My Paper Lungs

It’s getting to that time of year again where all the streets are turning PINK. Cherry blossom, blossom, sakura, whatever you wanna call it brightens any grey day. Even here in Canterbury, it really brings out the beauty of the graffiti. It turns any drab street into a place for all those insta photos. It’s like the trees are holding up a sign saying, “IT’S SPRING TIME MOFOS”.

In Japan, the blooming of sakura marks the beginning of spring, whcih is celebrated through participating in Hanami. This, my friends, is an amazing festivalish sort of thing where people gather with picnics to admire and enjoy the blossom. It’s also a great excuse to get drunk. Japan, you know how to drink.

I thought it would be cool to share some photos from my own Hanami experience in Japan where me and the fiance went to Shinjuku Park for a casual picnic of maple syrup pancakes and cake. It was such a fun lil’ trip, with some beautiful photo opportunities. I think this was one of my favourite days out. It wasn’t too busy, so there were plenty of places to sit and the weather was just AH. – The perfect temperature. There was no rowdiness or shouting, just kids and families enjoying the spring. People would literally just plonk all their stuff down and call that piece of grass theirs, and stay there for hours. DEDICATION. I seriously had a great time, and I hope these photos get you into the spring mood.

On a separate note, we were also participents in a spontaneous photo shoot on this day- a.k.a a young boy and his camera tried to sneakily take our photo on several occassions. Even whilst his Dad tried to hoist him away. He failed at the whole sneaky aspect obvs.

I hope you guys have a great Friday and try to find your own lil’ bit of Hanami at the weekend! I plan on stuffing my face with pizza and drinking all the red wine with a friend on saturday (trying to drown out the ever approaching deadlines) and then Sunday perhaps a walk in our local woods and fish and chips. Sort of my own personal version of Hanami.

What are your plans?

p.s.

Godzilla also likes Hanami.

Natasha.