Hanami

The cherry blossoms were out in full force in Japan. Unfortunately, their time has finished and we are left with no さくら. During our last days off before the season finished, we wanted to make the most of it and celebrate with a hanami! A hanami is basically picnic under a cherry tree, where everybody admires the blossom and drinks!

Firstly, we went to Yoshino. Yoshino is a quaint little town in Nara which must only be busy during the sakura season. Whilst hiking up through the countryside, you are supposed to see thousands of cherry blossoms - but I think we were too late...

Anyway, to get there we took a special train called the 'Sakura Liner'! It was so cute and pink! The seats even had blossom patterns on. Japan loves to theme anything!

It was really beautiful. It was lovely to be in the countryside and enjoy a brisk walk. But there weren't as many trees as we hoped! We still managed to find a beautiful spot to enjoy our picnic, and a bottle of sparkling wine later I was feeling a bit delicate. Walking back down through the sloping countryside was a challenge!

The next day, we did the same again but stayed in Osaka. Sakuranomiya, by the river, is covered with trees! I thought this was a particularly beautiful place - I always love the mix of nature and urban city life.

We had a great spot to watch the world go by, and seeing falling petals looking like snow in the sky was so beautiful.

Thanks Gavin for the yummy olives!!! We also bought this special Easter box of Krispy Kremes! Look how cute the chick is!!!

I'm sad the blossoms have left us, but at least we have another spring left in Japan!