I hope you’re not sick of sakura and hanami, because here we go again! Today Squirrel and I took advantage of a beautiful day to squeeze another day of hanami into the small Tokyo hanami window. We went a little farther afield to some places near Komagome Station (on the JR Yamanote train line).
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We first visited the very small Somei yoshino Sakura Kinen Koen (Somei yoshino Sakura Memorial Park).+--+April+4+(Fri)+009.jpg)
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The somei yoshino is the favorite variety of sakura here in Japan. The blossoms are a brilliant white with a tinge of pale pink in the center. When the somei yoshino tree begins to bloom, the tree is an explosion of white. The particular variety of sakura has inspired many and has been referred to in many poems and paintings.
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After appreciating these beautiful trees, we walked to Rikugien, a famous Japanese garden finished in 1702. When you go through the front gate, you are greeted by a large weeping cherry tree. Even though the tree was starting to lose its blossoms, it was still beautiful.
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We spent about an hour rambling through the parts of the garden that were stroller accessible.+--+April+4+(Fri)+038.jpg)
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It was definitely a successful outing. I love the appreciation that this country has for something that lasts for such a short time. There are even sakura blossoms embossed on the back of the one hundred yen coin! Maybe the brevity of their stay is why the appreciation is so evident–they’ve got to take advantage of them while they can!
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{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
I love your pictures! The Sekura flowers are amazing!
Thanks so much for sharing your pictures! The flowers are fantastic!
Not sick of it at all!! In fact, it’s a welcome relief and stark contrast to the sea of brown that is my backyard!!! Thank you for bringing a bit of color to our lives!
sigh. i SO wish i was in japan right now :) thanks for the pictures!
Your pictures are so beautiful! I always loved seeing the Japanese Cherry Blossoms in DC- even better to see them in Japan!
If I could disapparate (sp?), I would totally be at the bottom of your apartment complex, buzzing you and asking for a tour. You live in a gorgeous place!
I’ve just caught up on your cherry blossom posts. Beautiful! Your pictures are gorgeous and I love hearing about all the festivities and celebrations. What wonderful traditions!
I am so envious of you right now! Those blossoms are my favorites! Gorgeous!
This is high on my list of places to visit, just for the beauty found in spring. Lovely.