Meguro River

I've lived in Tokyo for nearly a year and a half, but I'm still discovering new hidden treasures on a regular basis.  The Meguro River is a popular sakura spot that I've never visited (in any season).  Both sides of the river are lined with cherry trees that lean towards the water.  (Search Instagram for some amazing photos of this spot.)  As luck would have it, I had the chance to walk along the river after a housewarming party nearby--both the new apartment and the river area were gorgeous!

Lanterns everywhere!

Meguro River

We walked around Nakameguro afterwards.  This is an area I'd like to come back to on my own so that I can wander more slowly and really poke around.  There were some street vendors, but I have a feeling that was only because everyone was out for hanami.

Also this weekend, my neighborhood played host to a festival.  I grabbed some food at one of the stalls, sat by our huge waterfall (not pictured) and watched all the families while soaking up the sun.  There were so many babies and poodles about!  (Poodles are Tokyo's dog of choice... or maybe just Roppongi's dog of choice.)

Ark Hills Sakura Festival

Festival Food
(You can see the western influence - lots of foreigners live in this area)

Tokyo and I are at our best in the spring.  Growing up in California, I never developed much of an appreciation for the significance of the changing seasons.  Living in Tokyo where we have a very gray winter (with a touch of snow) and hot and humid summers (worse than Texas, I think) has taught me how completely the seasons can change my mood.  I've been exercising more, eating differently and finding energy for extras like my first class on Coursera.  It was another good week.