Spring around the corner

After a bit chilly beginning of the week with more rain (fortunately only outside, the roof really seems to be fixed now!) the end of the week provided very nice weather. We spent thursday-friday with hot springs and sightseeing in Hakone - a trip that now is more or less part of the "standard package" when we get visitors, which is kind of nice as I enjoy it just as much every time. This time of year is very nice to go to hot springs as well as it's not so warm outside just yet. Of all the times we've been to Hakone this time we got the best weather and a clear view of mount Fuji.















Yesterday we couldn't think of a better way to spend Niklas and Maritha's last day in Tokyo than arranging the first picnic of the year in Yoyogi park. We had around 15 degrees and mostly sun, very nice indeed after the cold winter. By coincidence there was a japanese festival in Yoyogi park yesterday so we got a lot of different good food and drinks for our picnic, better than the bento box from 7eleven that was the plan.















We could even find a few cherry trees that had started to bloom. Beautiful to see and a true indication that spring is coming. Would think that most trees will come to full bloom in about 2 weeks or so and then all parks will be crowded with people enjoying the cherry blossoms.

Today the three of us enjoyed another sunny day in the park after Niklas and Maritha had taken off to return to Sweden. Next weekend I'll be finishing off the winter with a ski trip to Hokkaido. Feels kind of awkward now when spring seems to be coming but it will be nice with one more ski trip before bringing out the shorts and flip flops.