It is that time of year again. The time of year when the sakura bloom and the new fiscal year starts for Japan. New company workers fill the streets in a sea of black suits while the skies are filled with light, fluffy puffs of pink.

Oh spring, how I love you and the things you bring…..

One of those things being sakura-flavored goodies. Like these:

And the classical sakura mochi….(sakura rice cake)

There are 2 different styles of this rice cake. The one on the left is the “eastern” Kanto style and the one on the right is “western” Kansai style. I personally like the Kansai one better.

And now to the actual sakura….

This photo is of the sakura trees around Nakano. If you follow me and notice a lot of stuff seems to be in Nakano/Suginami Ward you are extremely astute! Cuz that is my hood.

I went out to Ueno to see the cherry blossoms at night. The crowds were a bit stifling but there were pockets where people were not seeming to walk around, so we decided to walk there.

I really like the atmosphere with the food stands (“yattai”) and the way that their lights shine onto the white blossoms.

Unfortunately, this is also a side effect of the festivities that happen every year.

There usually are not trash cans in Tokyo. These trash bins are just for the sakura festivities.

I am planning to do a hanami this weekend. I will post more sakura pictures on my Twitter or Tumblr account, so if you want to see them, come check them out!