My lost two posts have been rather sober (earthquakes and radiation!) so I thought it was time I mentioned some of the many pleasant things in Japan. At the top of the list right now would be cherry blossoms.
If I drew up a list of iconic images of Japan, somewhere on there would be a park decked with cherry blossoms. For the last week that is precisely how many parks, rivers and lane ways around Tokyo have been – decked with cherry blossoms. The cherry blossoms don't last long - perhaps only a week or two before they are shaken from the trees by the breeze - but in that short time the Japanese certainly make the most of them. Right now, the national sport seems to be gazing at the cherry blossoms at one of the prime viewing locations.
On a Sunday, the parks will be packed with picnickers taking part in Hanami. Hanami (花見), meaning "flower viewing", is simply a picnic where you gaze upon the cherry blossoms. The picnic lasts for most of the day and involves alcohol since you can drink in public here. It is a way of acknowledging the changing of the seasons which I'm told is important in Japan.
I had my first Hanami on Sunday in Yoyogi Park. It was a great day even though the weather turned a little cold towards the end. Here are some photos from the Hanami as well as some photos of cherry blossoms I took around Tokyo and a person I came across in Yoyogi Park who was walking their pet rabbit, Flopsy!
Take care
Our Man in Japan
If a giant rabbit were to tell you that the World was going to end in twenty-eight days, six hourse, forty-two minutes, and twelve seconds; would you be more likely to believe it if it were a giant, Jap rabbit?
ReplyDeleteHey there! Just thought I'd let you know I'm in Vietnam now and blogging about it (and life in general), so go check it out! I can't get on facebook here, I think it's a forbidden site in this country :)
ReplyDeleteAah, I'm missing Japan so much! Hope you have a great time over there!
/Kaisa
I'm your newest follower, Kaisa (sorry, was I not meant to reveal your true identity?!). I'm guessing there'll be lots of pictures of your pet dog on this blog!
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