Hanami in Hachimanyama Park

Rented some cool electric bikes today for only $3 for a day at the bike rental store.  Bikes are fully equipped with basket, bell and a big seat!! 

It's close to lunchtime and we want to go to get food for hanami at the park in Utsunomiya at Hachimanyanma Park.

We found the park with no problems, the parking lot is full and it's only 11am.  People start early when hanami is involved.

As always there is a set of stairs that lead to the most beautiful park with so many sakura trees and a great views.  

This weeping cherry tree is so beautiful with its long hanging branches and pretty pink flowers.

Since we didn't bring a blue tarp we were on the lookout for a picnic table.

If you are a low man in company you get the job of finding a spot and setting up for the party when the rest of the company gets off work.  This guy is set up and now must sit and wait for the rest of his friends from the company to get there.

We found a picnic table but it was occupied by a family. There was space at their table so I ask if we could sit there too.  Of course, they were happy that we wanted to sit with them. 

This is the picture of the family we sat with.

The oldest girl asks if she could take our picture, I said yes.  I then ask her can I take your pictures :-)  such a wonderful family we got to meet at this park.

The observation deck is on the top of this tower.  We never went up in the tower just didn't have time.  An elevator ride to the top is only $1.90.  There is a window marked to show you where to look for the Sky Tree in Tokyo.  The tower is located on top of a hill in the park.  The observation deck is about 30 meters up.  At night, the tower is lit up, blue in the summer and green the other months. 

The flowers are in full bloom at this park.  This really sets the stage for hanami in the park.

We walked around and saw much fair food to eat and pretty pink lanterns strung along the path.

As we walked along the path there was another path that led to a bridge. From the bridge you can see the entire city of Utsunomiya, Japan.  This bridge leads to a huge playground and also a place to ride go-carts.

At one of the festival booths I saw many mask hanging.  So many people were wearing including adults.

There are 830 cherry trees and 5,000 azaleas planted through out the park, making this park extremely popular during the cherry blossom viewing season.

Asakasa, along the Sumida River Park

Sumida Park is one of the best 100 Sakura Spots in Japan located right next to Sumida River. There are about 1000 Sakura planted along with the riverside. Sakura trees make a beautiful flower tunnel.  During hanami, there are many vendors selling food and drink. We also enjoyed watching the ladies dressed in kimono do traditional Japanese dance. This used to be the private park of Shogun family. 8th Shogun of Tokugawa, Yoshiie opened some spots of park so that everyone can enjoy Hanami. Now, it's opened for public to enjoy.  He planted a lot of Sakura on both side of Sumida river.  The view of the SKY TREE was very beautiful. Many ricshaws lined up to give passengers rides to their locations.

The cherry blossoms  that line the path were just breathtakingly beautiful

Many boats giving tours along the river.

Asahi Beer Brewing is in Tokyo near SKY TREE

To much enjoyment for this young lady. 

The amazing SKY TREE

Yoyogi Park~cherry blossom viewing

As we walked to our next destination which is Yoyogi Park, the cool air felt good. I'm glad we are there early with happy crowds of hanami watchers amidst the blooming sakura.

-Many locals among the blue tarps, as sakura season is the public school holiday as well.

Marking their hanami spot with balloon monkeys.  2016 is the year of the monkey.

 -It was fun watching this group of hanami watchers trying to play a game of Twister. 

-We took a stroll around the area where dog owners walk their pets within a fenced area, and playful dogs were running around playing.

-The main area had lots of entertaining people. I heard happy sounds and cheerful laughs. As we got closer I could see why.

- As we walked around people watching, all the happy people put smiles on our faces.

 

-Holding the hand of Marlon while strolling around and looking up at the sakura will be a moment in this adventure I will never forget for the rest of my life.

-Spending time with my BFF Teresa on this once in a lifetime vacation will always be in my memory forever. I could not ask for a better friend.

-Ric, wow, I can't say enough about all his hard work in planning every detail to make our dream come true of being in Japan. 

 -by luck, we even got to see the place where the 2020 Olympics will be held.