Cherry Blossoms Make Tokyo Magical!!

 Start of Viewing for 2014

Cherry blossom viewing, or "Hanami," occurs in late March to early April here in Tokyo.  The delicate, pink and white cherry blossoms  called "Sakura" turn Tokyo into a magical place.  Picnicking under cherry trees began in the 700's with the imperial family and eventually became a custom of commoners.  Today food and sake, or rice wine, is consumed under cherry trees (sometimes in large quantities!) , of which there are about 200 varieties.  Most are ornamental and bear no edible fruit.  Depending upon location, Sakura bloom  throughout Japan from late March through mid April.  The season begins in Okinawa and spreads northward to Tokyo, then to higher elevations, and eventually to the northern island of Hokkaido.  Weather forecasters carefully watch the "Sakura front" and publish peak-viewing charts (shown). The medical school near our apartment, neighborhoods parks, and nearly every green space has one or more cherry trees, making our walk to and from the subway so enjoyable.  Most government buildings and schools also have cherry trees since the new fiscal and school years coincide with Sakura viewing season.  Paper lanterns hang along the Meguro river walk near our home.  At night the trees are lit up making it perfect for a romantic stroll. The blossoms appear for approximately one to two weeks, showing off extravagant beauty before vanishing in a quick death.  As a result they have come to symbolize mortality. 

A Youtube movie has photos taken by Doug in Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden and along the Meguro river walk, with the accompanying music, Cherry Blossoms by Derek Fiechter.  Sakura truly is this breathtaking--only more so than pictures can show. See for yourself!  
Youtube:  Click here to stroll with us!