Lazing in Hanami 2002 season

Kamakura 2002 Kamakura 2002 Hana = flower. Mite = To look/see/view. Hanami = Flower viewing. The annual Cherry Blossom viewing heralds the onset of Spring in Japan around April. In a great pink tide, the wave of blossoms start in the southern islands like Okinawa and march 3,800 km (2,300 miles) northwards until all 3,900 islands have been touched by the marvel. The major cultural centres (Nara, Kyoto, Tokyo, Kamakura, all claim the best spots for viewing. My personal favourite is The Philosopher’s Walk in Kyoto, which should be the subject of a ‘Lazing in…’ article. Meanwhile, let’s whet our appetite with a stroll in Ueno Park, Tokyo. Ueno Park is in the grounds of the former Kan’ejii Temple complex, which was destroyed in 1868, during the last stand of shogun loyalists, in vain against imperial forces. The park now houses a Zoo, Tokyo National Museum, national museums of Science and Western Art, shrines, tombs, temples as well as Shinobazu Pond. There is even a Shitamachi (downtown) Museum with displays of original tenement house and everyday objects donated by people who lived in the old quarter around Ueno and Asakusa. [See upcoming ‘Lazing in Asakusa’ article.] If time is short, the Tokyo National Museum and Shitamachi Museum are “musts” for a quick shot of Japanese culture. Ladies requiring divine intervention for fertility, please consult the Kiyomizu-do Kannon Temple built in 1631 as a copy of the OLDER one in Kyoto. Even so, the one in Ueno is one of the few left standing from the battle of 1868, and thus amongst the oldest temples in Tokyo. It’s not just about Sakura (cherry) blossoms; Ume (plum) and Botan (tree peony) are pretty too. Hundreds of torii gates which are a symbol of Shinto religion. One story says the shape derives from a bird-perch, as birds have been religious symbols of animalistic cults. Torii mark of sacred areas from those thought to be profane. How to Hanami? First, stake out your viewing area and bring provisions…alcohol, food, snacks, ice, more alcohol… Don’t worry if you brought nothing as street vendors will supply every imaginable food and drink for your viewing pleasure. Particularly nice for the chilly nights is self-warming sake in a special container. Instructions are something like this: 1. Place container upright on level surface. 2. Pull out safety tab to initiate chemical reaction. 3. Leave for 5 minutes to attain adequate warmth, and consume. 4. Do not heat container with naked flame or external heating devices. 5. Discard used containers safely; WARNING: chemical hazard. If you cannot reserve your spot, get the junior staff to sit there all day if they have to. In the case of the Sumo Association, NOBODY argues with their junior staff . Bring musical instruments or karaoke machines. Finally, it’s time to take the kids home but adults can stay for more fun. Now, if there would be a cloudless, full moon on a peak blossom falling night, we would all stop breathing in ecstacy and there would be no tomorrow. For tonight would be a good time to die........ The steps down towards Shinobazu Pond. Spring is in the air…in every sight and every sound… Everyone who comes to Ueno for Hanami must eventually leave… until next year. Footnote: After-hours activities in Ueno Park outside Hanami season should be the subject of a separate report…but probably not for a distinguished forum such as this . Ahhh…only in Japan……………   MTF ThePuristS.com Travel Discussion Forum  |  ThePuristS.com Home Page We welcome comments, suggestions, and corrections. Copyright 2002-2003 - MTF and ThePuristS.com - all rights reserved