Hanami

Hanami means flower viewing, most often cherry blossom viewing, and typically involves a picnic under the trees.  The “cherry blossom front” is forecast well in advance so that people can plan their hanami parties.

In Southern Japan (Okinawa), the cherry trees may bloom as early as January.  In Hokkaido, it is typically mid-May when the cherry blossoms open. Cherry blossom season is short, with full bloom happening about a week after the first blossoms open. A week after full bloom the blossoms are gone, sooner with wind and rain.

We had planned to picnic at the park yesterday, but the wind and cool temperatures had us eating indoors before going out to enjoy the view of the flowers. We saw some beautiful tulips and daffodils and other spring flowers along the way to the park.  With winter and snow lasting so long, the spring flowers are a welcome sight for everyone.

This beautiful park is a short walk from where we live. The cherry blossoms are in full bloom now. 

There is still snow in some sheltered areas even though it is mid-May, but it's almost gone.  Really!

You might not have admitted it back when I was posting winter pictures, but don't you wish you lived here, too? We feel so fortunate.