The Cherry Mint Festival

I know, The Cherry Mint Festival sounds like a new flavor at Baskin Robbins Ice Cream, but in this case it is an amazing festival here in Osaka, Japan held along the waterfront.  The reason Cherry is in the name is obvious, but the “Mint” comes because one of the attractions along the way is where Japanese coins are minted.  In this carnival atmosphere Japanese people of all ages flock to view the Sakura blooms for a very short time.  People come in busses, cars and trains to take in the astounding array of blooms from the non-bearing cherry trees.  There are 134 varieties of trees showing their finery right now and as you walk along the pathway you will encounter something like 338 trees in this location alone. 

To top it off, there are vendors of all descriptions; games, souvenirs, and of course, food.

Yukari Kojima, who owns Studio Kara, Yuka Okawa Reinhart and I spent the afternoon immersed in the splendor of the Festival and enjoying the excitement of the visitors.  Youngsters and Seniors alike could be heard walking along the paths humming traditional Sakura songs.

I think the best way to share this experience is in photos, so, enjoy.  Perhaps one day you and I will find ourselves strolling through the “pink snow” of fallen petals and humming the Sakura song together, munching on some Trout on a stick.  Perhaps my good friend Billikins will join us too! In that spirit, I toast you with a glass of fine champagne!

Many blessings of Universal Love,

Terrie 🙂