Cherry Blossom Posting (Obligatory)

Luckily, my arrival coincided with cherry blossom (a.k.a. "sakura") season. It's one of the nicest times of the year to be in Japan. Cherry blossoms come and go quickly (as does life?), and the Japanese take time out for picnics in the park. They set up camp beneath the trees and commence to getting drunk -- laughing, singing, and generally having a merry time all the while. These cherry blossom outings, called "hanami," are truly fun. Some friends and I, along with what felt like a million Tokyo-ites, headed for Yoyogi Park.

As luck would have it, our new apartment, into which I'll move on April 24, is next to a little river lined with sakura trees. There are walking paths on both banks and the blooms are some of the best I've seen. Ducks and bright orange 'koi' fish call the river home, too. Here are a few (obligatory) pictures of the sakura trees in bloom.

(a) Slightly loopy and flat on my back in Yoyogi Park, I looked up to find ...

(b) The river in our backyard...

(c) Pagoda found in the garden of the Four Seasons Hotel, which is only a ten minute walk from our new apartment ...

Vast City & Tiny Shrines

This morning's crisp, blue sky inspired me to go in search of a long-view of Mt. Fuji. Where better than from the 45th floor observation deck at the Tokyo Metropolitan Building. Alas, clouds rolled in, but views of the city didn't disappoint. Tokyo spreads to the horizon in every direction. Rising to a perch high above the streets felt majestic. The observation deck is free, open to the public, and open until 11 p.m. -- a must for any who visit! I'm certain the views at night are amazing. Here are a few pictures ...

On the way home from my aerial perch, a tiny Shinto shrine caught my eye. They're everywhere and some have doubtless been around for ages. Some are obviously looked after and others are worse for wear. The city's grown up around them, so they're often tucked away where you'd least expect. I imagine they're each dedicated to a specific local deity. Hope to spot more as the year goes by. Here are the ones I spotted today ...

(Note: The picture quality will improve when Lori & digital camera arrive in May!)

Moshi Moshi Monkey, eh?

Moshi Moshi Monkey (a.k.a. "Moshi-Mon") sold me a cellphone a few weeks back, so I've decided to appropriate his handle. Why? Two reasons: (1) it captures the oh-so-goofy side of life in Japan and (2) absolutely everyone in Tokyo seems to have a cellphone. Everywhere I go, people are glued to their cellphones -- on trains, riding bikes, driving cars, walking down the street. See for yourself ...