This blog will chronicle my life for 6 months in Tokyo from Feb 2010 - Aug 2010

Monday, April 05, 2010

Day 44 - Apr 4 2010 - Sakura Blooms in Shinjuku Gyoen

Day 44 - Apr 4 2010 - Sakura Blooms in Shinjuku Gyoen

Every year over a 3 week period the Japanese Sakura trees bloom all across Japan and more importantly Tokyo, as this is where this episode of adventure takes place. This Sunday several of us were invited by some friends here in Tokyo to join them in Shinjuku gyoen (Imperial Garden) for a hanami party. Hanami parties are local gatherings where friends and/or relatives get together, picnic style, to sit amongst the blooming sakura trees and eat and drink and be merry. Cherry Blossoms; some white white, some pink, some green/white, some pink/white. These flowering trees are contrasted by the darkest dark bark and the observing this beauty of nature just puts one at peace. Thousands of people in the park and for the most part, its serene. No one is screaming, just taking pics, talking amongst themselves, peacefully enjoying the day.

The weather was cloudy and colder than normal. It threatened to rain all day, but with no wind and enough wine, we were all just fine. Pot luck lunch, tarps to sit on the ground without your shoes, Japanese style. Such a great way to enjoy a Sunday, we are looking forward to enjoying another hanami party we are invited to next week. If you get a chance to visit Tokyo, this time of the year isn't too bad! :)

Enjoy the pics...



smugmug gallery here

1 comment:

Nance Nassar said...

Gardens are beautiful! Looks like everyone is having a nice relaxing day.