Sakura, Strolling, and Shopping

We have thoroughly enjoyed the beautiful cherry blossoms, or sakura, that have graced Japan this spring.

Like millions of other Tokyo residents, we have spent afternoons and evenings walking along streets and waterways lined with the ethereal blooms.

This Sunday, we decided to take a walk to Gotanda (about 2.5 miles away) and check out a baby store called Akachan Honpo.  We could have taken the train, but the weather was comfortable, so we decided to walk there along the Meguro River where the cherry blossoms are past peak, but still gorgeous.

During sakura season, people enjoy eating under the cherry blossoms, a picnicking tradition called hanami.  In this grass-starved city, we have seen groups of people feasting on blankets laid on sidewalks, closed streets and empty flower beds, having the time of their lives.  Here are a couple hanami parties we witnessed on our walk:

When we arrived at Akachan Honpo, we were on a mission to find a "johnny jump-up" or "jumperoo" type toy for Matthias to burn up some of his incredible energy.  I was hoping to find a simple one that would attach to the doorway or ceiling, and avoid getting anything huge and bright-colored that would take up lots of floor space.  Unfortunately for my decorating and parenting tastes, this sensory overload-inducing, plastic monstrosity was the only thing we found.

And of course, Matthias absolutely loved it and went to town bouncing.  We didn't buy it, because we would have to get such a large box delivered rather than carrying it all the way home, so there was no advantage to buying it on the spot. However, I think Philip was tempted to lug the thing home, just to see if it helped the little guy sleep.  I'm still determined to find a better option online, but I keep remembering how much he laughed and bounced with glee, then stared and smiled at the ugly thing every time we passed by it on our search for new clothes for his ever growing body.  My little M gets to me every time!