Park that

While the sakura trees weren't in full bloom - not as full as they were when I caught them last year - I'm glad we were able to find some trees to take a photo with. This particular one was at Nakano Park, just a stone's throw away from the eki where we usually ride.

Good thing I was able to snap a pic before I flew back to Manila.

Blooming!

Presenting, the first sakura bloom of the season. (In GRIPS, at least.)

Looking forward to seeing more of your kind soon!

Short and meaningful

That's our joke about the Sakura season. 

Better yet, it's the truth about the Sakura season.

When I arrived in Tokyo last Saturday, the cherry blossoms were just beginning to bloom. By the time we went to GRIPS, it was already in full bloom, all the way to the top of the trees.

Come Friday, the rains came and started to wash away the beautiful white and pink blooms. And by the time we had our indoor Hanami yesterday, the trees have already gone from white to green. Then, in a few days, the blooms will be on the ground, and that's the Sakura season for 2015.

So, this visit was really perfect in terms of timing. The delicate blooms set the perfect backdrop to this equally meaningful, albeit short, visit to Japan.

Until the next season.

Season of friendship

The Sakura season is a much awaited one in Japan. That's why when it arrives, you can expect a lot of Pinoys to fly to Tokyo to witness this fleeting and once-in-a-lifetime event.

During this visit to Tokyo, we were fortunate enough to see - and spend time with - several groups of friends. Some were old friends, some were new friends. And it was awesome to get to show them around our favorite haunts in Tokyo.

Just like this moment when we gathered at the illuminated Sakura park in Roppongi. We were joined by Mark's college friends, first for dinner, then for a traditional photo op.

It's amazing how Sakura can make people come together.

Show(a) me the sakura!

Since I'm arriving in Tokyo more than a week after the sakura went in full bloom, I thought I wouldn't see any cherry blossoms anymore. That was fine with me since I experienced Hanami last year.

But lo and behold, when we went to Showakinen, there were still a lot of sakura trees in bloom. Luckily, we found one and had our picnic under the tree.

Little surprises like this is make trips worthwhile.

Spring is abloom

I've been to Japan in all its 4 seasons, but I've never actually visited during Sakura season. It's actually quite odd since this is THE most famous season in Japan.

This year, the blooming of the sakura and Holy Week coincided, so, here we are!

As the priest during the Easter Vigil mass said in his homily: "We are lucky enough to live in a country where the coming of spring is so obvious."

And I'm lucky enough to be able to experience and see this wonderful natural wonder along with Mark.

It was such a pleasure to see these bloom in front of my very eyes.