Hanami in Maruyama Koen

Oh Spring, you're being so good to me this year.  We've had so many sunny and warm days that I've almost completely forgotten that there was snow everywhere just a month or so ago.

Today, we had to go to the American Consulate to renew Ethan's passport, and decided to stop by Maruyama koen (park) on the way.  I'm so glad we did, because all the trees are beginning to explode in pink cherry blossoms, or sakura as they're called here.  We had a little lunch picnic under the trees, and we weren't the only ones.  There were people everywhere, cooking out and enjoying hanami, which means cherry blossom viewing.  It couldn't have been a more perfect day!

Only in Japan: Hanami

So spring is creeping its way toward Sapporo, even though I'm still wearing long sleeved shirt and jackets. Perhaps the most noticeable sign of spring is the Sakura blossoms, which first bloom in Okinawa in February, and work their way up north. Sakura, or cherry blossoms, are synonymous with Japan, and I was excited to see them slowly blooming over the last week. However, I did not know about "Hanami" which is a celebration of spring and sakura by having a picnic outside under the sakura blossoms. Apparently it's quite a big deal, with some hanami parties lasting late into the night.

We were lucky enough to have a sunny day today, which was a perfect opportunity for me and the boys to go out and enjoy the sakura. We walked to a park close to the apartments, sat on the grass, and enjoyed the beautiful spring day.

A great way to spend a Sunday afternoon, I'd say.