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Sakura. Cherry blossoms. I never thought too much about them until I came to Japan. Pretty to be sure,
but not something to get all worked up about. For the Japanese, it's rather more than that. Some Japanese see sakura
as a celebration of the coming of spring - an explosion of new life. Others would compare the life of a cherry blossom to that of a samurai - beautiful and noble, but exceedingly short.
The other point to rebember is that Japan probably has more cherry trees per acre that any other country. So whatever your point of view, enjoy!
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| If you want to know the time, ask a policeman. If you want to see cherry blossoms, find yourself a temple or shrine because they usually have plenty.
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The Japanese love for cherry trees often overcomes economic constraints. Even in built up areas, cherry trees can be found on real estate generally reserved for steel, glass and concrete. These fine examples stand outside the Kiyo Bank which has two claims to fame around these parts. One is the trees (obviously) The other being the day when a rumour got around that the bank was insolvent, resulting in hoards of people besieging the bank, scrambling to get their money out. The rumour turned out to be false, but almost became a self prophecy by the time everyone had got their cash.
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| Mountains often have their fair share or sakura. If you're feeling energetic, take a hike and find yourself a queit spot like this. Or, if you're lazy like me, go by car.
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Every spring, throngs of Japanese enjoy "Hanami", which literally means "flower watching", but actually means a picnic under the cherry trees. If you want to try, take my advice and go EARLY or you won't get a place. Oh, and a case of beer wouldn't go amiss, either.
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If you do go, remember that we share the planet - and the cherry trees - with all God's creatures so be prepared for the honey makers. Don't bother them and they won't bother you. Far too busy, you see.
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