Japan dispatch: Actually getting spring is awesome

I'm not trying to brag. I'm really not.

Now that's cleared up, let me say this: Spring is an oh, so wonderful thing.

I say that because we don't get spring in Newfoundland. If you think we do, you haven't experienced what spring can be.

It's my first spring in Japan and with that my first "sakura", also known as cherry blossom season.

People in Japan go bonkers for cherry blossoms, and I am one of the converted — ready to proselytise their greatness and need for worship.

Enough words though. Check out the snaps from a world away, and know that there is hope that things will warm up.

Symbol of change

Sakura bloom in late March in Tokyo and the final few petals are falling away now.

They are a symbol for the change in seasons and a lot more. It is pretty much all that people talk about this time of year.

The sakura forecast starts with the weather people on the news around the beginning of March.  

People want to know when peak season will be so they can plan where to go for "hanami" or cherry blossom viewing.

Selfie time

The Nakameguro River area draws swarms of people each year to take in the cherry blossoms. There are food and drink stands all over the place. Yes, you can legally sip on bubbly or a beer in public while enjoying the blossoms and the excited mood.

And yes, selfies are almost as numerous as the cherry blossoms along the Nakameguro River.

Photographer's windfall

In Tokyo's large Yoyogi Park, women with kimono out for some posing and picture taking.

Enjoying the sights

Why do your hanami on land when you can go to Inokashira Park in western Tokyo and check out the cherry blossoms from a boat? Note… it can get super crowded on the water.

A couple checking out the sakura and sakura watchers in Inokashira Park.

So a big part of hanami is getting a ground sheet, grabbing your friends and heading out to a park to sit, chat and gaze. Many bring food and drinks. It's a cheerful but semi-relaxed kind of scene. Some do overindulge in the… beauty.

Unique transportation

Swan boats slowly paddle by, with passengers stopping to take pics from time to time.

Clean up time

And like all good things, sakura season must come to an end. This guy came to get the petals washed off his car. I actually found it kind of sad.

Strange things 

Remind me to tell you about this weird festival I went to next time. No shortage of things to see and do in Japan. That's for sure.