Spring is in The Air

 

The days are finally getting warmer and the plum blossom is in bloom. Cherry blossom season is just around the corner and the brief period when the temperature is perfect before becoming unbearable.

Question is, where to go for Hanami this year? If only everyone around the world could be at peace to enjoy this simple pleasure.

春らしくなってきました！

やっと、日々、どんどん暖かくなって梅の花が咲いています。もうすぐ桜の季節もきますし、そして耐えられない（暑さの）気温になる前のちょうどいい短い時期です。

問題は、今年、どこで花見をするかということです。世界中のみんなが安らかに、シンプルな娯楽を楽しめるようになったらいいんだけど。

Osaka Castle

I paid a visit to Osaka castle a couple of days ago to take a look at the cherry blossom for one more time before it all disappears. I had been to the castle a few years ago during the winter but this time the weather was much more agreeable and the sun was shining. I cycled to the castle from home which takes about 40 mins and parked my bike just outside the park. Rather than go into the castle itself this time I took a route around the building and through the park and gardens that surround the moat. There were still many people out enjoying the cherry trees in bloom from old couples to young office workers out for a picnic.

It took me around an hour to do a complete tour of the grounds but it was very enjoyable and nice to know such a fantastic place is a mere bike ride away!

The castle

Workers tending to the plum grove

Young couples out for a stroll

Picnics in the park

The castle moat

Office buildings loom in the distance

Banpaku Park Cherry Blossom

Last Sunday we headed over to Banpaku park to see the cherry trees in bloom. It was a beautiful warm day and it seemed as if half the population of Osaka had turned up as well! The Monorail to the park was jam packed and we had trouble getting on, luckily it was only one stop! This was my second visit to Banpaku (see here) and a chance to see some areas we had missed before. After having a small picnic we took a stroll through one of the pathways through the cherry trees, this was my first time in Japan during springtime and I was amazed by how beautiful the trees were, it was quite breathtaking!

We also visited the Japanese gardens (you would think all gardens in Japan are Japanese!) just outside the park which have some wonderful flowers and plants. This area was much more peaceful than the main park and a welcome retreat from all the noise. Well worth visiting to see the huge Koi fish.

I was very impressed by my first cherry blossom viewing but next year I think we will visit somewhere a little more peaceful!

Now, where shall we spread our picnic blanket?

Cherry blossom as far as the eye can see

Market stalls

More blossom

A colorful scene

The Tower of the Sun

A flower in the Japanese garden

Nice rocks

More blossom

By the river