Along the banks of the Shiroishi River between the towns of Ogawara and Shibata in Miyagi Prefecture are about 1,200 cherry-blossom trees. The famous eight-kilometer stretch of blooms is called Hitome Senbon Zakura and draws 200,000 people during blossom-viewing season. Some of the passing trains even go more slowly than usual so that passengers can enjoy the floral spectacle.