It is a special time in Japan when the Sakura (Cherry) bloom
Ueno Park, one of the most popular Sakura viewing areas in Tokyo
Advertising looks cool in Japanese (the name of a nearby shop...I am told)
Just us and a couple other people decided to head out and see the blossoms 
People claim spaces under the Cherries and picnic, sing, and celebrate the arrival of the blossoms. People camp for 2 days to get a good spot.
Some greasers in another area of the park. Dancing to classic US Rock (40's -50's i.e Elvis, Chuck Berry, Buddy Holly, etc.) and having a good time. Fun to watch, and the music was good too. 
Obviously the leader of the pack
A group of Maiko (Geisha apprentice) at the festival. 
Will, I dare you to make fun of Hello Kitty to his face
It is about as close to tailgating as you can get...without Budweiser, BBQ grills, SUV's and football.
People sing and dance (more and more as the day goes on)
Another street in Ueno
A group playing traditional Japanese folk music. The instruments are shamisen, a 3 stringed instument played by hitting the strings with a "bachi" - technically a plectrum (pick) but much larger and used to strike the strings rather than strum them.
Traditional roasted fish (Ayu)
A group playing traditional Japanese folk music. The instruments are shamisen, a 3 stringed instument played by hitting the strings with a "bachi" - technically a plectrum (pick) but much larger and used to strike the strings rather than strum them.
Traditional roasted fish (Ayu)
Sakura blossom
Pintail swimming under a cherry tree (please tell me I got the duck right...or else I may never be allowed back into my dad's house)
Maybe now you are beginning to realize what a big deal this is to the Japanese
The cherries along the Meguro River
A canopy of cherries
He doesn't quite understand how flipping someone off works
Sakura Festival at Senzoku-Ike (Senzoku Pond) about 4 stops from our house
Pintail swimming under a cherry tree (please tell me I got the duck right...or else I may never be allowed back into my dad's house)
Maybe now you are beginning to realize what a big deal this is to the Japanese
The cherries along the Meguro River
A canopy of cherries
He doesn't quite understand how flipping someone off works
People have been in these spots all day, and in some cases all weekend
Yet another street lined in cherries. This one I walk down everyday to get to work. It was one of the first streets in our area to fully bloom, so it became very popular for about a week.
A video of "Dojo Sukui," a traditional folk dance. It represents a farmer trying to catch an eel in the rice field. The man himself is dressed up to represent an eel (notice the black things under his nose)
did they have any of those funny balloons like the ones at UNO Lakefront Arena?
ReplyDeleteawesome pics... it's beautiful over there... i'm jealous will will be there soon... hopefully aud and i will be able to come over at some point... we miss you guys!
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