高田公園 花見 Hanami at Takada Park

It's that time of the year again! Hanami (cherry blossom viewing party) season is here! Kyoko, Kanae, Bambi-chan, Toru and I went to Takada Park (in southern Niigata), one of the top 3 spots for viewing sakura at night. Kyoko's friend, Shotaro, who lives in that area, joined us there.

(L-R) Toru, Shotaro, me, Kyoko, Kanae and Bambi-chan

Gosh! Check out all the baby octopus waiting to be made into takoyaki...

(L-R) Kanae, I and Kyoko in front of Takada Castle

Bridge leading to Takada Castle

Takada Castle against the sunset

Kanae and I posing at the tacky poster cut-out at the entrance of Takada Castle
View from Castle
6 people and 1 small mat...what do we do? Sit outside the mat and place all the food on it!

Having our hanami party! We found this really good 焼餅 (Japanese pronounce it like sha-pin) from a festival stall.

Toru drinking wine by the bottle cos we didn't have glasses

Takada Castle lit at night

The sakura trees being lit as evening approaches

View of the lit-up festival stalls from across the river

On the train home, with bottles of drinks on the ledge like a typical oyaji (middle-aged man)