today it rains

Last of the sakura: these pictures were taken with some friends yesterday, one of whom is leaving Japan today. Until next time, M; good travels...






These pics are from yoyogi park the other day which at night turned into a party in the forest. It was an all day yoyogi sakura circus.

hanami in ueno

More sakura, this time in Ueno. Last night, as I was walking down the lantern lit lane, a gust of wind rose up and shook the trees, twirling thousands of petals into the air like pink snow; slowly a cheer crept up among the revelers until it became a roar and everyone called and clapped and whisteled as we were whirled in the soft flurry of sakura all around. It stopped abruptly as it started, and everyone resumed eating and drinking.











Below are a few more pictures from chidorigafuchi just after the rain friday morning.

hanami

The sakura rise and fall with dignity, like the samurai.
The sakura blooms are a short beautiful life.
The graceful sakura embody the spirit of a culture.
They're a moment to get drunk and sing pop songs.
Whatever metahpor you choose, they're plain beautiful.

Today, I wandered through many parks and paths, searching for sakura in full bloom; I found them in quiet corners, at boisterous temples, along palace walls, and arching over rivers. My feet are tired, and my camera is on the verge of permanent blindness, but it was a beautiful day. Here are some photos from the walks and from the weekend.


Inokashira park, not yet fully bloomed.


Inokashira park.

Wadaburi park. This park follows a canal,
which I thought was a river.
It's much uglier than it seems
from these pictures.


Wadaburi park.


Omiyahachiman shrine.


The suits come out to drinky at yasukuni shrine.


Chidorigafuchi, the walking path
along the west moat of the palace.


Chidorigafuchi.


Chidorigafuchi


Chidorigafuchi