Spring is here…
February is beautiful in Tokyo, the sun was shining, the Ume (plum blossoms) and early Sakura (cherry blossoms) were blooming; and for a couple of days, we were teased with warm (70 degree) temperatures. Today we are back in the 40’s and cooler temperatures; which will delay the start of the Sakura season.
Here are pictures from early and mid February of the Ume blossoms at the well known Hanegi park in Setagaya. It is a 5 km walk from our house along a beautiful Meguro walking path. Blake and I ventured out to check out the early blossoms on a Japanese holiday, a couple of weeks later, I returned with some friends to take in Ume blossoms in full bloom.
All winter, we were reading and hearing about the incredible snow accumulating in the mountains in Japan. Hokkaido (northern most island) is known for incredible snow and skiing from Nov to early May. I was curious to check out the amazing powder at one of the closest ski areas near Tokyo. Growing up in Hawaii, my first time on skis was in 6th grade, so my love of winter sports are nonexistent. Since my days in college in Oregon until now, my skiing capabilities have not improved. I classified myself as the perpetual advanced beginner!
We booked with JTB (Japan Travel Bureau) a great package which included shinkansen, hotel, dinner, breakfast, 2 day lift tickets at the Naspa New Otani Hotel in Echigo Yuzawa. It was a short 1 hour, 20 min shinkansen ride to Echigo Yuzawa, then a 3 min. shuttle to our hotel. When we came off the shinkansen, it was snowing! Amazing how close the mountains are from Tokyo. We skied for 2 days and had a blast! If you visit Japan during the winter months, I would recommend that you check out the snow in Japan. You can rent ski equipment AND rent ski jacket, pants etc. The snow was nice powder, soft, and lovely.
On a lovely 70 degree day, I ventured with friends back to Hanegi park to see ume blossoms and the Gotokuji temple (Neko (cat) temple). It is the lucky cat temple and birthplace of the maneki-neko. Part of the temple was under construction, however we got to visit the grounds and purchase a cat figurine, make a wish, and leave it at the temple. Such a lovely temple on the outskirts of Tokyo in a quiet neighborhood near the Ume blossoms.
Soon it will be Sakura season and we plan to venture out of Tokyo for some nice sights. Last year during the Sakura season we stayed in Tokyo and luckily we live near the Meguro River so we could get our daily dose of Sakura. Stay well and safe and see you soon.