A Sakura Spring

Winter's cold has broken with the first buds of the cherry blossoms. The air is still crisply cool, but just warm enough to host some of the most beautiful natural scenery Japan has to offer. Sakura, or cherry blossoms, glaze tree tops with a beautiful pink and white floral frosting.

The blossoms themselves brighten the sky and canopy walkways with angelic haze that seems to draw sunlight into each petal and enliven trees from the winter's discontent.

When there is a seasonal activity in Japan, people flock to parks and recreational areas and remind us all of how populated this country really is. Considering sakura season is a short and sweet two or three weeks, the famous viewing areas are always the most crowded.

Venturing out of the larger cities and into local areas wont fend off much of a crowd. If there is a cherry blossom tree around, chances are there is a hanami party under it.

Hanami is a simple picnic party in honor of the coming of spring and a chance to view sakura while they're in full bloom. At first, the buds perk open with a virginal white color and as they mature, their color changes to a soft pink.

In Hyogo prefecture, one of the best places for sakura viewing is Akashi park. This park has 1,200 cherry blossom trees, most of which surround the pond in the middle of the park. There are smaller spots tucked away with just a few trees, but the lining of the pond as all the trees hug the edge of the water, is the prime spot for hanami.

In admiring all things sweet and cute, Japan is fortunate to have sakura sprinkle the subtle start of Spring around the country. Sakura season is an embodiment of the classical romantic idea of Spring and it shows in the tired faces of businessmen who have taken respite in a bottle of sake and the company of their co-workers. And in the families and friends who prepare delicious bentos to be shared and savored in the softened sun.

It's a wonderful time of year in Japan and sakura is an excellent adornment for the turn of the Spring season. If only it weren't so long until the same time next year.