Cherry Blossom Season (O Hanami)

One of the best times in Japan is when the cherry blossoms are out. Tokyo transforms from a relatively bleak and grey city to one that is blooming pink and white... Looks great. The best change is in the people the actual city itself. In Japan people at this time of year also go for what is known as ohanami. Basically a picnic under the trees with friends and family. Its alway a good time to go to one of these parties and people usually will go to one or two of these events. Workplaces will have a company one, and you will often have one with your friends.

These pictures are of a tree near my house. The people who own the house have basically incorporated the tree into the actual structure as it winds its way through the front and balcony. They also light it up during the Ohanami season and it looks great.

My favorite places to go and see during this time are:

Meguro river
Kamakura (Near hachiman gu)
Ueno park (great people watching ... mediocre trees)
Yoyogi (smallish... but usually lots of room and nice park around the tree area)

Best of... just find your own spot.