Cherry Blossoms Galore
Here's a shot my friend sent me of the beautiful Cherry Blossoms. Too bad I'm going to miss the peak of their blooming.


Here's some more info on them:

The cherry blossom (sakura) is Japan's unofficial national flower. It has been celebrated for many centuries and takes a very prominent position in Japanese culture.

There are many dozens of different cherry tree species in Japan, most of which bloom for just a couple of days in spring. The Japanese celebrate that time of the year with hanami (cherry blossom viewing) parties under the blooming trees.

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2011.html


- posted by Captain Scurvy @ 2:23 AM |

 
Here's a picture of the city where we will be staying in Japan, and a bit of general info about it.



Funabashi (foonä´bäshē) , city (1990 pop. 533,270), Chiba prefecture, E central Honshu, Japan, on Tokyo Bay. An industrial and residential suburb of Tokyo, it is known for its iron, steel, and petrochemical plants, as well as for providing agricultural products for the Tokyo market.
- posted by Captain Scurvy @ 3:38 AM |