Hanami

Have had two Hanami (cherry blossom) parties - and just for balance, one during the day and one in the evening. Although the blossom does indeed look very beautiful as a white blanket covering up the sky, I have descovered that its not really the main focus of such events and in fact just a cheeky excuse to drink and eat a lot in the outdoors (whilst outwaredly pretending to be at one with nature again).
Last Sunday, armed with our plastic sheets and hampers, a big group of us trooped off to Yoyogi park - which is one of the greenest parks in Tokyo, particularly popular with the younger generation and budding musicians - blissfully ignoring the 'oh so accurate Japanese weather forcasters' in order to drink beer and have a picnic under the cherry trees. Much merriment. (and the rain stayed off long enough for us to enjoy a few hours partying). ha
Then last night went to the more classic areas to enjoy this seasons' favourite trees, Ueno park - which is much less green but still very pretty. Again the same deal, drinking and eating outside. There were more obvious casualties last night and its always a source of amusement to me to see young Japanese women tottering around on high heels, clutching YSL bags, in the middle of the park totally drunk.
ha ha. And so I am told Hanami brings with it the start of a glorious 2 week springtime in Japan with warm and sunny days before its back to the sweltering heat of a long summer. I remember August last year was unbearable and apparently the worst is in July....