The west bank of the Nishiki River, adjacent to the bridge, is thickly planted with thousands of cherry trees and about 200 plum trees. Unsurprisingly, then, this is a popular spot in spring for hanami, the wonderful Japanese custom of gathering beneath blossoming trees with family and friends and...

In 1956, a group of citizens in Fukuyama planted 1,000 young roses in what had been Minami park with the intention healing wartime wounds. In time, it became a local practice among companies, schools and public offices to plant roses to mark various ceremonies and events. With additional gifts of ro...