Fading Sakura Along the Meguro River

Not much time to write, but on Friday morning, took some time out to snap the fading cherry blossoms along the Meguro River. Seems that either the weather or my work schedule has been conspiring against getting the perfect shot... Oh well, I need to try again next year.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 105mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor Lens f5.6, ISO 200, 1/400 sec.

Hanami at Yoyogi Koen

The hanami season kicked of this weekend and peak in Tokyo is forecast for Tuesday 1 April 2015. Yoyogi Koen was picture perfect on Saturday and the sakura crazy masses turned out in force.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 105mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor Lens f5.6, ISO 100, 1/160 sec.

Early blossoms and Hanami

There weren't many cherry trees blooming in Tokyo this past weekend. The buds are out in force, but they haven't burst open to reveal the pale pink flowers that welcome spring.

It didn't seem to matter to most that the majority of trees were not flowering, just yet.

I am not sure what variety of cherry this is, perhaps it's not even a cherry tree. Anyway, it didn't matter to the revelers that there were already picnicking under the pale pink flowers and fresh green leaves .

Early Cherry Blossoms

Hanami is coming to Tokyo soon.  The cherry trees are budding, and a few early cherry blossoms are out.  The lanterns and bins have already been put out in anticipation of the hanami parties.  I am sure it will be lots of fun!

This particular tree is at the entrance of the park. There was another blooming a short distance away, but I did not see many in bloom inside Ueno itself.

Orphaned Cherry Blossom Photos...

I took plenty of cherry blossom photos this year.  However, I never took enough good ones at one time to post.  So, I'll post a few more today before they are forgotten along with Hamami season.

These blossoms are from a large tree outside my office building in Zama.

These next two were taken at MacArthur Garden at Naval Air Facility Atsugi. The cherry trees surrounding the park here are very beautiful. The General MacArthur's Honor Guard web page has some interesting information on General MacArthur and the establishment of the garden on their Mission of the Honor Guard and the Association page.

Some streets are prettier than others

During cherry blossom season, some streets are much prettier than others.  I've had the opportunity to drive through several cherry tree tunnels in the Kanto area. 

This one is located in downtown Sagamihara, a suburb of Tokyo.

It was so pretty I had to take a look through my rearview mirror.

This is the street you have to drive down to get to a friends house in Setagaya. There are some smaller pedestrian paths through this neighborhood that are even more amazing.

I just wish I had an open top car to take it all in.

Cherry Blossoms at Roppongi Hills

With all the anxiety over the triple disaster in Japan, hanami will certainly be subdued this year.  The cherry blossoms are just starting to burst, and hopefully, the weather will return to the spectacular form that we had last week.

The wife and I had a little free time.  The kids were at a play date at a friends house, so we went for a walk through the park between Roppongi Hills and TV Asahi.  One tree seemed to be peaking a little earlier than the others. 

There are several types of cherry trees in this park.  The blossoms above were from a variety that is bright pink. The variety photographed below is much paler shade.

The street behind the main Roppongi Hills complex is lined with cherry trees and is appropriately named Sakura-zaka.  These are all budding and ready to burst.  They should be near their peak before the end of the week.

More Sakura (Cherry Blossoms) in Shinjuku Gyoen

The family went out to Shinjuku Gyoen for Hanami. We had a lovely picnic and I was able to take some photos of how the Japanese enjoy a spring picnic.

Typical picnic under the sakura.

More picnicking under the sakura.  Although alcohol is prohibited in this park, you'll notice that this rule seems to have been mostly ignored. 

These are the double blossom variety.

Looks like a fun office or university party.

There are some amazing sakura in this park.  It's always great to have a canopy of flowers over your head.