Spring afternoon at Ueno

The family took an impromptu visit to the Ueno Zoo on Sunday. Except for the high wind gusts, it was a picture perfect Sunday afternoon. Blue skies and mild spring temperatures in the high teens °C (or high 60's °F).

It's been an unusual year. The sakura were in full bloom around the 23rd of March. I have been living in the Tokyo and Kanagawa area for over ten years on and off since 1998, and I remember Hanami season starting so early.

There are a few cherry blossoms left at Ueno. The double blossoms on several trees (Prunus serrulata or 'Ito-kukuri') were in full bloom.

Nikon D700 with Nikon 80-200mm f/2.8D ED AF @ 170 mm, f4.5, ISO 200, 1/800 sec.

Nikon D700 with Nikon 80-200mm f/2.8D ED AF @ 135 mm, f4.5, ISO 200, 1/800 sec.

Nikon D700 with Nikon 105mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor Lens f4.5, ISO 200, 1/640 sec.

The blossoms on the cherry tree at the entrance to Ueno Park however was done and looked very green.

Nikon D700 with Nikon 105mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor Lens f8.0, ISO 200, 1/60 sec.