Sakura
It’s cherry blossom season here in the Nation’s Capital! The trees are in full bloom and the Tidal Basin is awash in gorgeous pale and deep pinks. And it would be overwhelmingly romantic were it not for the unbearable crowds of people.
The cherry trees were a gift to the city from the mayor of Tokyo in 1912. The first National Cherry Blossom Festival was held in 1935 and expanded into a two week celebration in 1994. The first Cherry Blossom Queen was crowned and the Cherry Blossom Princess was started in 1948 (see who has been crowned Cherry Blossom royalty and check out an interview with the current class).
Among the many events planned for the festival is the sixth annual anime marathon hosted at the Sackler Gallery (they’re playing the new Appleseed flick). Tickets are free and are distributed on a first come first served basis. The absolute best part about the Cherry Blossom Festival? My favorite local Japanese restaurant, Temari, serves cherry blossom mochi!
Happy Cherry Blossom Festival!
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April 6th, 2008 at 2:38 pm
Yeah, I went down to the tidal basin yesterday with some of my friends to wander around and take pictures. I took one of the commemorative plaque dedicated in 1950 where the first trees were planted - http://crescens.mahoro-matic.org/gallery/v/Trips/Sakura2008/IMG_0240.JPG.html
Oddly enough, I like looking the opposite direction of most people. I find that I like framing the Washington monument with the trees, versus looking out over the water (Which is usually really ugly greenish water). I have found that the FDR monument is really nice surrounded by the trees too, and not usually as crowded because people don’t want to walk to the other side of the water.
Re: Temari… I haven’t been there in a while. Mainly cuz I’m nervous about going by myself and ordering. Pocky was there last time so I didn’t need to either look out of place (horribly) or like an idiot!