桜、花見、The Season for Sakura and Hanami

Every year around late March/early April the Cherry Blossom trees bloom. They are everywhere in Japan, and huge numbers of people head to the parks, paths and riverbanks to admire what can often be absolutely stunning views. The hanami season also leads to much high spirited, often very drunken revelry. Huge groups of people stake out the best spots with huge blue sheets, and party under the trees until the early hours. The season is brief, but this cold year it has lasted a little longer, as it took the blossom a long while to get into its stride. There is a beautiful tree outside my apartment still in full bloom. The pictures below were taken in Ichigaya, Yasukuni and Chidorigafuchi in Tokyo., and are sandwiched by more Abiko sky and lake shots.