I came back to Ueno Park in the evening to see what the vibe is after dark. When I got there, the rain started to pour with thunder and lightening, very very frighteing, began in earnest. I didnt catch an actual bolt of lightening but here is a flash in slow motion
On a Monday night revelers still populated the pathway in spite of the rain that just came down. I dont know if it was was the wet or the dark, but over half the attendees left their coveted spaces
Lanterns are strung along the trees in addition to the lamposts that help to illuminate the walkway
I walked up on area that had a few extra lights for some reason. Before I knew it, I was coming up behind a news reporter for a local station doing their update on the sakura festivities
A few meters down from her, a camera crew was taking generals shots of blossoms, strollers, and celebrants
This second half is mainly lit by the lanterns. Fewer lamp posts and partygoers cannot set up along this part of the main path
Of course the night would not be complete with a trek back to the pond to get a bit of dinner
Oden helps to warm the bellies with a hot broth and simmered fishcake, daikon, and tofu(from left to right). Drinking down the soup eliminated the need for a hot cup of coffee or tea
Why not more fishcake. Got a big old stick of artificial crab. Steamed to keep it warm then grilled with some soy sauce
Again the numbers were not as great as in the afternoon but thats what I would have expected. The set up at the park will probably be like this for at least the rest of the week. This was the first time I had arrived in Tokyo during the cherry blossom festival. First time to attend some of the blossom viewing activities of the natives
The ugly side of things. Plastic tarps and cardboard are the materials of choice when setting up your area. Most are just laid on the ground and sat upon. Some bring extra to shield themselves from the elements. Either way, most of it will end up as trash. The tarps can be reused but it seems like most are thrown away. Bins like that below are spread out throughout the grounds in proximity to areas where people gathered.
On the way back, I stopped off at Tokyo station. This place is a good source for new Kit Kat flavors. The newest is Uji Green Tea. After looking at all the varieties on display, I have tasted or at least purchased almost everyone. Sad or braggadocious, you decide
There is also a Daimaru at Tokyo eki that contains a Chocolatory. Here there is also a few new flavors. Sublime green tea and pistachio and grapefruit. Im not sold on the latter but the flavors tend to be mild and wont offend
