Springtime is HERE!!

Hundreds of Japanese were relaxing and enjoying a picnic in Shinjuku-goyen National Park

In Japan, the cherry blossom symbolizes the nature of life and are widely used in Japanese culture and art.  The cherry blossom is also depicted on a 100 yen coin (equal to our dollar bill).  "Sakura" viewing, the Japanese translation for cherry blossom, dates back to hundreds of years ago when the custom was originally limited to the elite of the Imperial court but eventually spread to the common people as well.  Today, many festivals and celebrations are held during cherry blossom season and people enjoy picnics while sitting under sakura trees.

Shinjuku-goyen with Tokyo Tower in the background

Carrie and I went up to Tokyo to check out the cherry blossoms there.  We went to the Imperial Palace where they still weren't in full bloom and then onto Shinjuku-goyen National Park.  It's rated among the top places for viewing around Tokyo.  I would definitely have to agree!  There were hundreds of people enjoying picnics and walking around the park on this beautiful spring day!  You can't help but smile when you're walking down a path completely surrounded by flowers and cherry blossoms.  Spring is definitely here and I could not be more excited.  I'm just going to let the pictures speak for themselves since that's what you really want to see anyways!

This is one of my favorite pics!

Lots of women were dressed up in their spring kimonos.

What a perfect day to spend walking around Tokyo! 

It was like a canopy of cherry blossoms!

WOW!  I couldn't believe how full the trees were!

Traditional Japanese tea house with cherry blossoms.

I found my new favorite burger place in Tokyo...
Freshness Burger!!