Yoyogi Park: Party on..

Another sunny Tokyo weekend, and that meant another Saturday in Yoyogi park with friends, guitars, and of course beer. It seems that a lot of other people had a similar idea so once again the park was full of life, every which way you looked.

Most people were soaking up what was left of the hanami vibe that's been so great these past couple of weeks..







These guys took circle work to a whole new level, from early afternoon they blissfully circle-danced for hours..









Some people took to the trees..





While others made the most of their talents by entertaining friends..









Wine-bloke came and played us a tune..





And finally we took the time to grab a bite on the way out, it had been a very big day..

Dachambo..

Their myspace intro comment says "Don't think it, feel it", and that pretty much sums them up..

Dachambo had a whole herd of people dancing and blissing away on the edge of the park post-hanami last Sunday night, and were completely blowing everyone away. Their amazingly super tight twin drummer set up, combined with a pulsating bass and swirling psychedelic tinged guitar lines, somewhat reminicent of Phish, or maybe even a dancey version of the Grateful Dead, provided the perfect soundtrack to the end of what was easily the best hanami weekend I've had the pleasure of enjoying in a long time. These guys are touring about quite a bit in the coming months and would definitely be worth catching if you have the chance..

Yoyogi Hanami 2009: Redux..

I have to admit to being just about over hanami this year, but what turned out to be a long wait for the fluffy little flowers, certainly exploded into fruition last weekend around Tokyo. There are always loads of people enjoying sunny days at Yoyogi, but this little celebration was something else..

The trees were finally in full bloom and practically every area within a frisbee throw of the white petals was both groundsheet covered and occupied..









It's well known that hardcore hanami enthusiasts arrive very early in the day (or even the night before) to secure their prime position, all this preparation can make one pretty tired as the day rolls on..





Nothing like a suit and tie (and theramin) to top off the hanami experience..







Milk Suzuki from the Tokyo Milk Babies was ready to rock..





And good old Spiderman was on hand to save the day..





Until next year..

My Challenge to Japan Probe's 'Photo of the Week..'

To tell you the truth, I am pretty much over photos of cherry blossoms, but this post from Japan Probe motivated me to pull one last pic out of the vaults. This was taken in Ichigaya, the walkway along the Imperial Palace moat, circa 2004.

You guys decide..

Nabeshima Hanami

The park that is very soon to be "the park that we used to live next to", Nabeshima koen is so beautiful. Quaint and peaceful, simply a gorgeous little lake surrounded by sakura trees.

Hanami at Yoyogo Park 2008

It's always such a fun vibe at Yoyogi, so many people having a great time under the sakura. The cherry blossoms are as beautiful as ever this year, and the day proved to be a bunch of fun. Check for the improvised bar being shut down and the human pyramid made of models..