The terrible Sakura secret [SPOT REPORT]

I am here to convince you to do the impossible. I know you´ll scoff at the very mention of the idea, but hear me out. What is the worst thing about going flower viewing in modern times? Is it the crushing realization that our life is but one flower, fluttering in the wind on a tree, just waiting for the inevitable fall? No.

Is it the reproductive system of nature clogging up the sinuses and making life miserable like we’re living in some off-brand Mark Wahlberg movie? No.

Could it be that most of the problems in the world can be boiled down to the fact that we live in an overcrowded, purposefully run-down and often downright sinister world designed to keep us chugging away at the machine of production? N ....YES!

In any case, I know where the best place to do any sort of flower viewing. It’s in Kyoto, where the Kamo river meets the Takano river. The triangle of destiny, if you will. But the problem is that it’s too popular. Too many people gather there. Forget about going there on the weekends, as it will be filled to the brim with *shudder* students…

So here is my drastic solution. Go as early as you can! The pictures here are taken at 6:30 in the morning! Go in the cold morning and watch the sun rise. I pass this place every morning and let me tell you, it’s beautiful! And best of all, it’s all yours! There may be a few joggers, or dog walkers but they don’t matter. What matters is your tranquility. Your sense of ownership over the river. Your feelings of finally being the master/mistress of your domain.

Granted, this kind of thing would require some preparation. Want to eat something? Gotta prepare that (or go to the conbini). Pack a few (hundred) heat pads on your shirt, get the down-feather coat you just put in the closet, thinking (falsely) that summer was finally coming, and get out there. Sit down on the grass, admire Mt Hiei in all its glory being bathed in the once-in-a-year pink, and revel in the fact that no one is as bad of a dude as you are!

Get there from the Keihan Line, Demachiyanagi. There are plenty of unique stores around for shopping AFTER you have gotten your fill of the view. Like the legendary Demachi Futaba. And the best part? You get to the stores AS THEY OPEN, so there are hardly any lines. It’s a win win.

…just make sure you can wake up at 4 AM…