Hanami

To see the sakura in flower for the first time is to experience a new sensation.
                                        Percival Lowell,  The Soul of the Far East (1888)

One of the most fundamental characteristics of Japanese culture is its appreciation for the beauty of simplicity and nature. Perhaps the best demonstration of this aspect comes every spring with the time-honored and immensely popular tradition of hanami, or cherry blossom viewing. Japanese poetry and artwork dating back 1,000 years document the Japanese fascination with the lush pink blossoms that they believe represent a metaphor for life itself – beautiful, yet delicate and impermanent.

Each year, as spring approaches, sakura (cherry blossom) reports begin forecasting the budding and peak blooming periods across the country, much like winter ski reports in mountainous regions. During the sakura season, which lasts about two weeks in each particular region, millions of Japanese flock to view the blossoms by traveling to popular locations to relax, picnic and meditate on their beauty.

Matt and I decided that we wanted to experience Kyoto during this once-yearly event because we were sure it would be a once in a lifetime experience. This caused a little frustration in booking hotel rooms, because as we quickly discovered, the Japanese make their reservations as much as a year in advance, much like the San Fermin festival described by Hemingway in The Sun Also Rises. However, I can confidently say that the hard work of finding vacancies and switching hotels mid-visit was well worth the experience as soon as we began to see the clouds of sakura floating across the treetops around Kyoto.

The sakura were absolutely breathtaking at moments as they waved gently in the spring breezes. I can honestly say that walking through the forest of cherry trees at the Heian Shrine was one of the most beautiful experiences of my entire life. The stark contrast of the pale blush of the blossoms against the blue sky and the petals as they gently floated to the ground like snow were captivating. Under the canopy, it felt almost as if time stood slowed to a near standstill and the heady effect was slightly dizzying. Though I wouldn’t go as far to align myself with the Japanese maxim that life is complete after viewing the perfect cherry blossom, it certainly does make one marvel at the awe-inspiring resplendence of nature.

Our first taste of hanami at Nijo Castle. 

Standing here made me postively blissful. I could have frolicked among the cherry blossoms all day. 

Matt was able to get some beautiful close ups from his elevated vantage point. 

Gardens at the Imperial Palace - Hanami was originally a tradition of royalty and the samurai class, but became a national custom by 1000 A.D.

Sakura trees lining the banks of the Kamo River, a popular spot for hanami picnics.