I've never actually seen a real cherry blossom tree in bloom before this spring, but I've always loved the motif and what I had seen in photos was beautiful. We named our blog after the cherry blossom and many of you have probably seen the cherry blossom painting that I "commissioned" from David a few years ago.
I was so excited to see the blossoms when the season began this year. The trees were everywhere! What had looked like little unassuming trees the week before suddenly burst into bloom and it looked like we had a pink blizzard. The tree branches were covered in snowy pink, the petals would fall like pink flurries and pile up on the ground. The trees peaked around April 4th here, but they are still peaking further north in Japan. I think there is a Cherry Blossom Festival scheduled in Hokkaido as late as May.
The thing to do here is take a picnic and sit under the trees. Extended families, office groups and other big groups often stake out a spot early in the day at the more popular viewing areas. The crowds often drink sake and party late into the evening. It is sort of like a Japanese version of tailgating without the cars. And of course the main event is looking at pretty pink flowers instead of football. Ahhh. Another reason to love Japan!
These pictures can't possibly do justice to how beautiful the trees were. You'll have to come next spring and see them for yourselves!
Amazing! Although it's not the same as being there, one can get a sense of what it must be like through your words and excellent photos. I must coordinate so that our visit happens this time next year!
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