Tis' the season: さくら and はなみ fun!

さくら: (sa•ku•ra) or cherry blossoms

Cherry Blossom Booze Display

Tis' the two week season of celebration in Japan!  The sakura trees are starting to bloom, and it couldn't have  come at a better time for Japanese people.  The sakura tree is a popular symbol of Japan, and brings with it the idea of rebirth and a visual reminder that Spring is here.  A pretty big deal is made here for something that only lasts about a week or so.  Cherry blossom trees only stay in bloom for about two weeks at most, but the spirit tends to hang on a little longer.

I had no idea what a big deal the cherry trees were pop culture wise in Japan.  But, on my way to class the other day, I strolled through the grocery store and came across a pretty pink display promoting all things cherry blossom. Here's visual taste of the delicacy sakura:

Sakura Sake!

Sakura Water!

Sakura self-explanatory!

Candied Sakura for baked confections or just snacks.

More candied sakura

Who's up for Sakura muffins?

Not Sakura beer, just a decoration but I did drink a canned Sakura cocktail the other night! After taste: medicinal.

More snacks!

sakura wine?

And my fave, Sakura Tempura! Oishii!

And with Cherry Blossoms comes the age-old tradition of はなみ (ha•na•mi): Flower looking
But, more on that later...