Ueda-jo Senbon Sakura Matsuri (Picture Book)

While last year the cherry bloom was late in Tokyo and we were super lucky to see all of it during our stay, this year it was early and completely over by the time we arrived in Tokyo. Luckily, this situation could be remedied: in Nagano Prefecture, a mere 80 minutes on the Shinkansen away, the Ueda Castle 1000 Cherry Trees Festival (上田城千本桜祭）is in full swing.

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A Kind of Magic: Cherry Bloom at Chidorigafuchi

 One of the most magical places in Tokyo during Hanami season is Chidorigafuchi (千鳥ヶ淵, thousand birds moat), the northeastern part of the Imperial Palace moat. Gorgeous old sakura trees are lining both banks of the moat, extending their branches towards the surface of the water.
We visited Chidorigafuchi on two consecutive days early in the morning, finding two completely different moods.

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We’re Back!

We’re back in Japan for more than a month! And: the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. What more can you ask? I hope to get a good fill of Sakura as long as it lasts.

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Dreams in Pink and Blue (Sakura)

The short time of the Sakura bloom is already nearing its end around Kyoto and Tokyo, as the cherry blossom line approaches the mountains and the northern prefectures. And this year, I can say that I really had my fill: by day and night, from almost pure white Yoshino Sakura to kitschy pink, from delicately drooping Shidare-Sakura to puffy Yae Sakura with a double bloom. For days, I would see cherry blossoms when I closed my eyes at night and my dreams would be a delicate pink and white before a clear blue sky. Of course, I also indulged my camera…

Dreams in Pink and Blue

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Sakura in Kyoto (Picture Book)

To be in Kyoto during the cherry blossom season is a dream come true. Not that Tokyo wouldn’t have lots of sakura trees. But Kyoto provides this special historical setting of temples and shrines that shows off a blooming cherry tree just so much better. The season is just starting out, with the weeping shidare-sakura at its best now, and the limpid spring air gives the blue skies this clear and intense quality I find particular to Japan.

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Terrace Update XX

Like last year already, our Sakura proves an early bloomer: the last of the plum blossoms are still in bloom, and already the first pink cherry blossoms are on their way. Unlike last year, I have no big colorful snapdragons anymore, so I am grateful for every touch of color.

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Sakura Love

The Sumida river clad in pink

These days are probably among the best of the entire year. We have a succession of mild days with blue skies, and most of all, the cherry trees are in full bloom.

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Sakura Craze

Yes, now it has started. This is the first weekend with the Tokyo cherry trees in bloom. And everybody has to have a part in it. Even if the trees are not yet all in full bloom, even if there are some clouds in the sky and the wind is really chilly, Ueno Park is packed already before noon.

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Sakura, Sakura!

Tokyo is holding its breath – the cherry blossom season is about to begin! All the shops have put up pink Sakura (桜) decorations, and cherry flower flavored sweets and teas are sold everywhere.
When it will begin exactly is a matter of heated discussion, also in newspapers and on TV. Even my mobile phone displays a small icon with the blossom status.
The Japan Meteorological Agency publishes weekly updates of the official blooming dates, based on the number of buds on certain sample trees and other factors like altitude.

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