Japanese Tradition Spring has come! March 28, 2018 / by Junko Every Japanese, no, everyone who lives in Japan is waiting every year for the moment when the cherry blossoms (Sakura) start to bloom. We go to parks and gardens to enjoy the cherry blossoms. That is called ‘Hanami’. I’m very lucky to live very close to Meguro River. The river is known as one of the best Hanami spots in Tokyo and it is only 6 min walk from my kitchen 🙂 Meguro River has over 800 Sakura on the riverside from the Ikejiriohashi to Meguro (about 3.2km). It is like a tunnel of Sakura. Many people come and enjoy Hanami. There are many food stands and light up at night too. Hanami by night with the lanterns is truly enchanting! If you are planning to visit Tokyo, and haven’t seen those Sakura yet, come in the Spring! Junko There are so many Japanese dishes and cultures that are not well known outside of Japan and I’m happy to introduce them to you! If you tested any of our recipes feel free to send us a photo and your comments and we will be happy to publish them, even if it wasn't a complete success! :) Seeking the best balance of being free and living a stable life in this busy city, I enjoy kitchen gardening to deepen my connection with nature. Lately, I enjoy traveling to places I’ve never been and dancing Salsa/Kizomba there. Always a traveler at heart. Freelance web/graphic designer. Coffee & chocolate addict.