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Reminiscing about Hanami in Tokyo with a Picnic in New York
Best plan on a gorgeous Spring day
In my opinion, Spring is one of the best times to visit Japan, during the Cherry Blossom or Sakura bloom. The blossom forecast is announced each year for every area. A Google search will yield some of the best places to view the Sakura across the country, including the best picnic spots.
Hanami, which literally means “flower viewing,” is a Japanese custom. Families pack their food and drinks, find a spot in the park for a picnic. Sakura parties at night are called Yozakura.
When I lived in Tokyo with two little kids, I remember dropping my daughter off at her preschool and carrying my son in a harness to view the Hanami. We took the Hibiya Line and got off at Nakameguro Station. Once I crossed the busy street and walked towards Meguro Dori, I was amazed at the street lined up with multiple trees in full bloom.
I could hear the sound of the camera shutters before I could see several photographers (both novice and professional) clicking away from different angles at nine o’clock in the morning on a weekday.
Seeing is believing!
The sheer number of trees lining both sides of the river, the sun shining on the water…
