Ume season starts @ Umegaoka: Jan. 19, 2019

Three weeks have passed since the beginning of 2019.

It is still cold, but, but the day is getting longer. The sunshine is becoming brighter.

I walked in Hanegi Park in Umegaoka, where about 650 ume (Japanese apricot) trees stand.

Some trees opened flowers.

I found red (top), white (2nd and 3rd), pink (4th) and yellow (left) flowers.

Cats spent their times in the park.

Crows and other birds were singing.

The park will hold Ume festival in early February.