The Japanese word for cherry blossom is "Sakura." Viewing the cherry blossoms is a big event all over Japan. They have the maps showing the blooming times the way we do with the autumn leaves.
"O Hanami" is the act of viewing the blossoms.
We went to the first Cherry Blossom festival in Japan this past weekend. On Okinawa, they bloom in January, they don't on't start on the mainland until March.
The cherry blossoms are different here than the traditional ones on the mainland and in DC, ours are heavier and heartier. The blooms last for about a week longer too.
Our first site was a flash mob dancing in the streets, with costumes etc. That was fun.
To get to the festival, we had to pass the giant banyan tree in the middle of the street.
Eisa dancing. Traditional Okinawan dance, singing, and drums. Each town has their own Eisa dancers.
The food at the festivals here is amazing! It is not the junk food you find at fairs in the U.S. There is always a ton of healthy, delicious food.
We had to climb the mountain before we ate, but this was great inspiration.
The food vendors went on for about 1/4 mile! So incredible, really good. There were games and toys too.
Check out the fried rice!
Time to climb the mountain.
About half way up...
We had a beautiful day too. It was sunny and about 65 degrees.
We took turns with a Japanese couple taking pictures.
The Japanese have their children climb mountains and trails even when they are just 1 or two years old. Everyone is patient while the tiny ones climb. It was funny to see the American children whining while the Japanese kids just take it for granted that they will walk up.
I like to show that Okinawa is much more built up than people think. I know I was shocked when I first came here. I was expecting little villages.
On our way down to lunch!!
Patrick and Phoebe
Bill's lunch. He said it was one of the best chickens he has ever had.
Great day!
