In reply to Bob re: "zip, zing, pop"

[Bayleaf]

Hi Bob,
I don't think there really is any "zip, zing, pop" with hanami. The main attraction is lots of drink with friends on some of the first warm days after winter.

Sure, the sheer number of flowers can be stunning, which I tried to convey in this shot along with the people, but the flowers themselves are not dazzlingly colourful. I personally do really like the subtle tones of cherry blossom, but again, it is not a particularly dazzling flower.

I guess the only way one could really appreciate a scene like this would be with video. I'd estimate that in total there were around 40,000 people in the park at any one time this Sunday. The cherry blossom is everywhere, and so are the people. You'd need to pan 360 degrees in a number of areas of the park to see and appreciate just how many.

[BobTrips]

Thanks,

I guess you need to petition Adam to allow you a 360 pano, huh? ;o)

Seems like the pics I see from the cherry trees on the Washington Mall are pinker, as are the trees around here. But it looked like there was plenty of color in the rest of the picture. Just left me wondering.

[mdchachi]

Bob, this scene is about as typical, real as you'll see. As for color the ones in the photo are pretty typical in Tokyo however there are many different varieties of flowering cherries ranging from white to deep pink. There are even yellow ones (http://www.walkerplus.com/koyo/tokai/detail/85.html)

Also some good info here:
http://www.nps.gov/nacc/cherry/cherrytypes.htm