Friday, April 2, 2010

Cherries in bloom

In Tokyo cherry trees are in full bloom.  As I write this, the wind is blowing like a storm.  I hope it will save the flowers for some more days.

The moat side of the Imperial Palace is one of the most popular cherry blossom viewing spots.

The Japanese do love cherry blossoms.  Once in bloom, cherry flowers last only a week or so.  People often compare it to the transitory nature of life, but I am rather impressed by the patience of cherry trees.  When the flowers are gone, cherry trees look just like any other trees and we almost forget that they are cherries.  They stay silent until after the next winter and then suddenly come back in the spotlight.  They bloom in chorus and color a whole town or mountains in pink.  It seems to me that they are very much enjoying their moment of glory!  It must be worth waiting for a year. 

The "cherry blossom front" moves from the south up to the north.  It is like cherry blossoms are parading through Japan.  In the northernmost parts of Japan they bloom in early May, so you can still make it in time to enjoy the beautiful flowers.  Book your trip now!