Finally, it's spring. The most anticipated season in Japan has finally arrived. It also means that will the streets and parks will be covered with pink canopies, aka cherry blossoms (sakura), for a limited couple of weeks. It's mother nature's treat, or to an extent a bribe, for giving us a cold embrace for the past few months.
Why spring is very popular here in Japan? It's because of the Hanami, or flower viewing. Everyone, from friends, families, tourists, is out of their houses, troops to the park and enjoys being showered by these petals falling at a speed of 5 cm/s. You can't even prohibit a person who is allergic to pollen to miss this event. Parks around Tokyo is turning into a big playground.
Hanami (花見, lit. "flower viewing") is the Japanese traditional custom of enjoying the beauty of flowers, "flower" in this case almost always meaning cherry blossoms ("sakura") or (less often) plum blossoms ("ume") more here
Last Saturday, I brought my friends, who are having a one-week vacation in Japan, to two of the popular parks around Tokyo, Shinjuku gyoen and Yoyogi koen. The weather was perfect and was very cooperative allowing us to maximize our time. There was no need to listen to the complaints of our trembling legs. Everything that is happening in the park is very random. Some take it as a photo opportunity. Some to get drunk. Others to play. To bond with their family. To be crazy. Name it and you can see a representative or two. Just like a group of Japanese ladies (yes, they're not teens) playing with their dolls.
And there are some who pretend to be dolls. What's not to love in Japan? It's been nine years since declaring " I LOVE JAPAN". Slightly off topic but I just want to share, Sakura is one of my favorite Japanese songs. I used to memorize it too.
Shinjuku gyoen is stricter compared to Yoyogi ken. No booze is allowed and there's an entrance fee of 200 yen. The place is very good though. Lots of cherry blossoms variety show-off during our visit. Yoyogi ken on the other hand is more animated compared to the former. This place defines the celebration of spring.
spring sends sakura
sake's japanese wassail
blankets in pink hues
Ah spring, even if you are not my favorite season, I'll fully welcome you should you plan in staying for a year. You just don't know how you make every one inspired and genkii. Give me a ring once you have your decision.
/totomai
2012/04/08
Beautiful post - full of spring and joy..Jae
ReplyDeletethat what spring is all about :-) Thanks jae!
DeleteBeautiful shots, wonderful pictures, interesting post!
ReplyDeleteThanks Gigster! :-)
Deleteevery spring, this is a treat!!
ReplyDeletevoices in a treat
definitely :-)
DeleteThere is so much promise in cherry blossom time that is why it is so beautiful. What a beautiful post.
ReplyDeleteThanks OE. I think it's the most beautiful flower, imo
DeleteOh so pretty, what a treat for our eyes!
ReplyDeleteThanks Josie!
DeleteThese are so beautiful!!! Sir totomai, you make me want to move to Japan! T__T I want to see these beautiful sakura while enjoying some hanami dango~
ReplyDeleteI am trying to write more about Japan. I remember your comment last time. You should go to Japan :-)
DeleteI super want to, but I think matinding ipunan yun para makarating ako dyan.. D: I love almost anything Japanese. Sometimes I'm wondering maybe I have some Japanese blood in me XD
DeleteMaybe you have :-) My friends went here for a week. Di ko lang natanong magkano lahat nagastos nila :-)
DeleteWhat a perfect bloom to adore. And a great host you must be.
ReplyDeleteBeautifully warm haiku!
I hope I was a good host. :0)
DeleteThanks Archna!
Wow! Beautiful photos, as always. :) I want to go to Japan and visit my grade school friend. Maybe someday I will. :)
ReplyDeletehttp://www.dekaphobe.com/
Autumn and Spring are good seasons to visit Japan :-)
DeleteWooooo I love that lens you used on the first pic :D ! What lens or adapter is that :D ?
ReplyDeleteit's a fish eye. Nikkor 10.5mm. my favorite lens :-)
DeleteSuch beauty :) Here in the far north of Norway, our spring lasts for a month if we're lucky. I'd love to visit Japan again during springtime and get the real deal :)
ReplyDeleteI love Norway (Bergen)!
DeleteOh yes please, visit japan once again. I'd like to visit Norway again.
I love it bruh! The sakura blossoms indeed is a celebration!! Bravo yet again! ;) TY always for your way with words!
ReplyDeleteThanks te kat! Hopefully makapunta ka uli dito at ako diyan :-)
Deleteutsukushii! :)
ReplyDeletebalik na Japan :-)
DeleteSuuuper nice!! This is in my travel bucket list - to be part of Hanami in Japan. Another one is to eat sushi in Sukibayashi Jiro :)
ReplyDeleteWhoopsie I meant Sukiyabashi Jiro hehe
ReplyDeletethanks Mia. You should visit Japan. ASAP. :-)
Deletebeautiful shots John, so delicate pink :) wish i can see more of the dolls here too :)
ReplyDeletehi miss beth, i shot it illegally haha.
Delete5cm/s, whew!! na-measure mo un? hehehe ^_^
ReplyDeletesa movie haha
DeleteI wanna go there when its the Sakura festival.
ReplyDeleteyeah, you shoud :-)
DeleteAaaaah. I wanna go to Japan! I spotted an Isul doll. I collect them. ^_^
ReplyDeleteLovely lovely pictures, as expected.
Thanks again Eye Candy. Yeah, you should visit Japan :-)
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