When I was in DC, I simply took walks around the Tidal Basin at lunchtime. Here in Tokyo, people have parties under the trees. These parties are called hanami, which is translated to "flower viewing." Allegedly, hanami parties were discouraged by the mayor of Tokyo because it was thought people should be somber after the earthquake and tsunami. Well, the public ignored the mayor because there were celebrations throughout. I think the Japanese thought that they should embrace the beauty of the sakura - and life must go on.
We went to a part of Tokyo called Naka-Meguro. There is a river that runs through this part of town, and cherry blossom trees line the river banks. It's gorgeous! Here are some photos of us.
I am holding a sweet potato. There were snacks and drinks sold throughout the walk along the river. Christian and I shared a glass of champagne!
As you can see, the sakura are "flowing" into the river.
