Early Hanami in Saitama

Cherry blossoms or “sakura” are not just beautiful flowers but it brings me a certain kind of joy that no other flowers or trees do.  I remember my first visit here in Japan was during Spring of 2012. Together with my then-boyfriend’s mom (now my mother-in-law), I went to the nearest park where sakura trees lined up and we spent moments just admiring the trees.  We took lots of pictures, too.  I fell in love with the beauty of a fully-bloomed sakura tree on the first sight.  But getting a closer look on a single flower made me love it even better.

Since then, I always look forward to Spring and witness sakura trees bloom.  This year, I got a pleasant surprise as some trees in our area already started to bloom.   And it's not even March yet.  I am so happy I didn't have to wait any longer.  Also, my mom who is on a one-month visit had a chance to experience cherry blossoms before she comes back home again next week.  Oh, what a joy!  ;) 

Here are some photos from our February 2017 “hanami” (flower viewing). 

Also sharing some photos from my first sakura sighting on March 2012.