In Japan, there's no better way to celebrate the arrival of spring than by enjoying Ohanami, which is Cherry Blossom-viewing. It is also known as Sakura Festival season, a tradition in Japan since the ancient times. The beautiful Sakura is the nation's flower. There are many parks in Tokyo that offer fabulous views of Sakura blooming throughout. People view Ohanami in many different places besides parks including cemeteries.
Strolling through our neighborhood one morning in early March, before Jidoukan, I caught my first glimpse of cherry blossoms beginning to bloom. By the way, these trees do not yield any fruit, though I have actually tasted a wonderful pastry dessert with actual Sakura flower added into the recipe.
I enjoyed learning a lot about the traditions of Ohanami, from my Japanese friends. For instance, it is common for someone to be sent to a park early in the morning to stake out a spot under a tree and wait for friends and family to arrive at a later time. Popular sites can get very crowded especially during the weekends. Usually, the parties, which consist of eating, singing, dancing, chatting and more eating, can last till the late hours of the evening. I really admire the Japanese' sense of pride and excitement they have for Ohanami.
Last year, Rodney arrived in Japan early April and was fortunate to experience the Ohanami season at the very crowded Ueno Park. There he witnessed exciting presentations of group dances. Markus and I missed out on the festivitie since we arrived mid-April and all the trees had already shedded it's blooms.
These two photos above are from Ohanami festivities in Ueno Park, last year.
Ichi-san with his cute 1 year-old daughter, Aozora
Last Saturday, we were invited to attend a backyard BBQ at Ichi-san's home (Rodney's co-worker). They have a lovely home in Saitama Prefecture which has a backyard view of cherry blossom trees lined up along a beautifully landscaped water trough. There was of course delicious Japanese cuisine and drinks to enjoy.
The next day, we had a picnic with the Wakayama family at Wako Jurim Koen. One of my favourite aspects of Tokyo is the abundance of parks, both big and small. Wako Jurim Koen is a large park adorned with several different types of cherry blossom trees. There were many people having picnics and enjoying the warm and sunny spring day. Markus had hours of fun with Naoki and Junki climbing trees and running around playing soccer. He just loves to follow the two boys around.
When the wind blows, the delicate petals of the cherry blossoms create an effect much like fluffy white snowflakes falling to the ground. It's a very pretty and peaceful site.
1 comment:
I love the music when you start looking at the pictures. It does feel like Spring! Miss you three!!
Love, Rose
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