Poor Momiji Reports
Talked with many momiji viewers who have already been to temples, shrines and parks to see the changing of the autumn leaves. Many seemed disappointed with what they saw. Most complained that only a few trees had changed colors so far. If you have not been to see momiji yet, fear not. You are probably a lot better off not having been somewhere yet. Look for trees to be more colorful this coming weekend. Trees out in open sunlight will have already begun changing if not already begun dropping...
Read MoreFushimi Inari Momiji Report
The maples leaves in the Kansai region are beginning to change colors. Most of the trees that are changing, however, are those in direct sunlight. Trees set back in the forests are still vibrant green and have not begun changing their colors. Expect trees in the Kyoto area to be bright and colorful around the last week of November, a little earlier than the official momiji report predicted a few weeks ago. The photos below are from Fushimi Inari Shrine. Japanese M
Read MoreCherry Blossoms at 50% and Opening Fast!
Monday was a roller-coaster-weather day. When the sun wasn’t shining and warm, it was cold, cloudy, raining, sleeting or snowing. The sakura cherry blossoms were only at about 20% open on Monday. But it was still a beautiful day to be out doing hanami even with the crazy weather. The sky was bright blue. The clouds were mostly white with patches of gray and dark gray-blue. The contrast between the clouds and the sky made for some good photography. By Thursday, the sakura blossoms should...
Read MoreRain Before Blossoms
Every year just before cherry blossom season, spring brings rain to the Kansai area of Japan, which fuels the trees to bloom forth the beautiful sakura “cherry” blossoms. Rain has been falling every other day or so here in the Kansai region of Japan this spring. Those braving the elements to sightsee or do hanami, cherry blossom viewing in Japanese, should take an umbrella or at least wear a jacket that repells rain. If you don’t have a jacket that at least resists water,...
Read MoreSakura Buds Coming Out
Just stopped by the park to check out the cherry trees and saw the buds are already out. Some of them are even green with a little pink showing. It’s time to start cherry blossom watching! Cherry trees this spring could bloom a little earlier this year. If you care about seeing the cherry blossoms in full-bloom, you had better start keeping an eye on the news. Cherry blossoms come and go in a matter of weeks. Depending on your idea of the most beautiful cherry blossoms, whether it is...
Read MoreCatch’em While You Can
Japanese maples are beginning to turn into their beautiful yellow, orange and red autumn colors. Tis the season for momiji viewing. You would expect during a normal autumn season to see thousands upon thousands of people roaming here and there admiring the beautiful autumn leaves, but that is not quite the case this year. Be it so called global warming or just another side of the way God created the earth, rain is pouring over Japan a little more than usual at this time of year. Usually rain...
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