Spring at Maruyama Park

For centuries the Japanese have celebrated the beauty of the changing seasons. In Kyoto every year people gather in Maruyama Park on spring evenings. Blue plastic sheets are spread over the ground beneath the cherry trees, and tables and benches are set up in some areas. Vendors selling grilled corn, octopus dumplings and fried noodles line the paths. As it gets dark and the lanterns are lit the effect is magical. Kyoto-ites gradually fill the park, and with a little help from sake and beer, they party until late.