A quick update from Tokyo. I arrived at the end of Hanami, the cherry blossom season. It is customary for family and friends to have a picnic in the park and enjoy the blossoms. So we went to Kinuta park and mingled with the locals. Here’s a few pix from that day.

Many people were out playing badminton, football and frisbee:

My niece Annika being tickled:

The next day we visited a fertility festival. Enough said.

If you are a beer lover, you need not worry in Japan. You can get a beer 24/7 from your corner vending machine. I guess underage drinking is not an issue here.

One of the ubiquitous sushi stands. Great raw fish, and cheap.

A typical morning in the Bloom family kitchen. L-R: Celia, Katrina, Annika.

My planned route in Japan: This should take 2-3 weeks.