Japanese Experience

   Spring is not complete without hanami or flower viewing. Though the literal translation implies watching flowers (all kinds) bloom in spring time, hanami in modern Japanese culture refers to reveling in the beauty of sakura or cherry blossoms. This is the season when the whole Japan is in a party mood to mark the end of winter and welcome spring. If you hate seeing hordes of people, then avoid parks at this time because for sure they are packed with picnic-lovers as they enjoy watching the beautiful sakura trees. I didn't know about the existence of sakura until I came to Japan years ago. So imagine my surprise upon seeing an ark-like arrangement of cherry blossom trees in the park close to my dormitory. I was really amazed at their beauty that my friends and I would even go out in the wee hours and walk around. It felt like heaven - walking under pinkish blooms. It was really an experience of a lifetime. If you plan to visit Japan and you're into natu