Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Sakura

Cherry Blossom Forecast for Japan

The Sakura, or Cherry Blossom season is forecasted by the Japanese Meteorological Agency similar to the tracking of the changing of leaves in the states. Apparently March 28th was the day for Tokyo. But Tokyo can't control Mother Nature and as much as they would like everything to be ON TIME the forecast was off. Fortunately for us the peak wasn't until after our return from Thailand. When the trees bloom, spring has arrived and every single Japanese is out with their family and friends celebrating under a tree with some sake and food on a good ol' plastic mat. This is Hanami. We decided to partake in a Hanami picnic with 5 other families at Shinjuku Gyoen. Interestingly enough, I was trying to spot our group in a sea of Japanese in this enormous grassy (well, not quite grassy yet) park and I couldn't see them for some time! I am not sure how we didn't see them as there were almost 20 of them, including several kids and no other gaijin around! As usual we drew plenty of attention with the children running about, screaming, yelling, and a couple of knock-down drag outs (those were between Nick and Kate). I probably should have consumed some Sake myself, but I was the designated (bike) driver responsible for getting Connor home safely. And from past experience drinking and riding don't mix(this happened just once). In any case, it really was spectacular and a sight to see everyone celebrate this season and taking pictures under the trees, holding the flowers, pointing to the blossoms. It seemed as if this was the first time they had every witnessed this beauty in nature.



The photos below are from my quiet stroll to Naka-Meguro the following day, which I personally enjoyed more. Maybe that's because I was alone. The trees lined this waterway. The breeze blew. It began to snow - cherry blossoms. Girls giggled and ran after the petals, little kids collected the fallen flowers from the ground. People took their sushi and grabbed a spot on the curb. It really was a sight to see.

I get it now.



























3 comments:

JUDY WENDT said...

Brigitte, That was just beautifully written.
Love, Mom

cicada said...

Love your blog. Spent 4 years in Tokyo (Azabu). Sakura blog brings back great memories.

Cynthia Murphy said...

And to think the highlight of my Spring is one lone crab apple tree next to the driveway. Kinda pathetic. Sakura is officially in my bucket list.

p.s. awww, your mom is proud of you!