I live in a neighborhood in Tokyo called Nakameguro. My tiny rabbit-hutch apartment is next to the Meguro Gawa (Meguro River.) The river is more like a water canal but it is still pretty though not in a very natural way. The wonderful thing though is that the length of the river is lined on both sides with cherry trees and celebrating "Hanami" or flower viewing festival there is an annual bit deal. This year was one of the best Hanami seasons in recent history. The weather was mild- the blossoms lasted a full two weeks and the throngs were thronging every night! So many people. Food vendors set up little stalls all along the street, and people stroll and look at the trees. During the day it is mostly older couples, young moms, and college girls. At night, after work the bands of office groups and salary men-- louder and more drunk-- join the walking talking and strolling flower viewers.
We enjoy this time a lot- but we are also glad when it finished as our neighborhood goes back to being peaceful and pretty quiet for such a big city. Last night there were still some lingering Hanami-celebrants... but the trees are turning green now and almost all the blossoms have fallen. It is a little sad but it also means I will be able to get a seat in all my neighborhood restaurants again. Yeah!
Collage above is from this year- (with my new camera) - Lauren
