Spring Tingles in the air. Ume (梅) Blossoms

Whenever someone asks:

"When is the best time of year to visit Japan?"

without hesitation I tell them spring. There are three reason for this is in my opinion.

• First and most obvious reason is that it's warm. Japan has four seasons but four extreme seasons. Winter is bitter cold and summer is scorching hot. Not good times to come to Japan unless you can deal with those elements. Spring is extremely springy here ( 😄 ) and the warm air kisses your skin while the hints of winter fades away. Fall is very Fally (🤣 ), the leaves have some fantastic colors .

• Secondly, the Cherry and Ume blossoms are just gorgeous and are all over a Japan. One of the best things to do in Spring ( or in Japan in general) is to go cherry blossom viewing which usually includes a picnic under the trees, surrounded by family, friends and boos. It is seriously one of the best things to do in Japan and it won't cost you much ( just your boos and food).

• Thirdly, there is a feelingly of renewal come spring in Japan that the Cherry blossoms usher in, it actually feels like New Years ( the real one) and the one in January was just a teaser. The reason for this is the school year and work year start in April. so many children will be going to new schools and many adults entering new jobs or the unemployment office 😕

And the pic in this post, just a taste of the pre spring madness ahead.

Cheers,
Dmilliz