kyoto

Saturday we went to Kyoto to visit my MIL. The sakura (cherry blossom) were in full bloom and we knew that she hadn't been out to see them yet.

The temperature was high maybe 25C (77F) or 26C (78.8F), the sun was blazing, but at least there was a slight breeze.

We had intentions of going to the botanical garden, but after seeing all the trees along the Kamogawa (Kamo River) in full bloom, we ended up walking along the river up to the Kamigamo Shrine.

The trees along a portion of the Kamogawa were shidarezakura (weeping cherry). They have a trellis built near each tree so as to make a "tunnel" of cherry blossoms...really beautiful.

On another portion of the river, the trees were huge and were making their own "tunnel"...at times there were wispy winds which created sakura fubuki (a "blizzard" of cherry petals).

When we reached Kamigamo Shrine, there were many people having picnics around the cherry trees. I think most of these cherry trees are old, so they had them roped off. I have also heard that when people step on the roots of the trees it damages the tree. (I guess kind of like when someone steps on your foot.)

There was a huge shidarezakura (weeping cherry) near the entrance of the shrine's grounds.

Walking back, we walked on the opposite side of the river. This side didn't have many cherry trees, but it was a great view. I loved the reflection of the cherry trees in the river.

Also in many parts of the river you could see an accumulation of cherry petals letting you know that the cherry blossom season would be over soon...beautiful yet kind of sad.

My MIL said she had a nice day. She said she was actually feeling a little depressed before we came. I'm glad we got to spend some time with her.