Sakura Season

Ueno Toshogu Shrine

Sakura zensen aka "cherry blossom front"

 

 

It's that time in Japan--Sakura (cherry blossom) Season. The whole country goes mad for hanami, which means "flower viewing" and almost always refers to cherry blossoms. In a nutshell, at worst it's an excuse to cut loose and get drunk sitting on blue tarps in a park.

This year the blossoms opened really early in Tokyo--on March 16, nine days earlier than forecast. Yes, of course there is a cherry blossom forecast. There is cherry blossom everything--Starbucks and other coffee shops come out with special sakura goods, sweets, and coffee drinks.

Of course cherry blossoms are beautiful, but the Japanese appreciation for the flowers goes far beyond that. The ephemeral sakura, which last only a few weeks before falling to the ground in clouds of petals, are a metaphor for the transient and fleeting nature of life. Personally, I like the meaning behind hanami, but I think it's really  over-commercialized, akin to Christmas in the United States. Regardless, it's an occasion that's so distinctly Japanese!

Joining the throngs in Ueno Park

Somei Yoshino trees are the most popular--they look like clouds

Yoyogi Park

Yoyogi had much more of a party atmosphere then Ueno (it's in a younger part of town)

Welcome to the Neighborhood

View from the park across the street looking over Maborikaigan. The island is Sarashima Island, the only natural island in Tokyo Bay.

Sakuragaoka (桜が丘) is the name of our neighborhood in Yokosuka. It means "cherry blossom hills" (or heights). In actuality, we almost part of the neighborhood of Maborikaigan. The train station and the shopping area around it are about a 7 minute walk from our house.

Maborikaigan is one of the most popular neighborhoods in Yokosuka for military families since it's only about 4 miles from the base/central Yokosuka and very walkable. The homes are also quite large for Japan (not American large--we're talking 1300 sqft!). We're only about an hour by train from Tokyo so a lot of people live here and commute -- feels like Tacoma/Seattle in that way.

Walking down the street - our house is on the right. As you can see, we're on a slight hill.

You pass under the tracks and get to our local train station

Convenience store across from the station named "Three F"

Yakitori stand on the road to the station

Tiny (12 seats) tea cafe in the other direction where they have giant dessert waffles

Less than  minute from the station is our local grocery store, which is owned by Wal-Mart. Go figure! There is also a McDonald's.

Garden shop next to grocery store

Japanese-French bakery...think lots of cream or bean filled doughy pastries and melon pan

Vegetable store - our area is known for fresh produce

Florist and barber above

The stuff always flies off the shelves at this French bakery. They say it's one of the best in Yokosuka and I have to agree. Real crusty bread is so hard to find in Japan!

One of the many, many hair salons in our neighborhood. Taking care of your hair is important here!

Lovely walking path through the neighborhood - these pictures was taken in the summer, can you tell? :)

There is also a nice palm tree-lined promenade along the water (Yokosuka Kaigan Dori)

Peaceful place to go fishing