Blossoms in Ueno Park

Spring is here!  After several days of rain, the sky opened up... at least for a short time. Hanami is not far away.

On Friday, I took advantage and checked out the sakura (cherry blossoms) in Ueno Park.  It's probably a week till it will be peak viewing (and drinking) in the park, but I will not have the chance to return for a second viewing.  Oh well, these photos will have to do.

This is the main thoroughfare through Ueno Park.

There were plenty of crowds walking through the park.

Here are some closeups.

A little closer.

And even a little closer.

What would you like to drink?

It seems that there too many beverage choices in Japan.

Here's something a little more mundane to start with... A strawberry flavored drink, sparkling ichigo.

If you are feeling a little like ultra, there is an Ultraman cola waiting for you.

If you are feeling a little like Godzilla today, perhaps you should drink something with a little Fire.

At many machines, you can pay with your Edy, PASMO or SUICA card.  Some you can even pay with you keitai (cellular phone). Just wave your phone or card in front of the pad.

 

How about a pharmaceutical beverage?

How about a picnic?

If you don't have much change, you may want to find one of these machines.  Perhaps you've spent all your change on parking?  This one is in front of a ¥600 an hour parking lot. 

The Cherry Trees are Budding

The tulips are pushing up in the pots in the yard, and the flower buds on the cherry trees look almost ready to open. I can't wait for the Cherry Blossoms to get here.

I saw this cherry tree budding in Aoyama Bochi.

Hina Matsuri Cake

Since my daughter was born on March 3 (Hina Matsuri) and we currently live in Japan, Hina Matsuri cakes are becoming a birthday tradition!

This is the Fuji-ya cake box with Peko-chan and Poko-chan as Ohina-sama and Odairi-sama.

The cake looks good too and tastes great.