It is Springtime in Japan. After a brief trip from Tokyo on Japan Railways, we arrive at Nagoya Station. (I highly recommend getting a Japan Rail Pass if you are going to visit several cities. It is so convenient and affordable.) We have a very busy day in Nagoya ahead of us. There are more things to do than we have time. It takes us a minute to acclimate ourselves and make a game plan. Once we have a route planned in google maps, we walk to Nagoya Castle.
What a beautiful Spring day! There are blooming flowers in every green space, and the parks are awash in Cherry Blossoms. I love Spring time in Japan.
The castle grounds are a pink paradise. I have never seen so many cherry blossoms. I am told there are over 2,000 trees surrounding the castle. It feels like a fairy tale. The castle and the national palace are supposed to be the main event, but I only have eyes for the trees. The petals are delicate and light. They range from white, to pale pink, to brilliant pinks that seem almost red. I find I am drawn to the palest of pinks (this is surprising because I always gravitate to the bright colors). The palest pinks complement the green pine trees. I am not an artist or a poet, but today I wish I were both. I don’t have a way to describe my thoughts and photos can’t really do justice to the total effect.
It seems that all of Nagoya is here. The people happily sit among the trees just to enjoy them. There are families gathered in picnics. Paper lanterns add color to the already colorful branches. They signal that a full festival is in progress. Of course other giveaways are the dozens of food stalls, the streamers, the children’s games, and the smiling faces.
I am smiling ear to ear at the children carrying giant cotton candy animals. I see a bunny with giant ears made from spun sugar. Those kids are going to be a sticky mess, but they are leaving with happy memories. I am making some happy memories of my own with a giant “sakura” snow cone. Cherry Blossom ice sounds amazing. It tastes even better.
After a brief rest, we head across town to spend a few hours at the Toyota Museum. It is incredible (see my blog “Toyota, I Never Knew You” for more details). Afterwards, we walk back toward the train station. Our route takes us past the Noritake china factory. The old factory smokestacks are now part of a public park. The old red brick buildings are now offices as modern facilities were constructed to allow technological improvements.
My husband finds a seat in the park. After a castle, a palace, a park, and a large museum, he has had enough. But the lure of the china is too great. I head inside the visitor center to ogle the porcelain. The plates and cups are beautiful. I am reminded that my in-law’s china is Noritake. My father-in-law sent it to my mother-in-law while he was stationed in Japan when they were newly married or perhaps right before they married. Either way the plates’ delicate flower patterns remind me of them and their devotion to one another.
Meanwhile, the object of my devotion is waiting patiently in the park. On the way back to find him, I stumble across a small shrine. It is a reminder to stop and take in the beauty of the moment. I breathe in the smell of trees and give thanks for this day. I give thanks for family. There is plenty of time to make our way to dinner and the evening train to Tokyo. Right now, the Spring time has my full attention. Because Spring time in Nagoya is beautiful.
