Sakura in Onomichi!!!

Michael and I were walking along the hondori shopping arcade after doing some light shopping (I got some very cute socks in my autumn colours and a really cute hair tie with a crocheted flower on it) when I spotted a pink blossoming tree out of the corner of my eye along the shoreline. We weren't expecting plum blossoms here by the ocean of all things, so we went to check them out and see if it was just one tree.

It was a row of them, and they were Sakura! In full bloom! We couldn't believe it! Sakura... In Onomichi?!?! What a score!

We figured we would miss the Sakura season, which is why I did so much research into the plum blossom season. So to actually get to see them up close, and with such a beautiful contrast of the ocean was so cool.

Plus, an elderly Japanese man came over to have a yap and offered to take a photo of us together. He said that we had come to Onomichi at the perfect time to see the Sakura strip, that Michael was a very handsome man, that he thought Michael's beard translated all over his body (cracking Michael and I up) and that we should pop out a baby because it would be extremely attractive given how attractive we both were. Which was so funny, because when I bought my socks from an elderly Japanese shopkeeper, she pointed out Michael's topknot to say that it was very well done and he was very handsome.

The Japanese elderly think Michael is hot stuff, and I seem to get the giggles and the waves from Japanese young adults in their 20s in these more rural areas. People are very respectful and kind here in Japan. We haven't felt anything but warm hospitality. I think it helps that we have been quiet, calm, respectful and following all of their customs in return. And we've got a good handle on the five odd phrases we do know in Japanese, and we can tell that it's appreciated that we try.Read more