Season for Sakura

A few days ago, I hopped on my bike in search of Sakura (cherry blossom) trees. For nearly a week and a half, the cherry blossom trees, with their pale pink flowers, had been attracting viewers all over Tokyo. It is amazing to see the number of people who participate in Hanami. They take entire days to sit under the cherry blossom trees to enjoy their sweet smell and gaze up into the hundreds and hundreds of little flowers. It is endearing to see people, who are usually so closed off, have such an attachment to a delicate, beautiful part of nature.

Not only is this time of year exciting because of the Sakura trees, but also because of the many Sakura flavored treats one can find. I stumbled upon these delicious little Sakura macarons at a Starbuck's where I stopped for a light lunch. I know...I still frequent the local Starbuck's, even in Japan...I can't help it!

With its light, floral flavor, this macaron reminded me that not only do desserts not last long enough, but Sakura season does not either. With that thought in my head, I spent the rest of the afternoon capturing photos of Hanami. It was beautiful watching the small petals float down through the air like snow flakes. I made it just in time. The next day, the blossoms were nearly gone.