Respect The Locals
To continue my hanami journey, before the sakura started to fall from the trees, I took every opportunity I had to cover my favorite parts of Himeji. I've shot my first hanami back in 2011 at the Himeji Castle but never really explored the smaller areas where sakura was blooming. So I hopped on my bicycle and purposely got lost for the first part and found some really scenic areas along the river. The weather was looking sunny unlike the cloudy days we experienced the very first days of full bloom. This is my second spring in Japan and every time I see sakura it reminds me why it's my favorite season here.
On my way, I had to grab these shots of Tegarayama from the bridge that overlooks the whole panoramic view of the theme park, the train that runs along the side, and the track and field stadium.
It's the simple and hidden places that really caught my eye. Take this small playground quietly sitting in between plain old industrial buildings for instance.
The southern area of Himeji station is filled with industrial buildings, not much to see on the streets, but if you walk a block down, you'll find a whole row of sakura trees blooming along the river.
It was perfect weather to sit under the tree canopies and crack a few cold ones while you enjoy the serene sight of pink and white sakura.
I ventured off further into unexplored territory and found this shrine hidden amongst the trees. I can't pass up on visiting as many small shrines as I can - the smaller ones have more personality in my opinion.
After spending a few hours getting lost, I made my way back home but stopped by the Himeji Castle to see if anything was happening. Sakura was still in full bloom and this time the whole castle courtyard was filled with people picnicking and drinking.
On our way out, we heard a group of people jamming out on guitar and singing classic Japanese songs. They caught me taking pictures from afar and waved me down to come join them. I also can't turn down a friendly invite, so I dragged my wife along as well.
We were greeted by some of the nicest and intoxicated group of people with open arms and open cans of alcohol. Everyone was having a blast and their group was growing because the "coordinators" were out wrangling onlookers - especially gaijin
They even got my wife to sing a few songs for the crowd while everyone linked arms and sang along.
The guy in the middle was hilarious! For most of the time he was talking to me, bits of edamame stuck on his face and occasionally spat out in laughter while he ate them.
As you can tell, age is just a number in Japan. If you can hold in your liquor, you're accepted anywhere!
Special thanks to our new hanami "team" in Himeji! We hope to celebrate for the whole time with you guys next time we come back and the castle if finally finished!
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