Hanami in London

Up in this half of the world, its heading into Spring time. In Japan, that means Cherry blossom season, or “Sakura” (which means “shit” or “god damn” in Czech FYI!). And Sakura means Hanami - Having a picnic under the trees in one of the many large Parks in Japan. So why not Hyde Park in London? There was a large Hanami party organised by a Japanese group so we tagged along. But of course, this is London. While the trees are blooming, its still cold, and still wet. We lasted about 2hrs in the park before moving to a pub near by instead. There were a few brits and an american girl there all with much better Japanese than mine, but at least I can get 50% whats going on. (Here in Prague im lucky to get any words haha).

Before Hanami however, I went to Portobella Road Markets (basically full of antique crap from peoples attics, but still fun and busy despite the weather) and inside a boutique chocolate shop that has an amazing smell that hits you as soon as you walk in! They were all very expensive (like Ł10 for a small bag) but looked great, and many seemed to be dark chocolate with only a couple of ingredients (vegan friendly!).

RTW: p34 - Golden Week in Nikko

A few conveniently stacked public holidays form Golden Week: basically a Nationwide, Week Long holliday. Hence all the tourist spots get crowded. Big time. The locals say stay in Tokyo but we weren’t keen on that. Too late to organise Kyoto, Bao Qin and I planned a trip to Nikko - just as nice for attractions and scenery, but less crowded.
Saturday Night was Hiromi’s Birthday party at Xanadu and we all went crazy! Next morning we took off for Nikko ahead of the peak period.
Nikko Park Lodge was very cozy and surrounded by trees, parks etc. The chef was a Buddhit Monk offering Zen Vegan dinners each night! He also did Yoga each morning - but 7am was way to much effort for us to attend.

Walked through the impressive shrine and temple area and stone garden, while following the river loaded with waterfalls that snaked through the whole town.
Being colder than tokyo the trees blossom a lot later, meaning a second Sakura viewing!
There are heaps of cheap onsen in Nikko, but after relaxing we had to find our way home through pitch black streets!
Tuesday it just rained. And Rained. So we missed the key waterfall of Nikko. Wednesday we hit Nikko Edo Mura (old Edo period theme park). I was in it for the Ninjas and we saw a couple of performances during day!

RTW: p30 - Sakura, Hanami 2

On Saturday it was “spot the gaijin” at Yoyogi Park, as Its not hard to notice 10 foreigners walking through the park, late, looking for a place to sit. Our group however was about half Japanese
Stocked up with a couple of 100￥ sheets, too much food and a decent amount of booze, we spent the afternoon chilling out and drinking and listening to the DJ playin in the park! I attempted to retrieve a ball stuck in a tree, but some how my climbing ability was dropped down a notch. Again I came to the conclusion Chu-Hi is bad. Even after a couple it makes you feel like you’ve had 10 rounds of sumo. Great when you have a 36hour shift about to start!

Dunno who half these people are..And some people lighting candles to continue the night in the park. And a bunch of business looking guys planning a big night, with boxes of alcohol sitting in the middle.
Strangely, many of my photos around this time came out blury?? Must have been the camera…

RTW: p29 - Sakura, Hanami 1

Spring in Japan is obvious as it brings Sakura, (Cherry Blossoms). Along with trees blooming all over Japan simultaneously, everything else follows from Sakura themed advertising to special photo film, made specifically for taking photos of Sakura. Yep, it’s all about Sakura, and is celebrated by HANAMI.

Basically it means everyone goes to sit under the Sakura trees and get pissed. Crowding the parks, people scout the best spots early in the day and hang around till after dark, drinking and eating.

My day 1 of Hanami was actually at work! We have one large tree out the front of the building and (almost) everyone was able to stop work and relax. LDW provided 3 KEGS! and other drinks and food.