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Sunday, March 29, 2015

Momo

Spring is finally here. Everyone is busy preparing and/or updating his/her itineraries so as not to miss the arrival of sakura aka cherry blossoms. Sakura may be the most popular bloom in Japan during spring, but there are other flowers that are equally beautiful too. One of them is the momo hana or peach blooms.



Spring

the boulevard’s pink 
painted by blushing sisters 
springtime in japan
a hushed sibling rivalry
momo hana, sakura

 /totomai

Last Saturday, I joined a bus tour thinking that I will get lots of sakura shots. I was wrong as the cherry blossoms will be in full bloom this mid-week in Tokyo. But I still consider the tour as a blessing in disguise. After all, I got the chance to focus on the less popular peach flowers.

momomomo 
 
The trees of the peach blossoms were in full bloom when we went to Koga Park. The park is 90% pink. Momentarily, I have forgotten about the cherry blossoms. Lots of activities are going on, spectators take photos, families have picnics, and others just take a rest under the pink canopies and go to dreamland.

koga

I still don’t understand why peach blooms are not as  famous as the cherry blossoms. As I said earlier, they are both equally beautiful - from its color, size, shape. I found it difficult to identify their differences. Or maybe because peach blooms are always associated to small girls and have no romantic aura. Read the related article here.

bloomfisheyewhite

During the trip though, I wasted most of my time taking photos of the bee showing how pollination is done. These bee series is my favorite. Bear with me if I post almost two identical shots, I can’t choose which one to include on this post, that’s why.

pollinationpollination

Sorry for the photo overload. I just want to highlight that there are other blooms aside from the famous sakura. They also deserve to be noticed and showcased. Anyway, few more sleeps and sakura will be taking over your spring life.

night

Here’s the short video I made for last Saturday’s trip. Click video. 

Happy Spring everyone! 

 /totomai
2015/03/29

Photos taken with Nikon D7000 
lenses used : 
     Nikkor 18-300mm 3.5f 
     Nikkor 105mm 2.8f 
     Tamron 11-16 2.8f 
     Nikkor 10.5 2.8f
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59 comments:

  1. Sanaa RizviMarch 29, 2015 at 8:52 PM

    Gorgeous pictures! I so adore cherry blossoms..such a lovely poem too... :D :D
    xoxo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. totomaiMarch 30, 2015 at 8:01 AM

      Thanks Sanaa, not sure if I will make another cherry blossoms post next week haha 😜

      Delete
  2. GraceMarch 29, 2015 at 9:53 PM

    I love the peach pink colors of the park ~ Beautiful shots Totomai, I don't mind the spring blossoms overload, smiles ~ I will check your video too ~

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. totomaiMarch 30, 2015 at 8:02 AM

      While checking the preview, I thought it's too much pink. Still I click "post" lol. Thanks Grace

      Delete
  3. MaryMarch 29, 2015 at 10:03 PM

    Beautiful photos, Totomai. I agree that the peach blossoms are spectacular. I enjoyed your poem. There should not be a 'rivalry' between the peach and cherry blossom. They should enjoy one another's presence & beauty and not be jealous of each other's charm. (Smiles.)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. totomaiMarch 30, 2015 at 8:03 AM

      So true Mary but I think the spectators are the ones responsible for their rivalry haha.

      Delete
  4. GabriellaMarch 29, 2015 at 10:28 PM

    From what you show us the peach blossoms are beautiful too I agree. Thank you for sharing such beauty through your words and photos.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. totomaiMarch 30, 2015 at 8:05 AM

      Welcome Gabriella, hope you won't feel that this is turning into a flower blog 😜

      Delete
  5. Jae RoseMarch 29, 2015 at 10:44 PM

    Such joy and life - and love your shoes! who cannot smile when wearing those.. :)

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    Replies
    1. totomaiMarch 30, 2015 at 8:06 AM

      My shoes are getting popular haha. Thanks Jae

      Delete
  6. TruedessaMarch 29, 2015 at 11:28 PM

    Oh, this reminded me of when I was in DC a couple of years ago and the cherry blossoms where in full bloom so alluring and intoxicating.

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    Replies
    1. totomaiMarch 30, 2015 at 8:07 AM

      I've never been to DC yet but saw some pictures and I am recommending it to my friends who want to experience spring. Thanks Truedessa

      Delete
  7. brudbergMarch 30, 2015 at 1:09 AM

    Lovely.. I agree that the peach bloom is every bit as beautiful as the sakura... I love the joy of this bloom you are sharing... Here nothing like this has came yet...

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    Replies
    1. totomaiMarch 30, 2015 at 8:08 AM

      Don't worry Bjorn, you will be surprised your surroundings suddenly turn pink :)

      Delete
  8. kelvin s.m.March 30, 2015 at 1:25 AM

    No apology necessary as we delight in every photos you shared here & there. If I hadn't known anything about Cherry Blossoms I would certainly be confused at how Peace Blossoms could really look like the former in so many qualities you mentioned here. Ha. Thanks a ton for yet another chock-full treat, this time, with a Tanka on the go. Smiles.

    - ksm

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    Replies
    1. totomaiMarch 30, 2015 at 8:09 AM

      Maybe you should visit Japan soon Kevin :)

      Delete
    2. kelvin s.m.March 30, 2015 at 8:42 AM

      Ha...will consider your advice.. it's conflicting for now at my end... but when i'm able to do so i'll hunt you coz you'll be my tour guide... haha..

      - ksm

      Delete
    3. totomaiMarch 30, 2015 at 11:47 AM

      Sure Kevin. If the price is right lolol

      Delete
  9. NatašekMarch 30, 2015 at 2:15 AM

    beautiful! :)

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  10. Sumana RoyMarch 30, 2015 at 2:35 AM

    what a delightful post!!...enjoyed every bit of it both lines & lens...

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    1. totomaiMarch 30, 2015 at 8:11 AM

      Thanks Sumana, glad the pinks didn't cause you eyesore lol

      Delete
  11. Sherry Blue SkyMarch 30, 2015 at 4:38 AM

    First, I love your colorful shoes! And those must be the happiest trees in the world, so many people coming out just to admire their beauty! Loved the photos, and really enjoyed the video. What a treat! Thanks, kiddo!

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    Replies
    1. totomaiMarch 30, 2015 at 8:12 AM

      Thanks Sherry! The video clips were taken by my iphone5s and used tha Cameo application for final edit :) Maybe I will make a post about my shoes :)

      Delete
  12. PoppyMarch 30, 2015 at 5:00 AM

    Such a show of spectacular colour!! So many of these blossoms look alike to me, so it's better that I don't know which is which! Thus, they are all equally beautiful in their brilliance.

    Poppy

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    1. totomaiMarch 30, 2015 at 8:13 AM

      So true Poppy, it was just last Saturday I know more about the peach blossoms :)

      Delete
  13. KerridwenMarch 30, 2015 at 5:48 AM

    Wow, what beautiful pictures!!!

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  14. Donna@LivingFromHappinessMarch 30, 2015 at 6:16 AM

    Oh my goodness these are a feast for my eyes and senses....I think I love the peach blossoms more because I love the peaches more....what a delight in words and pictures....

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    Replies
    1. totomaiMarch 30, 2015 at 8:14 AM

      Haha you're biased to peach then. Thanks Donna

      Delete
  15. Jennifer WagnerMarch 30, 2015 at 7:49 AM

    Those photos are a delight to my eyes, Totomai!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Sanaa RizviMarch 30, 2015 at 7:51 AM

    Got it!
    Thanks for stopping by :D
    xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  17. Gillena CoxMarch 30, 2015 at 10:30 AM

    How absolutely lovely. There is much synonicity in the blossoming of our Pink Poui here
    Happy you dropped in at my Sunday Lime

    Much love...

    ReplyDelete
  18. ThotpurgeMarch 30, 2015 at 11:10 AM

    Delightful... poetry and flowers both!

    ReplyDelete
  19. Old EggMarch 30, 2015 at 7:52 PM

    You should be employed by the Japanese tourist bureau. It is always a delight to visit your blog.

    ReplyDelete
  20. GailMarch 30, 2015 at 10:45 PM

    Your header is amazing. I love the composition and color in today's shot.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. totomaiMarch 31, 2015 at 7:36 AM

      Thanks Gail. Spring is inspiring so I can't help but shoot.

      Delete
  21. kaykualaMarch 30, 2015 at 11:59 PM

    There is rivalry between the two. How nice! It works better for they will try to outdo each other and that benefits everyone! And these are great pics totomai!

    Hank

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    Replies
    1. totomaiMarch 31, 2015 at 7:38 AM

      Yes, Hank though the older sister is less popular than the younger one. Thanks

      Delete
  22. kaykualaMarch 30, 2015 at 11:59 PM

    There is rivalry between the two. How nice! It works better for they will try to outdo each other and that benefits everyone! And these are great pics totomai!

    Hank

    ReplyDelete
  23. TorieMarch 31, 2015 at 12:46 AM

    Your photos are so beautiful, totomai!! What a joy to see so many lovely blooming flowers :) I like the 'hushed sibling rivalry'. No need for rivalry when there's enough beauty to go around :)

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    Replies
    1. totomaiMarch 31, 2015 at 7:39 AM

      I'd like to think so Torie but can't help the jealousy by the peach blossoms to the cherry blossoms lol

      Delete
  24. Eileen T O'Neill .....March 31, 2015 at 12:56 AM

    Totomai,

    Thank you for making my dull day here in Cheshire, UK, much brighter, for seeing your beautiful floral photographs. I love cherry blossom, which does eventually blossom in my garden, but later than in Tokyo. It must be overwhelming to see such a display, on a grand scale; the colour alone..
    Love learning more about Japanese culture, via your Blog. Thank you,
    Eileen

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. totomaiMarch 31, 2015 at 7:40 AM

      My pleasure Eileen. Too much pink can be overwhelming though

      Delete
  25. totomaiMarch 31, 2015 at 7:41 AM

    Hope it was an effective analogy, Loredana

    ReplyDelete
  26. ZQMarch 31, 2015 at 11:07 AM

    Love this site!
    ZQ

    ReplyDelete
  27. Myrna R.April 1, 2015 at 1:50 AM

    What a great post. I love the pictures and your poem. And you're right, the peach tree blossoms are just as beautiful as the cherry blossoms. Btw - I love your colorful shoes!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. totomaiApril 1, 2015 at 6:59 AM

      That's my observation, that's why I'm a bit confused why peach blooms are not as famous as the sakura. My shoes say hi Myrna :)

      Delete
  28. UnknownApril 1, 2015 at 5:55 AM

    The peach are beautiful. I grew up with peach trees all around us. Interesting thought - tho there is a wistful elegance in the cherry. Im hoping our winds dont blow the blossoms before they get their time in the sun.
    Enjoy your springtime excursions!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. totomaiApril 1, 2015 at 7:00 AM

      Looking forward to your spring escapades too, Moonie

      Delete
  29. Stacy M.S.April 2, 2015 at 5:41 AM

    lovely little poem. and those pictures are magnificent! wow!

    ReplyDelete
  30. BlogorattiApril 3, 2015 at 5:34 AM

    Interesting, thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete

any thoughts to distill?

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