Thursday, March 27, 2008

Sakura Time!

The cherry blossoms just opened up today in Tokyo. Believe it or not, it's a very big deal in Japan. The news media covers where the cherry trees are blossoming on an hour-by-hour basis. Once the blooms start popping open, people start teaming to the parks to have a picnic under the light pink tree branches. The picnics are called "o hanami", and oh is it fun!

http://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hanami



This was taken in Komaba Park, a 10 minute bike ride from our home. This park is surrounded with a 360 degree view of sakura (cherry trees).

Rhett wondering what all the fuss is all about!?!



Mia ready to get a game started. You will notice that the park is pretty empty. Two days later, at the height of the blossoms opening, it was standing room only. People had their tarps spread out, tables, chairs, and food and drink galore. I compare cherry blossom viewing to the 4th of July in America...one huge party. In this case, the party lasts for about two weeks.




The next day my friend Margaret from Alaska came to visit us. We went to the Naka Meguro canal to view the sakura.


Albeit jet-lagged, she was happy to be surrounded by the first blush of spring. Sakura, sakimashita ne?






3 comments:

Unknown said...

This was one of my favorite times of year in Japan! I love hanami and hanami-kai! Cindy

Brian said...

I've been wondering why you're not updating or emailing or skyping . . . . then I remembered that you have a lot of visitors coming now for sakura season! I wish I were there with you.

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