The Lovely and Magical Sakura
Hello everyone 
! I am back and feeling as fresh as the flowers 
here in Japan which started to bloom and bring color to our surroundings. As a matter of fact, my friends and I are planning to go to a park and maybe I could feature those flowers in my next blog. Here is a sample picture of amazing flowers at Showa Kinen Park in Tachikawa, Tokyo (picture grabbed from Japan Today facebook post) which runs until May 25. I am excited 
to see them!
Beautiful flowers at Showa Kinen Park.
For this moment, let me share to you my cherry blossom 
experience which is really huge in Japan. I waited so much for this season for I am really amazed by the pictures that I have seen even before I was in Philippines. I am telling you that it is really pretty and I felt like a princess 
or an anime maybe, while walking under the sakura trees!
My first sakura experience — magical!
"Hanami" is the centuries-old practice of having a picnic under the sakura tree. Tracing back to its past, hanami is said to be started during the Nara Period (710-794) when the sakura blossoms and people were captivated by its beauty. Under the sakura trees 
, people had lunch and drank sake in cheerful feasts. Hanami festivals celebrate the beauty of the cherry blossom and a chance to celebrate 
with family and friends while relaxing and enjoying under the sakura tree.
My friends and I decided to go to Ueno park and experience our first hanami together. It was so much fun although the park is really crowded and it is difficult to find a spot so I suggest you to go early. However, we are so lucky 
we got the perfect place (kinda shady, near trash cans and toilets). We ate 
, drank, sang, danced and made bubbles! It was an incredible day at the park.
My friends and I under the sakura tree.
We ate and drank! 'Twas so fun!
We danced to the tune of our own voices. haha!
We have guests too!
..And I made bubbles too! Kids were so amazed and happy!
I have been very in love with the cherry blossoms that I always wanted to go to the park and admire its beauty. I am so lucky that during my way to school and way back home I can view the sakura trees which are just lining up in Higashi Nakano Station 
, the station I always take.
Higashi-nakano station with its wonderful cherry blossoms.
However, it wasn’t enough. I even went alone in the park (Inokashira Park near Kichijoji station) and have picnic there (But I am studying because I need to submit my reports. Haha). But at least I have a change of environment and I really liked it.
Studied and ate while watching people passing by.
I rested under the tree.
…too bad I haven't tried this one. Looks pretty cool.
Overall, I had my sakura season very memorable and fun. I just wished that I could spend it as well with all of my friends who are dear to me. Unfortunately, some has hay fever and cannot really stay outside for a long period. But at least we remember them in our hearts! 
Until my next blog.
With love from Tokyo,
Melissa
YADOYA Guesthouse for Backpackers Tokyo:
http://www.cheap-hostel-tokyo.com/
*Dorm bed only 2300yen/night, Private 3700yen～, cheapest hostel in west Tokyo, Nakano.
ドミトリー２３００円、個室３７００円～、東京・中野の安宿・バックパッカー！
YADOYA Guesthouse Tokyo for long stay:
http://www.cheap-accommodation-tokyo.com/
*Dorm bed only 40,000yen/month(including utilities), private room from 43,000yen/month. It`s nice to live in Nakano, and we support your Tokyo life!
ドミトリー光熱費混み１ヶ月４０，０００円、プライベート４３，０００円～。中野は住むのにいいところですよ。ゲストハウスとしてみなさまの東京生活をサポートします！
