Inokashira Park with sakura cherry blossoms in full bloom - Olympus 5060 digital cameraIt is the first day of spring, which in Florida does not have as much meaning as there is never really any winter so it's not a date to look forward to like it is in most parts of the world. This is expecially true in Tokyo, where the end of March brought my favorite (and millions of others' favorite) time of year, cherry blossom season. Sakura (the Japanese word, also a popular name for girls) bloom for about two weeks. If things time out right, that means getting two weekends to enjoy the pinkish white blossoms. Above is Inokashera Park, a place to see sakura in a more natural setting from land or water. Many couples go out on small boats, but the legend of the pond is that any couple that does is then doomed to breakup!
The old & new of the Shinjuku area of Tokyo Japan with a river lined with cherry blossoms.This photo is from my neighborhood in the Shinjuku area of Tokyo and highlights the contrast of the ultra-modern, the traditional and the natural world all in one, which is why of all places I lived abroad, Shinjuku was the only one I felt a real connection with. On this weekday, I had the cement river walkway all to myself.
Overlooking a pond in Shinjuku Gyoen during cherry blossom season
The pond and overlook temple above are in Shinjuku Gyoen, perhaps the most esteemed place to go to see sakura. This park was within walking distance from my apartment and my favorite place to escape the city while still being in the heart of the city.