Spring at Maruyama Park

A huge party under the cherry blossoms every night

Cathy Cawood Feb 26, 2014 - 1 min read

<p>Couple enjoying beer under the sakura</p>

<p>Bright lights hang from the cherry trees<br />
 </p>

<p>The octopus dumpling man gets ready for customers</p>

<p>Some groups sit on blue ground sheets</p>

<p>I wonder if you have to pay to use the tables and benches?</p>

<p>Cherry blossom against the night sky</p>

<p>Food vendors line the paths<br />
 </p>

<p>Splendid old weeping cherry is always surrounded by photographers</p>

For centuries the Japanese have celebrated the beauty of the changing seasons. In Kyoto every year people gather in Maruyama Park on spring evenings. Blue plastic sheets are spread over the ground beneath the cherry trees, and tables and benches are set up in some areas. Vendors selling grilled corn, octopus dumplings and fried noodles line the paths. As it gets dark and the lanterns are lit the effect is magical. Kyoto-ites gradually fill the park, and with a little help from sake and beer, they party until late.

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Find out more about Maruyama Park.

Cathy Cawood @cathy.cawood

I came to Japan in 2003 to teach English. I lived in Shiga prefecture for 1 year, and it still holds a special place in my heart. I lived in Kyoto for 9 years, then moved to Machida, Tokyo in 2014 after meeting my Japanese partner. I love to take photos, and my Japan in Pictures Facebook page ha...