One of the many things we enjoyed while our trip in Japan is the はなみ (Hanami, Japanese word for flower viewing). Our last few days in Tokyo coincide with the bloom of Sakura flower. It’s a sight to be seen by one’s own eyes. No camera will be able to capture the beauty of the flower, to enjoy it; one must really see it yourself. The sight of thousands of Sakura flower in full bloom at once is a breathtaking and mesmerizing moment.
One good place to enjoy a good はなみ is Ueno Park. On my last day in Tokyo, Ron and I make a trip there to see Sakura flowers. We initially planned to go to Tokyo International Anime Fair 2008 and even bought the ticket before that but we make away with the plan because we have decided to spend more time at the park enjoying the flowers, after all not a fan of anime either.
To get to Ueno Park, we took the JR Yamanote Line from Shinjuku station to Ueno station. Japan subway station is huge by size, so be careful of getting lost while there. We were a bit lost when arriving at Ueno station as there are more then one exits in the station but only one leads to the park with minimal walking distant. So, coupled with Ron’s maps reading skill and my half bucket にほんご. We manage to make our way there and spend some a lovely time there.
The entrance fee to Ueno Park is free, so save a bit on the pocket but the food is worth every penny to try. So, don’t pinch when you are on holiday.
A close up shot of the Sakura flower, this was taken outside the hotel that we are putting up
A shot of several Sakura flowers together
Sakura that I have seen are mainly white, so this is something different from the rest. A little of pink tint.
Another variation, stronger tint of pink slowly turning white towards the inner of the flower
The sight of a thousand flowers
The enormous amount of people from all parts of the world crowding together to see the Sakura flowers
The Japanese with their quirkiness. We had to take a shot of this seemingly "dead"frog, probably due to alcohol overdose. The locals here fancy picnic in the park during the はなみ season. They are seen everywhere in the park feasting and having a good time with their friends or family.
P/s: Looking at how all these flowers suddenly spring into life out of sudden as compared to the days before I left Tokyo for Osaka, I somehow have this nudging feeling that these flowers have a secret pact or something to bloom and wither together all at once.
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