Ueno Hanami 2008 上野 花見

Yesterday we met a few friends in Tokyo's Ueno park for what is by far one of the largest Hanami gatherings in Japan. Ueno park is home to the Japan National Art museum and the Ueno Zoo. They claim over a thousand mature cherry trees. I would say by all means there must have been a half a million people crammed into the park yesterday, with probably at least that many more just walking through with no place to sit. Pretty enjoyable day, and with the blooms peaking in Tokyo this week, it means only 1-2 more weeks before we have our own bloom in Utsunomiya and have a bit of a fest in the Hachimanyama park. This time of the year is by far some of the best party action in Japan.

Harland visits again

Last weekend Harland was in Nagoya on a business trip, and since the Fuji climb was cancelled by the Typhoon, we decided to meet him and his companions in Ueno at Fridays for dinner. Of course we finished the night at the Hardrock over a few more cold ones.

Day Trip to Ueno (Tokyo) 上野

Sunday Heather and I took a little day trip down to Ueno to visit Ueno Park, Ameyoko shopping district, and the Hard Rock Cafe for a little home cookin(Nachos and Cheeseburgers). Sorry, but the attached pictures dont really give a clue about the atmosphere of this older suburb in Tokyo. I guess we were focusing on relaxing a bit and really didnt take many cool pictures. Im sure we will be back there again, and if you were to visit Tokyo, it would likely be a stopping point in your travels.