Hanami in Toyohashi

On Sunday, we went to for our first cherry blossom viewing (hanami) in Toyohashi (which is where I work). It was at a large park with many cherry trees and filled with people since the blossoms were fully open that day. There were a number of people that we knew but also lots of new people that we met that day. Here is the collection of photos that we took in the afternoon and evening:

Princess parade - local festival

On Saturday, Ayako and I went to our local cherry blossom festival as we have done in previous years (see here and here) Here I am along the path lined with cherry blossom trees:
The blossoms were in full bloom and so we enjoyed sitting along the bank enjoying our lunch:
We also enjoyed walking by the food vendors:
The parade came by our area just after noon led by this year's princess:
She was followed by all her helpers:

It was a perfect back setting with the line of cherry blossoms behind them: