A Day in the Park - Cherry Blossoms in Tokyo

Spring in Tokyo is synonymous with cherry blossoms, or sakura as it is called in Japanese, and there really is no better time to be in Japan. In the short 2-3 week window, the air is think with celebration. People flock to the nearest park or viewing spot where the ground is covered with pic-nic rugs and fallen petals. For me, Ohanami (flower viewing) was spent at Yoyogi-koen and Shinjuku-gyoen.

Yoyogi-koen

Surrounded by the sounds of drinking games, bongo drums and the odd boom box, Yoyogi-koen is the place to go if you are looking for a party. At Yoyogi-koen, soon everyone is your friend, as people are looking to welcome the warm weather with fun and games. Take a walk around the park and discover little pockets of fun such as a choral group rehearsing, guitarists, badminton groups or on one occasion I even saw a horn player, honing their skills. Another plus is the pizza delivery guys walking around taking orders.

Shinjuku Gyoen

For the die-hard cherry blossom lovers Shinjuku Gyoen is the place to go. Although drinking is prohibited and it costs 200 yen to enter, it is worth going to wander amongst the expanse of light and dark pink trees. Try get in early before all the dust is kicked up by the thousands of people visiting the park.

Tokyo food: Sarasota Sushi Shinjuku

As you are probably starting to realise, I love sushi. I love the way it tastes, the way it looks and the way it makes me feel. Westerner's coming to Japan however are often suprised to see their favourite California roll, or chicken schnitzel sushi replaced with sea urchin and raw octopus.

If sea urchin doesn't sound up your alley, fear not, as a new sushi restaurant in West Shinjuku has just opened it's doors called Sarasota Sushi. After struggling to find somewhere to eat in Shinjuku with a group of 5 on a busy Saturday night, we were welcomed in to the hole-in-the-wall sushi bar by the friendly host Kenji. After a brief second of cultural cringe looking at the pictures of deep fried sushi, and "Tampa" rolls, the minute I took a bite there was no turning back. The simple Salmon and avocado was fresh and delicious. And the "Red Dragon", "Mexican" and "Tokyo" rolls to die for!

For those worried at the prospect of entering a Japanese style sushi bar or sushi train in Tokyo, I highly reccommend Sarasota.

Take your pick - hot and cold sake

No don't shot it, sip it

For Sarasota's website click here.