Sakura

'Hanami' is the custom of going cherry blossom viewing. This is an important part of all Japanese people's lives. The cherry blossoms are so fragile and they arrive spontaneously and disappear within a week or two. During this time schools, businesses and friends have cherry blossom viewing parties. It is against the backdrop of the pale pink sakura that people meet their new schoolmates, co-workers, as well as say goodbye to old friends. Although they fall off the trees in a matter of days, the beauty of the blossoms never fade. I mean, I have seen the same scene for 3 years now and I have never gotten sick of it. I still take the same pictures every year! And you may never be able to show the true beauty in a photograph, but still somehow you can't stop taking pictures. This year I took some new pictures, as well as some of the same ones as before. And I too have said goodbye to many students under the pink trees. (Bye bye Chizuko! I'll miss you!)

Along one of the many canals in Kanazawa. I think this one used to be part of the castle moat.

This is the first tree to open in Kanazawa every year. It is part of a private garden in of an old samurai house.

An old favourite.

Sunset at the castle

Night time in the park looks like you are walking through the milky way, especially if the blossoms are reflected in the black water.

Relaxing along the Sai river. Some pigeons were also enjoying the cherry blossoms.

A road with a sakura canopy.