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SPRING TOP > MIYAGI:Hitome-senbon-zakura (a thousand cherry trees at a glance) along the Shiroishi River   To those approaching on foot, the line of cherry trees seems to extend endlessly. The splendor is in that nearly 1000 Someiyoshino cherry trees planted on both sides of the Shiroishi River over 7 kilometers fit right into view. The Zao Mountains can be seen in the distance, still capped with pure white snow. The crisp combination of the blue sky, white snow and pale pink cherry blossoms puts a finishing touch to this famous cherry-viewing spot. The best viewing season is from mid- through late-April. While the cherries are in bloom, houseboats will be out on the river. Viewing the cherry trees from the river holds a different scenic appeal for tourists. During the cherry blossom season, even the trains slow down as they pass by to let the passengers take their fill of the gorgeous view. Subtle fragrance fills the air around the Hitome-senbon-zakura at night. Visitors are tempted to stroll below the dimly lit lanterns that provide a warm glow for gazing at the cherry blossoms. Another famous cherry-viewing spot along the Shiroishi River, the Funaoka-joshi Koen (Funaoka Castle Ruin Park). Approximately 750 cherry trees cover the whole mountain. Murata Town, approximately 10 kilometers from the Shiroishi River, is called the "Little Kyoto of the Tohoku region." The storehouses of merchants that dealt in safflower and Japanese indigo during the Edo period still line the street and remind its visitors of bygone days. The Japanese sake maker Onuma-shuzo Brewery, famous for the locally brewed sake Kenkon-ichi, is also located on the street. Storehouses that line the streets of Murata Town remind visitors of the busy bygone days when merchants sold their wares. The name "Sapporo" is printed on the package to inform consumers that select soy beans from Sapporo are used. Green Pearl Natto is even exported to the U.S. Green Pearl Natto is a unique product of the Ohnaga Shoten (store) of Murata Town. Its record of winning the gold medal at the First National Natto Fair and being awarded the Chairman's Prize at the 6th National Natto Contest is a guarantee of its fine taste. The name "Green Pearl" was given because its natto, made from select soybeans grown in Hokkaido, is enriched with pearl powder and chlorella extract. The fact that the brand is now exported to the U.S. speaks eloquently of its superb quality and taste. When the ski season is over at the Miyagi-Zao Eboshi ski grounds, daffodils cover the slopes to herald the arrival of spring. Nearly 500,000 daffodils weave an immense carpet of bright yellow in early May. The yellow carpet covering the slope of the Zao-Eboshi ski grounds signals the arrival of spring.