Look, Pinkysan! The sakura is so beautiful," Lyn said, catching a petal in her hand.

They all enjoyed their lunch together. Star chewed her chicken happily, wagging her tail against the blanket, while Pinkysan watched the falling petals with fascination. Behind them, the old castle tower stood as a silent witness to their fun. With the taste of yakitori, the beauty of the flowers, and the company of best friends, it was a perfect spring day that they would never forget.