The Four Seasons
Japan has four distinct seasons. Spring goes from March to May. Summer goes from June to August, Fall from September to November and Winter from December to February.
In Spring we enjoy the Cherry Blossoms . They are indeed beautiful, albeit fleeting. I had a girlfriend once who told me that is what is beautiful about them…their beauty only lasts a short time, thus reminding us that beauty is fleeting and we should learn to appreciate something deeper in people.
The Japanese have a tradition at this time of year called hanami which is best translated flower watching. They break out their blankets and their booze and head for the trees in Ueno Park or some other local gathering spot and sit, drink, enjoy and build camraderie.
If you happen to be in Japan in the middle to the end of March (it varies from year to year) ask your Japanese friends to take you to see the Cherry Blossoms. You might just strike a deal there.
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