Cherry blossoms announce the true arrival of spring in Japan, which means it’s time to get our hanami on. Rain or shine, once again we make our annual trip down the banks of Meguro river.
Today’s weather seems to keep the crowds at bay.
The undeterred enjoy the cherry blossoms from underneath umbrellas.
And breaks in the rain mean the umbrellas come down.
The rain-soaked tree branches take on a darker hue that contrasts the lighter flower petals.
Petals washed from the trees stick to the ground.
Small dogs turn into even smaller sheep thanks to wet paws.
The rain isn’t the only thing keeping the crowds away. The walkways along Meguro river are strictly no picnicking. That’s why the area isn’t drowning in blue sheets; it keeps people from hogging all the good spots, too.
The same no picnic party notice in English, Chinese, and Korean.
Puddles waiting for the next petal to fall.
Soggy benches mean standing room only.
Nice top down view from a bridge over the river.
Sakura branches surround a rusty lamp shaped like an old lantern.
Time to head back.
We kept our trip short this time because of errands and the weather. The rain did teach us something though: Sakura are beautiful in all types of weather. I bet they look great in the snow!