Neighborhood sakura (part two)

The sakura are now gone, or at least the somei yoshino (the most common type in Tokyo) are. It's always a little sad to see them go, but knowing that the cold weather is gone and summer is on its way is a nice condolence. And I did get some souvenirs to remember them by: hundreds and hundreds of pictures. Most aren't fit to show, but I'll share some of them here.

This is Oizumigakuen-dori, the road I use to get to Oizumigakuen station. For a few days a year, the cherry trees that line it come into bloom and take some of the attention away from the cars, electric wires, loud signs and ugly storefronts.

I'd almost say the street looks pretty this time of year.

The road abruptly ends just after crossing the border of Saitama, but a few blocks away are more cherry trees in Oizumichuo Koen, the park across the street from my house.

The park is dotted here and there with cherry trees, but most impressive (in a way I always fail to capture) are the trees that line the running track. The people who execise there really get a treat.

The park exits here, with a Jieitai (Japan Self Defence Force) base on the left a park called Wakojurin Koen on the right. Turning right at this intersection, this is what you see:

A cherry blossom tunnel. Not the same road as in this post (although that road is just a few minutes in the opposite direction), this street separates Oizumichuo Koen from Wakojurin Koen (and thus separates Tokyo, on the right, from Saitama, on the left).

Along the Tokyo/Oizumichuo Koen side is a section of lawn planted with shibazakura. Known as moss phlox or moss pink in English, the Japanese name means "lawn cherry", for its resemblance to cherry blossoms (you'd have to see it close up to really understand the name). I'm planning to visit a park known for its shibazakura this weekend, so stay tuned for more pictures.

Crossing the road and entering Wakojurin Koen brings more cherry trees, and more people enjoying them.

There are people picnicking,

taking pictures,

enjoying the view,

and napping. It's hardly surprising to see public nappers, as napping is Japan's national hobby. These three gentlemen seem especially good at it.

And now, before I bore you into a nap of your own, here are the rest of the pictures without comment.

Comments

[Tamakikat]

Wow! It looks like your n'hood is really nice and green or should I say pink:) It must be nice to have those areas to walk around and or just look at.

BTW apppreciate you posting the names of flowers. I'm enjoying learning.

TK

[kate]

Lovely photos. I was just in Tokyo last week and luckily enough caught the sakura. Aoyama Cemetery in particular was spectacular.

I really enjoy your blog, btw!

[zee]

Haha.. Napping under the cherry trees. Must've been awesome. I'd do that without hesitation.

Thanks for your entry of the names of flowers. I learn a lot.

[tofugirl]

Gorgeous photos! The cherry blossoms around here are just starting to hit their peak (maybe in a week or so) and your photos have inspired me to go take some of my own.

It must be nice to live in a place where you can nap publicly! I think if we did that here (in NYC), we would end up with all of our stuff missing :)

[Suzanne]

Your photos are beautiful. Made me wish I am living there although I just visited Tokyo last week... How I wish! =]

[Amy]

Thanks for the comments! I also love the public napping here and have indulged in it myself a few times. Very nice, but I'd never do it back home!

[Mari L'Esperance]

The sakura here in the San Francisco Bay Area are mostly gone, but I saw a few trees still hanging on to their blossoms in Piedmont today (near Oakland). I'm sorry that I'll arrive too late for them in Japan - we'll land in Tokyo next Thursday and I'm already fantasizing about what I'm going to EAT! Can't wait...

[Mariko]

Hi. I am a Japanese lady, born and raised in Oizumigakuen! After having spent a few years abroad, London and Singapore, I am back in Tokyo. As I am not working now I enjoy exploring my neibourhood! I have been quite impressed that lovely shops and restaurants are now in Oizumigakuen (it was't like this before...).
I did not get to see Sakura this year becaue I came back to Japan the end of April. Seeing Sakura is just bliss, isn't it? Please do not hesitate me if you want to exchange info about Oizumigakuen!