"Hanami" Cherry Blossom Festival

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After reading the many blogs my sister, Susan and her girlfriend, Kristy have written while travelling through Europe, I've decided it's about time I updated our blog site. It has been over a year after all.

We've been living and working in Tokyo for over a year now. So many interesting things have been going on over the past 12 months.

Recently the Cherry Blossoms have come into bloom everywhere in Japan. They are absolutely beautiful!!

Of course with the cherry blossoms comes "Hanami" (the cherry blossom festivals), which consist of people grabbing a tarpaulin, some snacks, lots of alcohol (sake, shochu and of course beer) and sitting underneath the gorgeous blossoms and drinking themselves stupid.

We didn't exactly join in on the "drinking ourselves stupid" part, but last week we ventured into Ueno Park in the heart of Tokyo, where they have the biggest Hanami. It was a beautiful day - nice and warm for a change, after some unusually chilly days for spring. Being a week day we were surprised to still see a huge crowd of people out for the day.

I think I managed to take well over 100 photos, but will only include a couple here for you all.

Not sure when I'll get around to updating this again - so I'll keep you posted!

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Photos

Hanami at Ueno Park
Just beautiful!!

Hanami at Ueno Park
Say "Cheezu!"

Japanese enjoying Hanami
Families and workmates!

Comments

[Valerie and Eddie]

Beautiful!
Seems no time at all since you sent us photos of last year's cherry blossoms! hasn't the time gone quickly! Thanks for the lovely photos - you two look god!

[Lorinda]

Different!
Wow, doesn't look like the same place we visited just a couple of months ago. Where are your jackets and scarves???