Cherry Blossom Season # 2 - Shinjuku Gyoen

Our second stop to view cherry blossoms was at Shinjuku Gyoen.

We were hoping to see some locals enjoying the day and doing 'hanami' - cherry blossom viewing. It turns out that we chose a fantastic park because upon entering this is what we saw....



Shinjuku Gyoen entrance






















The Cherry blossom trees are massive and absolutely breath taking. What the cherry blossom season shows the outsider is a side of the Japanese people that is often over looked. I (and i think a lot of people) have always seen Tokyo and the Japanese people as very hard working, intense people who live in the most high-tech city in the world who wouldn't have the time to relax.
The truth reveals something else entirely. I saw a relaxed people who were totally one with nature spending hours examining blooming flowers that are only on display for about 2 weeks of every year. Families playing in the park and work colleagues spending their lunch hours sitting under some of the most beautiful trees in the world. It was such a happy atmosphere. You couldn't help but absorb some of the happiness that was all around.

I saw a group of women some with cotton gloves on delicately holding and examining the blossoms. So much respect is shown for the trees and their flowers.

Up close and personal with the cherry blossoms

Shinjuku Gyoen is a very large park with internal lakes and so many beautiful spots to see.  My favourite spot would have to be this one. A cherry blossom that has over the decades grown over the water to look like this...

Blossom hanging over the water

Another unexpected beauty that arises from the cherry blossoms is when their petals fall to the ground and forms a delicate blanket.

Me standing under a canopy of cherry blossoms with their petals on the ground

As you walk around the park you get to see so many different views of the surroundings. Designing gardens has been an art of the Japanese for centuries and they have mastered it within this park.

Internal lake

What I never realised until I saw the cherry trees up close is that the flowers bloom in bunches. Each branch has many of these bunches and the whole tree must have thousands of bunches. No wonder the Japanese spend hours viewing these trees and flowers as it seems the more you look, the more you find.

Bunches and bunches of cherry blossoms

Blossoms in all their glory.

Stay tuned for more cherry blossom adventures.

Please don't hesitate to contact me if you want some advice or tips for planning your Japanese adventure.

G

P.S You can click on the photos to enlarge them.

Cherry Blosson Season # 1 - Zojoji Temple

The 2011 Cherry blossom season will no doubt be more subdued then normal due to the tsunami devastation and nuclear crisis at the moment.

I was however lucky enough to be in Tokyo exactly this time last year (2010) on my honeymoon for Cherry blossom season. It has always been a dream of mine to see cherry blossom season and it finally came true.

I could write forever about cherry blossom season, but words cannot really describe the feeling of being there. The atmosphere, the smells of the 'street food' and the sheer excitement and happiness in the air.

I only got to see Cherry blossoms in Tokyo and now that I have seen it once, I want to go back every year!

I saw my first cherry blossoms directly outside the airport while on the 'Orange Friendly bus' airport shuttle (that's a whole other blog entry!). Just a few white cherry's lining the streets but my excitement soared. So much so in fact that as I pointed the trees out to my new husband, I forgot the glass was there and smashed my finger into the window!

The first place we decided to go to was Zojoji temple located adjacent to Tokyo Tower. There were many cherry blossoms and it was a great atmosphere.


Blossom with Zojoji Temple



Weeping pink cherry blossom



Cherry blossom with Tokyo Tower

 A great start to my cherry blossom viewing.

Stay tuned for more cherry blossom pictures and adventures.

G

The earthquake and Tsunami

Nearly 1 week ago, a devastating earthquake and the resulting tsunami hit Japan.

As a lover of everything Japanese I am shocked to the core with the images that are coming out of Japan.

The death toll is going to be astronomic - such a waste of life.

I have not personally travelled to the areas affected by the tsunami, however i have seen how low-lying parts of the coast can be.

I do know that the Japanese people will put on a brave face and will not let this diaster bring them down.

Unfortunately, they are used to earthquakes and are more prepared then other countries for this side of mother nature.

My heart goes out to all those who are affected or have lost loved ones in this tragic event.

My only comfort is that the Japanese have the spirit and determination to deal with such a catastrophic event and will never give in.

It is not in the nature of the Japanese to give up.

G

47 Ronin

If you haven't read the book or heard the story of the 47 Ronin, then you must. It is without a doubt one of the most compelling stories I have ever read and what makes it so astonishing is that it is a true story!
If you want an insight into the Japanese state of mind then this book will enlighten you.
This story is one of the most beloved in Japanese history and the Japanese ideals of patience, honour, sacrifice, persistence and loyalty are portrayed beautifully.

Briefly, Lord Asano was forced to commit seppuku (self-disembowling) after injuring a official named Kira in the Shogun's court. As a result of his offence, his castle, lands and fortune were stripped from his family and siezed by the shogun.

Asano's most loyal Samurai  - now called Ronin- spent the next 2 years plotting their revenge and concieving the perfect plan to kill Kira. All of this to return honour to their Lord Asano.

Eventually they stormed Kira's residence and killed him. They did this knowing that each one of them would have to perform Seppuku.

Imagine the discipline required to spend 2 years waiting for the right moment and knowing all along that you will die for your actions. I find that to be truely astonishing.

The Japanese still honour the 47 Ronin every year in December and go to their graveyard to burn incense and pray for them.

I visited this graveyard and I was moved to tears. My husband and I were the only ones there and it felt so surreal walking past the graves of these men who died for honour.
I placed incense on each of the graves and then i moved on to Lord Asano's grave only to find his wife is also buried there. The attendant told me that most people place more incense at Lord Asano's wife's grave as they feel she suffered so much after losing everything.
The graves are simple but I think it emphasises the sacrifice these men made in its simplicity. The stone tablets are weathered which reminds us they have been there for 300 or so years.

Some of the graves of the 47 Ronin.

A map showing the names of the Ronin and where their graves are.

Lord Asano's wife's grave.



Lord Asano's grave.



Lord Asano's Mon or crest.

If you are thinking of travelling to Japan or just Tokyo you must read the 47 Ronin and you will then feel compelled to visit their graves as I did.

G

Welcome

Hello and welcome to my blog!

I love everything Japanese and I love travelling through Japan.
I find everything about Japan and the Japanese to be truly fascinating. I love their arts, antiques, textiles, food, respect for each other and their love for nature.
Japan is such a diverse country and manages to seamlessly blend the ancient with the modern like no other place.
The modern Japanese live in the most high-tech country and yet still practice ancient traditions and have the utmost respect for the past.

In my blogs I will be sharing my experiences while travelling through Japan and I hope to excite some people into travelling to this amazing country.

G