Hanami 2005 

Hanami 2005

This has got to be one of my best weekends in Tokyo. It's cherry blossom season and they're in full bloom this weekend. They usually last for just a few days and so it's very likely that by next weekend, it would have all fallen and faded.

The Japanese celebrate the beauty of the cherry blossoms or sakura (桜）by gathering under sakura trees eating and drinking. They call it hanami (花見) literally means 'flower viewing'. This year, it's my first time to see sakura first--hand and it's also my first time to join a hanami party. In fact just this weekend, I found myself joining 3 hanami parties! Started from Friday night with Takako and friends, then Saturday night, again with Takako and more friends, and today with the Tokyo Gaijins (Takako was there too).

These photos were taken Sunday April 10.



We were expecting 80 or more people to join and I believe more than half are newbies. Making and holdng up a sign at the station exit was a great idea.




Here's me in Yoyogi Park. Site of this year's Tokyo Gaijin hanami party.




Our spot is situated right under big sakura trees and beside a pond. And this is the great view we have.




Ricky woke up at 4 to reserve this spot in the park. Way to go Ricky!!! Thanks.




This is a picture of another group. But I thought I'd post it here anyway, cause it's such a nice typical hanami pic. Big sakura tree in the middle and people all around it.




Beer and cocktail just kept on flowing.




Pizzas were pretty much unlimited too.




In the park are some pretty pleasant surprises. Here's a total stranger who reads and enacts comic book scenes. He did Dragon Ball Z which was hilarious.




It's my first time and I guess many others as well. Nice entertainment. Only in Japan I guess.




Not far from our spot a group of gypsy-wannabes did some belly dancing. I thought that was pretty cool.




Here's a group of drummers filling the air with african rhythms with their 'djembe' drums. There's no shortage of entertainment in Tokyo for sure.




Pretty in pink. Crystal, Nina and Isabel.




I first met Sae last night at my second hanami. Sae's an English teacher. It's a treat to see her again today.




What goes in must come out. I've never have to queue up to go the boy's room. But this is even more amazing. The 2 queues in the pic actually go to the men's room. Because the queue to the ladie's room is so long some decided to use the cubicles in the men's room.




I love street food. Too bad I had so much pizza...




I love shots like this.


Some photos from Saturday follow:



Tokyo is dotted with lots of sakura trees. This pic was taken from a small park near work.




Even in a small park, the amount of trash generated is unbelievable.




Last Saturday after my second hanami party, Takako, Hiroko, Paul and I hanged out at the Good News Bar. The place is incredibly small you got to be a complete snob to not meeting anyone there.