Thursday, March 04, 2010

hinamatsuri

Yesterday was a beautiful sunny day. The wind was quite strong and nippy but overall a beautiful day.

I went to pick up a Hinamatsuri (Girl's Day) bento at the nearby department store. This one had assorted nigiri (rice balls)...735 yen (about US$7.35).

The top two nigiri are supposed to look like members of the Heian court, with the nori (laver) and egg used to resemble their kimono (Japanese formal wear).

I thought it wouldn't be too filling because it was small, but it was just right for lunch.

I also went to check out Kotobuki manju in our shopping arcade.

They had a new flavor, sakura (cherry blossom)...130 yen (about US$1.30)

This had cherry blossom flavored an (sweet bean paste) and a salted blossom on top.

Both were perfect with some green tea.

When I go on my walks, there is a huge tree with yellow flowers and a huge tree with pink flowers that is in full bloom.

Every time I've gone past though, it has been overcast and kind of dark, not good photo conditions, especially for my iPhone which cannot zoom (and it doesn't have a flash either).

When I went past yesterday, it was clear and sunny, perfect! I had brought my point and shoot, so I was able to zoom.

I googled around and found out that the tree with the yellow flowers is an Acacia Dealbata (Silver Wattle) and I think the tree with the pink flowers is either ume (apricot) or momo (peach).

There is an order as to which blooms first in Japanese (ume or momo), but I can't seem to remember it (nor can Satoshi!)

11 comments:

Deb in Hawaii said...

Sounds like you had a great Girl's Day.Wonderful photos! ;-)

Anonymous said...

I loved Hinamatsuri when we were there in 2008. It amazed me how much merchandise and food was made specially for the celebration. It was all sooooooo beautiful. And you have a native Australian tree blooming in Spring in Japan! How fantastic!

K and S said...

Thanks Debinhawaii, I hope you have a nice Girl's Day also :)

The Japanese love to commercialize everything Momiji :)

Take care you two.
Kat

Kelly said...

Ooo! >.<

The trees are so pretty.

K and S said...

Can't wait until the cherry trees start to bloom Biologie :)

Take care.
Kat

jalna said...

The pink-colored an is so pretty!

K and S said...

It helps that it tastes good too Jalna :)

Take care.
kat

Rowena said...

Pink will always be in....I love that cherry blossom manju. ^-^

K and S said...

sometimes I like this type of sweet bean paste better than the "black" one Rowena :)

Take care.
Kat

2kamuela47 said...

I'm always amazed at the goodies you can get during Girls and Boys Day. They all look wonderful!

K and S said...

Thanks Laura :) Hope you had a nice Girl's Day!

Take care.
Kat