Sakura Time!

[ClosetOtaku]

It's that time of year again -- in Tokyo, the sakura (cherry blossoms) began opening earlier this week, and should be most spectacular in a couple days. To put it kindly, there is a sort of inexplicable madness that accompanies the event, causing crowds of people of every age to throng popular viewing spots.

Last year, the blossoms opened slightly later than usual, so I was able to get some photographs during my April trip there.

One choice spot to visit in Tokyo is Ueno Park. During peak blooming times, groups and corporations practice hanami by spreading out tarps along the walkways and having parties underneath the blossoms.

While the blooming in Tokyo was fairly active, farther south in Kyoto I found the blossoms absolutely erupting; the picture was taken along a pathway near the Philosopher's Walk. In another southern city, Hiroshima, the flowers offered an interesting contrast to the skyline. And as you can see from this panorama on the grounds of Himeji Castle, they offer some very beautiful supporting vistas.

My apologies for the quality of the pictures -- they are not the best digital images I've ever seen -- but perhaps they will convey a sense of just how enthusiastic the people of Japan are for their sakura.

[Silvanis]

OMGosh! How beautiful! ^_^ That's brighened my day.

[Silent Hunter]

Beautiful! God has the most beautiful mind, to have come up with such beauty for us to see.

[Mr. SmartyPants]

quality of pictures? Lol don't make me laugh! The quality is excellent!

[The Last Bard]

I would love to attend that someday. Great pictures!

[Sakura15]

I really wanna go there someday! so pretty! great pics

[Da Rabid Duckie]

You know, I'm quite fortunate.... there are a lot of Cherry Trees on campus, and it's quite pretty to see the blossoms blowing freely in the wind. I actually ran into a light pole the other day because I was staring at them. Thank goodness there wasn't anyone around... at least, I think not. ^^;

But anyway, it still doesn't hold a candle to those pictures. I'd love to go to Japan and see it first hand.

[mitsuki lover]

Spring is so pretty wherever it is.

[Sakura15]

At my old house we had a cherry tree, the blossoms were sooo pretty. I miss it

[Hitokiri]

Oh that's right! It is getting close to that time! And those pictures are really beautiful. My house has a cherry tree that will sometimes have such beautiful blossums that it is almost exactly like those pictures. But last year and various other years before that, we havn't had as good of a blossom. I am hoping it we get a good one this year.

[Kisa]

Those are so pretty! We have alot on campus here too, as well I got to go to DC this past weekend and see them too during the month long festival there ^^
I will post pics too when they are developed ^^

[mitsuki lover]

The best thing about cherry blossoms is that they presage-CHERRY PIE!

[RubyJewelStone]

*le gasp* They're gorgeous. I wish some of those could grow around here but Florida is too hot. Plus I hear they're a lot of work to keep up.
But I at least want to go to see them in D.C.

[termyt]

Thanks for the tour, ClosetOtaku. I would like to see that first very much someday.

Several have already mentioned it, but for the yanks among us - if you'd like to view the sakura closer to home, check out Washington, DC. There's a grove of cherry trees along the tidal basin that were given to the US as a gift by Japan in 1912. The DC Cherry Blossom Festival is going on right now. I look forward to your pictures, Kisa.