It's cherry blossom season here in Japan. During this brief week or two is the only time of the year when the trees will be in full bloom.
It's traditional to have Hanami parties, basically outdoor picnics underneath the trees.
It's cool to see the whole cross section of Japanese society out enjoying themselves in the park. The young, the old, foreigners, etc. Every single park in the city seems to be packed with people.
The scene at some of the parks is fairly subdued. The National Garden at Shinjuku Gyoen is where I'm told all the old people go for their Hanami parties. The scene at Yoyogi park was a much rowdier affair.
This guy came up to us and invited us to join him and his fellow animal friends for a game up jump rope.
Along with their kids.
The catch to the game was that if you failed to jump the rope everyone would stop and cheer while you pounded your drink.
The entire weekend was one continuous party. A DJ put on a show late into the night on Saturday, and by 9am on Sunday people were back at it.
I have to admit the visual of an entire canopy of white trees was quite arresting. The blooming of the Sakura announces the arrival of spring.
The novelty of the scene and the knowledge that it's fleeting, almost command you to stop, appreciate the moment, and enjoy yourself.
