桜 Sakura Season, 2023

It is the season of Sakura (Cherry blossoms) blooming all around. As I often wrote, Sakura come and go all at once, enchanting us with their ethereal beauty and elegance. They are also so strong that they aren't scattered away even in a storm when they know it's not time for them to go.  Especially in the times of adversity, Sakura always look inspiring and encouraging with their endearing attitude to fulfill their ephemeral lives. 

The blooms of Sakura was much earlier due to the sudden warming up in March; it isn't affected by the severity of winter but by the time when warm east wind starts to blow. Restless as always at this time of year, I strolled around various different places with clearer, brighter vision. 

- 東大寺 Todaiji Temple complex, March 27th -

Cascading Sakura at an architecture along the path to the Shigatsu-do Hall

From the balcony of 二月堂 Nigatsu-do Hall

Peeping into the garden of the 勧学院 Kangaku-in

The heart-shaped rumps of Sika deer are the most fluffy at this time of year.

春日野園地 Kasugano Park

- 馬見丘陵公園 Umami Hills Park -

Sunlight Sakura

Right after the Equinox Day, Somei-yoshino was starting to burst into blooms, while early blooming Sunlight Sakura and yellow Japanese Cornel were in full bloom.  I notied they were all blooming at once strangely this year.

About one week later, Sakura was in full swing with Tulips.

"Hanami", or Sakura viewing picnic, is enjoyed basking in light.

- Along the 佐保川 Saho River -

March 30th

Three days later, April 2nd, paths were strewn with pale pink petals.

Sakura petals drifting in the air and on the water conjures up the various memories including of my late families to make me feel sentimental. 

Sakura season is going to be over soon here in Nara.

A summary of school spring break of my grandchildren; girl Y's 10th birthday, boy Y and M in the nearby Sakura park, F's graduation from elementary school, Okinawa ramen and Tottori sand dune.

This song is one of the most popular Sakura songs as a "graduation song". School year ends in March in Japan; graduation ceremony is held in late March when Sakura starts to bloom.

Sakura by MORIYAMA Naotaro, covered by Gille

All the posts labelled "cherry blossoms"

Linked to Mosaic Monday