Tokyo knows how to do Sakura 👹🍣🎎 Wonderful Japan

When you think of Tokyo, the first thing that comes to mind is this huge and massive city, far away in the east of Asia. A city of deep canyons full of skyscrapers, colors, and exotic flair, bustling with people. A place that just won't calm down because of all the hustle and bustle that is going on there. Here is always someone on the go and somewhere someone has always something to do. Even the tourists seem to adapt to the hectic pace of the city and often just hurry from place to place, look briefly to the left and right, and soon they are off again. But actually, you should always take the time to look up and down, and especially to look back. Looking backwards usually reveals completely different perspectives and opens horizons that you would not have thought they were possible. Of course, this is not only true for Tokyo, but for many metropolises of this world, through which most people just hurry without really looking around.

But there is also a time when Tokyo somehow seems to come to its senses. At the beginning of spring, at the end of March, when the cherry trees finally start to blossom in the Japanese capital, a very interesting metamorphosis happens to the city. First, the cherry blossom puts many corners and places of the city in a lovely pink and white robe, which is hard to miss and ignore. And this transformation also seems to affect most of the city's residents, because suddenly everyone is no longer just running quickly from appointment to appointment and from house to house. People now stop and look closely. All of a sudden, they seem to have time on their hands, because they definitely don't want to miss the wonderful spectacle in the city's parks and gardens. The time in which Sakura, the cherry blossom, can be seen is too short, and the magic it radiates and leaves behind wherever it passes is too appealing.

For most companies, the beginning of March marks the end of the fiscal year, and during this time many young people have just graduated from school or university. Before things pick up again at full speed in April, there is finally time for a brief moment of reflection and also for socializing. After all, this wonderful spectacle is best enjoyed together. And since the weather at this time usually shows its best side, people meet outside now and marvel together at the beauty that Mother Nature is presenting. Many people don't seem to get out of the big city these days and have probably forgotten what it looks like out in the country. During the rest of the year, they often hurry past the trees and parks of the city, since there is too much to do and to take care of. But suddenly it shines and blossoms so excitingly and invitingly, and all at once they realize again that, away from skyscrapers, shopping malls, restaurants and bars, there is also nature, which now unfolds its so irresistible charm. And at least for a short time, they don't want to avoid it and are only too happy to take part in the great play that has captured all the people around them.

And even though Tokyo in many places is a concrete jungle, there are enough places in the city where you can celebrate the cherry blossom. Many parks were planted with cherry trees a few decades ago, which now present their wonderful blossoms every spring and invite people to stay for a while and come down from all the stress that usually accompanies our everyday life.
Whether alone, in pairs or in larger groups, everyone enjoys in their own way. Some people enjoy it quietly and contemplatively, while others may have a loud and merry party. A lot of things are allowed at this time, and since laughter is so contagious, most people are in a really good mood at this time. And this mood seems to have an effect not only on Tokyo, but on the whole country, which is overcome by a real Sakura fever. And we better surrender to it because unfortunately the magic only lasts for one or two weeks, and during these weeks we have to show that life is actually something we like to enjoy.

Fortunately, I was allowed to experience and admire the cherry blossom a few times already, and once I even had the great pleasure to witness this spectacle in Tokyo. And of course I could not resist at that time to take photos everywhere, since what was happening in front of my eyes was too wonderful. Therefor today I would like to share some pictures I took a few years ago during the cherry blossom season in the Japanese capital. They also help me to sort out and refresh my memories.
But just sit back and have a look over my shoulder....

Everything is possible - of course this basic idea is pretty fitting for the Sakura season, too but it seems that someone always wants to set some rules. That you should be respectful to people and nature doesn't need to be mentioned, but that you shouldn't leave your garbage everywhere I go doesn't appear to be so obvious anymore. And whether most guests really go home again at 8 o'clock? Well, I'm not so sure!

One of the most popular places for hanami, the observing of the cherry blossoms, is Ueno Park. This sprawling green space is home to most of the city's hanami parties, and at this time there are people everywhere scurrying along under the many cherry trees.

Wherever you go, you find great panoramas and you won't be able to stop marveling and being amazed. And there is no way to not take too many pictures, as you have to take this beauty home with you.

It's a little quieter on the water, where you're slightly away from the hustle and bustle. But you will get a completely different perspective on what's happening in front of you. After all, a little relaxing and floating around is part of this atmosphere.

This little avenue shows the entrance to Aoyama Cemetery, which is located right in the middle of Tokyo. Cemetery and cherry blossoms are by no means excluding each other, but fit together wonderfully. Both are signs and symbols of the transience in life, and how fragile we and nature ultimately are. That's probably why this scenery looks so charming, and against this special background, the cherry blossom unfolds a very special grace.

Some pictures don't need any further description and simply work for themselves...

Contemplative and also stimulating, you just have to show feelings and emotions....

The cherry blossom is ultimately also an attunement to spring and the warmer and sunnier season that will now follow. Nature will now soon really wake up and impress us with a lot of fresh green and many other great colors.

The cherry blossom was now the beginning, also the next weeks and months will know how to inspire. This short and so intense magic is already long gone in Tokyo, while it can still hold on a little longer in the northern regions. But even there it will soon wave goodbye and make way for completely different feelings and experiences.

In my mind I am still in the middle of all the action and fortunately I still have my pictures to revel in. One day I will be back in Tokyo at exactly this time of year and walk along old and familiar paths. Fortunately, some things do not change and repeat themselves every year. Therefore, it is not " farewell", but "until next time", when our rendezvous will continue. I am looking forward to it...

ありがとうございました！ (arigatou gozaimashita)

[//]:# (!steematlas 35.7108101 lat 139.76984739 long Tokyo knows how to do Sakura Wonderful Japan d3scr)