The transition from winter to summer is just beginning, and that means something magical is about to arrive: cherry-blossom season. As winter loosens its grip, delicate pastel petals push their way out of gnarled sakura-tree branches ¡ª an early indicator of the warmth that will slowly envelop the archipelago.
This process, and its surreal pink results, does something to people in Japan that I love, but have difficulty explaining. Strict salarymen become party animals, and the most bashful guy in the office loosens his tie to belt out a sing-along under flurries of flowers. The weather still echoes winter¡¯s chill, but the hearts and minds of the Japanese populace have begun to thaw. I can only describe it as something of a spiritual spring break.
Here¡¯s where the hanami parties come in. While ¡°hanami¡± simply means ¡°flower viewing¡± in Japanese, these gatherings comprise what has become my favorite time of the year. So start prepping your tarp and picnic supplies and pick a place that best suits your family¡¯s tastes. Following are a few spots in Tokyo that should be on your radar.
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