(First published in Small World Ezine on 25 March 2003)
I love spring in Europe because of its beautiful flowers.
But if you haven't been to Japan during its Sakura
(Cherry Blossoms) Viewing festival (Hanami), you should
try it once. It brings us a completely new definition of
how to enjoy the flowers.
Sakura (Cherry tree) is the national flower of Japan. There
are over four hundred varieties of cherry trees in Japan
alone. Cherry blossom viewing has been a Japanese custom
since the 7th century when the aristocrats enjoyed looking
at the cherry blossoms and wrote poems.
Sakura blooms first in the southern island of Okinawa. And
it continues to bloom up north. Japanese enjoy the Sakura-
viewing parties very much. Some even travel from south to
north with the flowers all spring!
There is even a blossom schedule...
According to this year's schedule, it's already started.
This will continue until early May up in Japan's most
northern district.
To the major cities (Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka), the best timing
is around the first 2 weeks of April. You still have time.
I said this is the new definition to the flower-viewing
activity because the way Japanese enjoy their national
flowers is different. They don't just look at it from the
distance.
On a holiday, families will prepare food and drinks for the
"hanami" picnic. They will arrive at a park very early to
secure the best place under the most beautiful cherry tree.
(There are Sakura everywhere, but you are supposed to go to
this year's most beautiful park. They will spend the whole
day (and night) under the tree, partying, singing, dancing,
and playing games.
In Japan, it is a manner to appreciate what you get loudly
to show gratitude to the person who has taken the time to
prepare it for you (in this case, gardener?). So, you will
be hearing, "This is so beautiful," "What a wonderful
garden," etc. all day and night.
There are many best places to go Sakura-viewing. There are
even books for it. In Tokyo, the capital city, Ueno park and
Yoyoki park are to most visited. In Kyoto (the ancient
capital), you can visit any temple. They all arrange the
gardens for this purpose. But if you do not like the crowd,
you can just go anywhere by a river or in a mountain. The
sceneries are going to be nicer, calmer and more peaceful.
Isn't this what we need during this world's turmoil? To get
closer to the Mother Earth and enjoy what she's given to us.
We can follow the Japanese tradition and appreciate it
loudly,... "Oh Mother Nature... Thank you. This is SO
Beautiful. It's a Wonderful World!"
Shy? I bet you can do it after exchanging some "Sake"
(Japanese rice wine) with the party under another tree ;-)
More:
I know many of you are afraid to go to Japan because you
have heard Japanese don't speak English. Well... so do
Thais, Chinese, and others. If you prepare carefully, you
are going to be fine.
It is also one of the safest countries in the World. And
unlike other touristic environment, nobody is living their
lives taking advantage on tourists.
Narita airport is 40 miles (64 km.) away from the centre of
Tokyo. You can take a train from its underground station.
If you arrive at Osaka Kansai airport. You will also need to
take a train to the city.
To get around in Japan is easy once you know where to go
(and where you are). Major railway stations have instruction
and name of places in both Japanese and English. Tickets can
be bought from machines (and they have changes!)
Try not to use taxi. The fare is very expensive (starting
at $6). Taxi drivers do not speak English. And you need to
give extras if you are picked up from a hotel or restaurant.
If you are really lost, and need a taxi. Have the
destination ready in written Japanese. Do not take taxi if
you are late. Traffic in Tokyo and other major cities are
horrible. Trains, bicycle or even walking on foot will be
faster.
Oh Americans, Canadians, E.U. citizens and Australians do
not need a visa to enter Japan for a short visit (re-check
with your travel agent). Others, esp. Asians need a valid
visa. Application is not easy and may need 3-7 days. Prepare
ahead.
Next time we'll visit some hot spring (Onzen) and Japanese
style inns (Ryokan).
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