The cherry blossom season in Japan is a short one and people don’t usually let the weather get in the way of their hanami (cherry blossom viewing) plans. My friends and I were no exception; Last week, during the peak of the bloom, we planned the big hanami. However, rain cut our viewing time short and we were forced to pack it in. This weekend, knowing that the weather was supposed to be beautiful, we decided to attend a last chance hanami party at Kitanomaru Park. We were not disappointed; The weather was amazing - clear, blue skies and a warm afternoon. The only disappointment (and really only a slight one) was that many trees had already lost a considerable amount of their petals.

 In the main open grass area, there weren’t many Sakura (cherry blossom) trees, but the sparsity of trees provided clear access to a beautiful clear blue sky, which made for bright spirits. Not a single soul in the park seemed to lack in merriment; Kids were running and playing everywhere while adults ate, drank, talked, and laughed. In the later part of the afternoon, some college students (all dressed up in suits) made their way to the park from the Budokan, where a college-entrance ceremony had been held earlier. Some, with their tight-fitting suits and 80’s butt-rock band hairstyles made some park patrons think that a host bar employee convention was being held. Of course, their lively presence added to the festive atmosphere.

The only downside of the afternoon was being told by a park official to cut out our game of frisbee just when we were starting to get into it. Indeed, Spartancus had been looking forward to hurling the disc all morning. He was still a little bitter about it as the evening, along with a chilly breeze descended upon the park. Who can blame him, non-foreigners who were participating in impromptu games of baseball, badminton, soccer, etc… were not asked to stop even though we were. Oh well, such is life sometimes in Japan; It didn’t keep us from having a memorable day among the Sakura trees in Kitanomaru Park.

Personally, my favorite season in Japan is the Spring season. It brings about an end to the nearly-frigid winter weather and brings us the beauty of Japan’s cherished Sakura trees. How about you? What’s your favorite season in Japan? Is it the Fall with its colorful falling leaves? Is it the Summer with its many festivals and outdoor events? Is it the Winter, when you can visit Sapporo for Yuki Matsuri (The Sapporo Snow Festival)? Or, like mine, is it Spring? Take the poll below and let everyone know what your favorite season is.

Of course, as usual, please feel free to comment about your hanami experience this season; Where did you go? How were the weather and the crowds? And, if you have a blog or hanami photo page, include your address so everyone can have a look.

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