Hanami - Ueno Park - Early April 2011

Hanami is flower viewing. It is the Japanese traditional custom of enjoying the beauty of flowers, "flower" in this case almost always meaning cherry blossoms or ume blossoms and the welcoming of spring. The Japanese save their spots with mats and chairs just like we save our spots for parades during the Mardi Gras season.  They bring food and drink and just visit with friends and family under the spectacular canopy of cherry blossoms.  Ed and I first went to Koishikawa botanical Garden, but after finally getting to the gate with the thousands of other people we realized that we were not going to be able to bring in our Champagne. So, off we went to Ueno Park which had been my first choice, small communication problem that day.

Ueno Park is one of Japan's most crowded, noisy and popular spots for sakura, cherry blossom, parties or hanami.  Ueno Park features more than 1000 trees along the street leading towards the National Museum and around Shinobazu Pond.

Kanpai, Ed raises his glass of Champagne to toast our first Hanami. Ed an I went shopping the week end before to purchase our special Hanami chairs.  I know they will work well for the parades back home.

Yes that is a Domino pizza delivery guy using his cell phone to locate his customer.

Everyone enjoying their Hanami.  The ground is covered in Cherry Blossoms.

Oh, here is a second pizza delivery guy this one on a bike. It was just unbelievable that they could actually connect with their customer. There were thousands of people, thousands.

Their own sense of style.

Just a canopy of cherry blossoms.

The falling cherry blossoms peddles was like large snow flakes floating down.

Totem Pole an odd contribution to the park by the Lyons Club.

Serious about the proper way to enjoy a Hanami. Almost like Tailgating.

Myra, the crowd and the canopy of cherry blossoms.

All dressed up and in drag.  Everyone having a good time.

True New Orleans style, all the comforts of home on your hanami.