Timing is everything – a week either side and you’ll miss it ………. the all consuming annual cult of Sakura !! 
It’s ….. Blossom Time !
Vast resources dedicated to it …… like this long range forecast.
People fly 000’s of Miles to see it . I love the enthusiasm, the odd unquestioning delight , the “well they can’t all be wrong ” aspect to something that’s a natural beauty for sure ….. BUT …….you know …….. as far as understanding the furore 
– Do I get it ?… Would you ? .
Am I …….B+Positive or B-Negative ?
For this I’ll need experienced Blossom Doctors , the best Tokyo guides 
their amazing hospitality will ensure I get Sakura …….. or Not .
The first signs ….. can’t see what the fuss is about …….maybe it’s a little early –
…….. and mmm , yea , I can see the B+ quota going up – but ….. Trees , Small Blossom More Trees ,Trees along roads , …… some paper lanterns . Mmmm 
I think I need an B’intervention ……..
So I asked around , Local knowledge from the Jingu Urban Tree Collective …… and even an actual Blossom Concierge
……. and slowly …….. things started to get a little clearer …. Rivers , Roads , Day & Night
I felt a subtle presence behind me ……….. 
The spirit of Sakura began to show itself …. Blossom EVERYTHING – Walls , Kimonos , Lanterns
A complete , fan driven city takeover , Rosè Wine , Champagne , Pink Food , Pop-Up Bars …..
……. Blossom Coke , Blossom Starbucks
And the only time this ultra polite society drinks outside as “Hanami” – Blossom picnic parties spread across city parks ……. it’s popular due to bylaw to drink Jim Beam bourbon from plain 3 litre containers ……. with the inevitable day after consequences. Handily pointed out by Deb from the running crew 
.
I’ve always loved niche enthusiasts – whether its Steam Trains or Stamp Collectors , Wind Surfing or Spoon Whittling. My admiration driven by the calm satisfaction , the general (overused word ) wellness it creates.
Their originality in swerving the Mass Permitted Enthusiasms.
Outside of this I’m enthusiastic about enthusiasm ; and I’m beginning to see the Blossomistas in this way.
Motivated by the Buddhist comparison between the brevity of blossom and life or the all too rare satisfaction of group appreciation with family and friends .
All peaceful , all in Tokyo , all surrounded by 38 Million people ; – remarkable.
The “Pinker” photos above – not taken by me – I didn’t have a drone handy that day .
However ……. the progress of the blossom at home , ( photos by Jess age 11 ) at our road in Southport means I won’t feel too dispirited about leaving Tokyo behind .
Same tree – same branch over 6 days – cool eh ?
…….. and a drive by – also by Jess … 
I end this post with my fellow niche enthusiasts – undeniably B+ Positive.
However I’m Blossomed out now 
…… so until next time . XXXXX