The Season for Cherry Blossoms

Now that it is April in Japan, the cherry blossoms are everywhere. If you are unlucky enough to be allergic you might as well lock yourself inside, because there is no escape. The entire country is overflowing with this pinkish white flower. My Japanese teacher and friends all mention their plans for hanami over the weekend.

[singlepic=327,320,240,,left]Hanami is literally translated as, “Flower See,” but is specifically considered as cherry blossom viewing. Co-workers, friends and family pack bento boxes, tarps, and coolers of sake and beer and they have picnics under the sakura (Japanese cherry blossom). It is a true phenomenon, where entire festivals and events are centered on the blooming of this traditional tree.

A few of my friends and I left from classes early Friday afternoon and headed into Kyoto to get a firsthand experience. I imagined groups of Japanese gathering on beautiful picnic blankets, eating sushi and drinking sake, reciting haiku inspired by the beauty of the season. If so many people were going to Kyoto for hanami, then there would be handfuls of people gazing up into the blossoming trees.

Hi Mom and Dad! My friend Kelly took this photo of me for you!

We decided we would head for Maruyama Park—Kyoto’s most famous hanami site. A block away we could smell the food. For the event they lined the streets with Japanese food. From okonomiyaki to steak-on-a-stick to candied grapes and strawberries, we were in a maze of pure ecstasy.

[singlepic=335,320,240,,right]At the center of all of this excitement was a giant sakura tree, which was lit up at night and surrounded by mobs of people. All around groups were sitting on their tarps, gorging on food and drinking themselves into a drunken stupor. The shy Japanese persona was melted away and replaced by drunk chanting, dancing, and cheering. I could smell beer even over all the delicious scents. More than a flower gazing party it was reminiscent of a giant keg celebration.[singlepic=340,320,240,,left] It wasn’t only about the sakura after all! Like any other nation, it was about the drinking!

We found a bench and ate Japanese crepes and drank peach juice, enjoying each other’s company. Maybe it wasn’t only about the drinking, but just the good time spent with the people you like. I sat gazing at the nearby sakura, saddened that soon all of the blossoms would be gone, replaced by leaves. What a beautiful experience that ended so quickly. It is the reason why the Buddhists love the idea of sakura so very much. Nothing is permanent.

I suppose in this way my trip to Japan is like the sakura. For now I am enjoying my time, experiencing new and exciting things, but it will soon end. That must be why so many people stop to take photos. No one wants to forget. I do not have much time left here. I do not want to forget, either. I must make every day count.