Hanami-- Japanese Sakura Viewing Fun!

Ok, I know Hanami was months ago-- back in April actually-- but I figured I'd backtrack alittle. Each year at the beginning of Spring here in Japan, beautiful cherry trees bloom. The sakura (cherry tree flowers) only last about a week or two, so all the Japanese people, well most of them, plan a day for Sakura viewing. There's a number of areas around Japan that are considered the best for hanami festivals. In north Fukui-ken, two of the best places for hanami are along the Asuwa River in Fukui City and at Maruoka Castle. So, FJET and Family NET decided to organize a host family hanami party at Maruoka Castle. We had a picnic in the park area at the bottom of Maruoka Castle. That same day, Maruoka town planned a Sakura Festival at Maruoka Castle. There were lots of people, many stalls with delicious festival food, and free tea ceremonies. It was the first time I went to a big hanami party. (My first year I went to a tiny park in Harue town with my eikaiwa group in the evening. So it was nothing compared to this year's hanami party). Here are some pics from the host family hanami party at Maruoka Castle: