we lucked out with the weather this year for hanami season. last year temps were too cold and windy so no hanami parties for us. but this year the weather was unbelievable -- ahem...unbelievable at this very moment as the temps have dropped considerably and it's been raining for the last couple of days. but let's rewind a few days and take it back to friday night for the hanami party after work. that was a bit of a disappointment. a few work mates put together a hanami party immediately after work. there wasn't much hanami viewing at this party as the park we went to was dark (besides the street lamps on either side of the park) and the flashflight someone bought at the store nudged between the branches of a tree focusing on one spot on the ground didn't help too much. it was more night drinking rather than a real hanami party.
the real hanami viewing party was on saturday at inokoshira park for kat & darin's hanami party. it couldn't have been any more perfect than it was that day! here are a few pictures to share...
the skies blue were blue and people were out in masses at the park. the line for the row boats were insane! we got to the park before noon and there was alreaady a line for the boats! looks a little congested. wonder if boat rage was a problem? heehee.
there were SO MANY PEOPLE in the park! this picture really does no justice. it surprises that with such a huge mass of people the vibe was sweet! very low key and relaxing. 
they were even gettin' down to the sweet ukuelele sounds...(makes me miss my hula days)
and they were relaxing along lakeside watching the boats row by...
everyone was enjoying themselves even this little guy...
that's ohji. what's he looking at?
he's hopin' to get a piece of that hotdog yuji's eating!
great time. great memories.
What a great day you guys had! I love Inokashira Koen, but haven't seen it in it's full hanami splendor - yet! looks like there were more people there than disneysea - heh, heh : ) Btw, the little doughnuts are called 'bebi kasutera' or baby castella, gotta grab a bag whenever i see them! Hopefully we've seen the last of this COLD rainy weather. see you next week?!
Posted by: rae | 04/13/2005 at 02:24 PM
Beautiful pix, Chris...! Haven't checked your site in awhile, but just wanted to compliment your artsy eye!
Spring in Japan is so beautiful... if only I didn't have allergies and hay fever!!!
Posted by: Rachele Lee | 04/19/2005 at 11:13 AM