Unexpected Cherry Blossom Locations

I didn't know there were so many Cherry Blossom trees around Moriyama and Seto ward. These photos were taken near Kinjyou University. There is a whole street lined with Cherry Blossom Trees. Unfortunately, I hadn't noticed until after they crested their peak blooming point, but I will try next year!

Even after their peak blooming point this view made my day.

Good-bye Cherry Blossoms

Cherry Blossoms
We enjoyed having you
It was a pleasant surprise
You arrived earlier than usual
Your visit was so short
But we know you will be back
Before we even know it

I was pleasantly surprised when I was walking to the grocery store to find the petals of the Cherry Blossoms being blown away by the spring wind. It was like showers of petals at a time. The street was just covered in petals.

I'm sad to see the Cherry Blossoms go, but even when they are leaving they are graceful.

Under the Cover of Cherry Blossoms

So many people make plans to meet up with their friends to eat and drink under the Cherry Blossoms, day and night.

In some locations like at Tsuruma Park the trees are beautifully lit up.

It can be very difficult to get a good seat, so make sure you come early! Some people come in the morning and stay here until after dark to keep their good spots. Don't worry plastic tarps are set out so everyone has a place to sit other than the ground.

The only down side I can't imagine stepping on the roots of the trees is a good thing, so if possible please step over the exposed roots. It will help to prolong the life of these beautiful trees for generations to come.

In places that light up the Cherry Blossoms you can be sure there will be food stalls selling all the usual good stuff!

If you want to see Cherry Blossoms it's still possible! You just have to go North. Maybe the Cherry Blossoms in Hokkaido will blossom this month (April) some time. Good luck!

Tsuruma Park: Night Cherry Blossoms

I wanted to give you a feel for the panorama of the park. This was my first visit here and I never knew it was so beautifully made! The fountain in the middle was very unexpected.

A GoPro look at Night Cherry Blossoms. I kept these first two photos small just to give you a feel of the atmosphere (the photo wasn't as sharp as I would have liked, first time using the GoPro at night).

The fountain with the Cherry Blossom trees surrounding the area was amazing to see.

This was the area everyone wanted to have their couple shot taken. How cute are these two?

I liked how she was covered in polka dots that were in opposite colors of her surroundings.

Another wonderful view I experienced while at the park. I have a few more and I will share them with you next time!

Yozakura: Cherry Blossoms at night

Hanami is a big part of spring tradition in Japan, but so is Yozakura. Yozakura is Hanami at night. People come after dark to sit under the lit up Cherry Blossoms and drink and eat with friends and family. Basically, celebrating the arrival of spring. Spring this year has arrived very early! I'm a little afraid of what this means for summer. If you don't know what I am talking about then try visiting Nagoya in the summer and you will understand the moment you step outside of the airport. Actually, the air around the open door of the airplane should tell you a lot.

Until then I have these wonderful memories of Cherry Blossoms. This photo and the next one were taken with my cellphone, so it's not very sharp. I still wanted to share it with you though.

These were all taken in Tsuruma Park in Nagoya if you would like to visit next spring for your own Hanami!

Girl's Day Celebration: All That Food

This was dessert, but I put it first. I love Annindofu! It's made from almond milk and it makes for a great dessert anytime.

 How do you say no to Shrimp and Squid when you love seafood?

 Here is the Chirashizushi that I mentioned last time. Sorry about the plastic wrap, but we needed to keep it from drying out before we ate it. It is sushi rice with salmon, egg strips, salmon eggs and snap peas.

 I had to show another picture of the bowl, because this bowl was made during the Meiji Period! There is an engraving on the bottom (in Kanji so my friend had to read for me) that says when it was made. I couldn't believe it. They definitely don't make them like they used to!

 

The plates we got to use to celebrate Girl's Day was so simple, but beautiful. Traditional musical instruments were painted on the plates. A different instrument for each plate.

I think the koto is my favorite traditional Japanese musical instrument. I'm not really sure why since I've never played one. There's just something about it.

Ise, Japan: Ise Shrine Naiku's Main Building

 I noticed this path, because there weren't so many people. Everywhere else was crawling with people, but it was relatively quiet here.

 You can see all the people walking along the main path.

There was some kind of ceremony going on inside this building. I could hear the traditional flute music coming from inside. 

Only in Japan will you find shoes so neatly lined up side by side by everyone.

Ise, Japan: Ise Shrine Naiku

I have to say Naiku is very beautiful. With the trees, mountains and river running through it; it's hard to resist.

The air here is so fresh. I always think it's strange when people say that, but now I see what people are saying. The air just has a different quality to it compared to the city.

Crossing over the bridge you will find these breathtaking views. It doesn't take your breath away just because of how beautiful it is, but also with the wind chill. Don't worry if you visit in summer you will probably wish for the wind to greet you.

During the Spring this area would be amazing to see. I'm sure there are plenty of Cherry Trees around here. 

 The garden is huge and well taken cared of.

On the day I visited it was the morning of New Year's Eve so everyone was making their pilgrimages to the Miya's around the Shrine.

A few more fun shots with my GoPro. I'm always (okay, I've only used it twice, but so far 100% of the time!) happily surprised by the photos I take with it. 

I have so much more to share with you, so make sure to check out the next post!

Ise, Japan: Good-bye Geku, Hello Naiku!

 

 These are the lost of my photos for the Geku side.

Even with all the people visiting for the New Year's holiday, there were some very peaceful areas.

I hope to visit here again, but until then I will have these posts to remind me of the beauty at Ise Shrine in the Geku area.

The Naiku area is about a 30 minute bus ride, but it is easy to get to. The bus stop is right in front of the Geku entrance and the bus drops you off near a alley that leads to this entrance.