Cherry blossom season opens today!

Stan Sakai · Post by **Stan Sakai** » Thu Mar 31, 2005 7:53 -0700

The Japan Meteorological agency declared the cherry blossom season open in Tokyo today (March 31). The cherry blossom front will move northeast along the Japanese archipelago.

I've frequently used cherry blossoms as a motif in my stories, but I've got do one specifically on cherry blossom viewing--its history, time of the year, and its ettiquette.

Post by **Steve Hubbell** » Thu Mar 31, 2005 10:36 -0700

Cool...

Won't be too much longer before the trees around Michigan start blossoming. I believe Michigan has a fairly large cherry crop, as well as apples, pears, and numerous other flowering trees. They make spring in michigan a beautiful sight, almost as colorful as autumn.

Abayo...

Usagi · Post by **Usagi** » Thu Mar 31, 2005 14:53 -0700

I love going to the Cheey blossom festivel when it strols into town. I think back now, my ex and I were to go to the cheery blossom festivle this year, but unfirtunetly, our relationship did not make it that long

Darn....

Leonardo-san · Post by **Leonardo-san** » Fri Apr 01, 2005 20:22 -0700

And we just missed it!
I got home from Japan yesterday.

I did get to see a few trees in bloom. One in the gardens at Narita on our last day. Some others here and there.
And some in Ueno right at the one end of the long line of cherry trees. They were setting up all the vendor booths in preparation for the festivities. And the lanterns were already strung up.
The several trees in bloom was enough for a small "taste" of what it must be like to see them all in bloom. Very, very lovely!

I also got to eat one of the special "sakura" mochi made only during this time of year, very fun!

Post by **Todd Shogun** » Sun Apr 03, 2005 20:42 -0700

Awesome, Kim! Got any pics???

Leonardo-san · Post by **Leonardo-san** » Tue Apr 05, 2005 19:10 -0700

I have a gig and a half of pics. That enough??

Including the ones I took in Ueno Park on those few trees in bloom, and a few other blooms here and there.
I also have pics of the Sagio statue and the Shogitai monument in Ueno Park.
Asakusa-Kannon temple where two mikoshi were brought out while we were there, and the street of shopping there.
Sengakuji temple (47 Ronin).
At Hibiya, a glimpse of the Imperial Castle in the distance.
In Nikko: the Toshougu Shrine, Rinnoji, Kegon Falls, Shinkyo Bridge.
Some modern sections like the Ginza, and Shinjuku. (Something Usagi would never have seen!

)
In Omiya, pictures from some gardens and the temple there. Including some bonsai.
Narita: the Shinshoji temple and gardens.

I will post my best pics when I get all of mine, because two days worth were downloaded on one of my fellow student's computer. So when I get those from him and get posting, I'll give everyone the link to the album to see.

I have to say I LOVED it in Japan, and would not hesitate at all to go visit again. And the two half days of sword training there was a great experience, too.

Leonardo-san · Post by **Leonardo-san** » Tue Apr 05, 2005 19:15 -0700

Hm, edit function is gone.
Would help if I could SPELL!

Try Saigo, as in Takamori and his dog.