When You Wander

I had been anticipating it for as long as I can remember. I’m not saying it was the reason I moved to Japan, buttttttt I will say it probably influenced my decision more than it should!

The Japanese take their cherry blossoms seriously.

Shop windows are decorated in the appropriate theme.

Sweets are made with cherry blossom petals. (Yes, they’re edible).

 

In Japan, it’s not just a time of beauty, but a time of happiness and celebration, laughter and love.

What I failed to realize was just how quickly the season goes by. AKA the shortest “season” ever.  Seriously, it happened in a blink of an eye! The blossoms were beautiful, blooming, shades of pink and white. Then two weeks later, they were gone. Poof! Okay, maybe they don’t disappear out of thin air, but after the two week mark, the petals begin to fall and lose their magical awe-spiring glow. I’m embarrassed to admit it, but I feel like I failed myself this time around. I had put my cherry blossom sightseeing on such a high pedestal that I should have planned more carefully. Like I said, the season is only a few weeks long, with only one week being a true “peak” week for the blossoms. Like the average job, I get two days off a week. So I did, what I thought was, my best, to see the blossoms during my free time. I also encountered some bad luck with a few of those days being rainy, gloomy ones. Ugh, those April spring showers, I tell ya.

I went to many beautiful parks in the Osaka area:

Sakuranomiya Park. I went here twice. Both days were dreary and overcast, but they have thousands upon thousands of cherry blossom trees.

Shukugawa Park. I made a spontaneous pitstop at this park on the way home from work. It was a sunnier day and it was Saturday, so the park was pretty crowded.

 

Walking by a random park near my house in Daikokucho. It was a beautiful night for some night blossoms.

All of these places were gorgeous and great for witnessing “Hanami” parties and gatherings. But to be honest, and maybe it’s because I had such high expectations, did they give me that “wow” moment? No, sadly not.

After seeing some of the places that my friends went to view the blossoms (and being blown away by how breathless the scenery is), I am incredibly jealous and more prepared for the season next year. I already know what my first stop will be: Yoshino Mountain. Seriously, I can’t believe I missed out on something my friends called “life-changing” and the “most beautiful place [they’ve] ever seen.” I mean, these people are world travelers. When they say something is the most beautiful place, I don’t take it lightly!

Yoshino Mountain is a few hours away from where I live, but I’m certain it will be 100% worth it. I wish I had some personal photos to share, but since I don’t, check out all the hashtagged photos on Instagram and you’ll see what I mean.

https://www.instagram.com/explore/locations/235995742/

Until next time, cherry blossoms… I miss you already.