Time to see what all the fuss is about. After encountering the crowds of people standing round the first brave solitary blossoms in March a quick hop back to Kyoto was necessary to experience the full effect. I didn't realise how short-lived the sakura season is, and now I understand why everyone goes cherry blossom crazy for a couple of weeks. Not that I think flowers are pretty, you understand. It's just... well, go on then, sakura is quite nice I suppose...
The famous giant tree in Maruyama Park
Avoiding all the people makes for good pictures, but the place wasn't really as empty as it looks
Not the best shot, but... the guy! He looks like Mario! ma ri o pi za the sign says - actually the only decent pizza I've had in Japan, so well done Mario. 100 gold coins for you.
The sun went down and out came the cushions, blankets, nabe pots and mini gas stoves. Hanami parties everywhere, though the salarymen seemed more taken by the o-sake than the sakura
