Cherry Blossom Viewing: Nijo Castle

On April 2nd, the cherry blossoms were headed into full bloom, and o-hanami (blossom viewing) had begun. My friends and I were thrilled to be able to participate in such a nationwide event, and so we planned our weekends carefully to see them. We began o-hanami by going to a night viewing, which means the buildings and blossoms are lit up at night. I’d also been to a night viewing during the fall for the autumn colors, and such events are usually very colorful and interesting (although the pictures usually don’t come out very well.)

Nijo Castle is in the northern Kyoto, on the way up to Kitano Tenmagu shrine. I hope to go back there during the daytime. Unfortunately, many of these pictures will look abstract. I hope they still convey the feeling of the night!

Lanterns line the walkways, and the cherry trees are lit up!

There was a display of contemporary art lanterns, which added greatly to the mood.

Some of the cherry trees were huge.

We also enjoyed an amazing koto performance. It was a great ending to a wonderful night!

1 photo/day: Day 14

The bamboo forest of Arashiyama, Kyoto, after a talk from a Zen priest.

1 photo/day: Day 13

The edge of this step had been by something, so that the tiles were broken. This person fixed it, and posted many Watch out! signs. The bricks are holding the tiles up while they dry, but I don’t think they’re going to dry much in the rain.

1 photo/day: Day 11

Well, you may have noticed I skipped a few days. I was extremely tired from a long trip we took, and I’ll get back on my schedule from this point on. So, instead of a photo, I give you a video!

1 photo/day: Day 10

One of the main streets I walk along in Hirakata City. This is an alternate route back home that’s longer, but goes by more stores.