One of many picnics in the park.
It is Japanese tradition to eat, drink and be merry while viewing cherry blossoms.
What a great custom.
The blossoms last a week or two so I spent my fair share of time down on the river.

These booths on the river were like a group of carnies travelling the country as the sakura bloom in different areas.
We were treated with a week or so of great taste sensations.

Sakura Festival included some typical BBQ'd corn with soysauce and butter and sugar.

Kiddie games.

This is the beginnings of a great treat - takoyaki
(tako being ocotpus).

Kiddie prizes

I spent as much time as I could on the river during this time. It was so much fun to see families, friends and business compadres all just relaxing and enjoying the beauty of the season. This is by far the best season in Japan for me.