Sakura in Japan

A cherry blossom is the name for the flower of cherry trees known as Sakura in Japanese. Cherry Blossoms are indigenous to many East Asian states including Japan, Korea, China. Japan has a wide variety of cherry blossoms (sakura); well over 200 cultivars can be found there. The blossoming begins in Okinawa in January and typically reaches Kyoto and Tokyo at the end of March or the beginning of April. It proceeds into areas at the higher altitudes and northward, arriving in Hokkaidō a few weeks later. Japanese pay close attention to these forecasts and turn out in large numbers at parks, shrines, and temples with family and friends to hold flower-viewing parties. Hanami festivals celebrate the beauty of the cherry blossom and for many are a chance to relax and enjoy the beautiful view. (Source: Wikipedia)

I was in Tokyo in early April and was very lucky to have been able to catch a glimpse of the cherry blossoms at the tail end of the Sakura season there. It was my 2nd time in Tokyo but my first encounter with the beautiful cherry blossoms. The view of the trees laden with cherry blossoms lining the streets in Kawasaki was indeed very spectacular and beautiful.

(See the post on my first trip to Japan here)

As the idiom goes, "When In Rome (Do As The Romans Do)". Here are some of the delectable and dainty local delicacies that I tried this round:

Konnyaku Jelly

Cabbage Salad

Beancurd Skin Salad

Beef Steak

Desserts

Sushi

Skewers

Beef Salad

Gut

Scallop Salad

Tuna Sashimi

Deep Fried Pork with Cabbage

Shabu Shabu

P/S: Congratulations to CK Lam on being featured in the April 2010 edition of the MAS Going Places magazine. I saw this on-board MAS flight from KL to Narita :)