Ohanami Vancouver Style
Considering all the cherry blossom interest on this page recently, all the blossom viewers should consider going the hardcore Japanese route. Yes, I mean ohanami, or cherry blossom viewing, where you picnic under the blossoms and get soppy drunk on Japanese beer and, if you’re an old-fashioned fuddy-duddy, on sake. That’s the way to keep warm during the ridiculous below-freezing picnic.
On Saturday March 25 (3-7 pm), Vancouverites can come closer to celebrating real ohanami, albeit with tea, not beer, at the annual Mokuyokai celebration. The 24-year-old society brings together Canadians and Japanese people who want to learn more about each others’ culture whether for business or pleasure, sometimes the same thing in Japan.
Held at the Nitobe Memorial Garden at UBC, sign up early for spots at the tea house and obento boxes (grilled salmon, deep-fried chicken (tori no karaage), egg omelette (tamago yaki), nimono & hijiki, otsukemono pickles, rice; vegetarian option available). Listen to shakuhachi and koto music, then watch the lanterns lit at 6 pm.
Sweet! I really, really want to do this. Sounds lovely.
Oh drat, I’ve already planned to go to Whistler that day. But this does inspire me to plan a picnic with plenty of sushi and Asahi beer on another date….
Ack! Another interesting event I’ll miss out on that weekend…why does everything happen all at the same time!??!?
I know Rachael, just the day I work: even if I leave right after work, I’ll still only make it for 7 pm just as thye close. :(
Just following up on my previous comment: I’ve reserved a pair of bento boxes, so my lovely bride and I are definitely going. Thanks for pointing this out, Maktaaq!