In fact so long as there are a few bits of cherry blossom still about, drinking on the street is not only socially acceptable, it’s sociable. Plus possibly even more staggering is the fact that it’s so incredibly civilised.
The season when drinking on the street isn’t seen as antisocial
Lizzy says
Picnic in the street. I love it! I don’t know if it’s extra confidence or comfort in their surroundings, but this definitely trumps picnicing in the park on some level.
Lee says
I was equally impressed, especially as they looked so comfortable there. I never thought about the confidence/comfort aspect, but you are right, they definitely must have one or the other. Maybe even both.
Jeffrey says
You know those damned conformist Japanese!
It is interesting how scenes like this run counter to the not infrequent rigidity and formality that one bumps up against. I mean, they’re even drinking wine rather than beer or sake.
Lee says
Yes, I love contradictions like this. Arguably not what you’d expect, and yet it seems perfectly normal.
As for the wine, I’ve noticed a lot more of it over the last few years.
john says
“Me feet are wreckin’ after all that shoppin’!”
Lee says
And what a way to rest them!
Linette says
What!? You mean you can just plop down anywhere and have a picnic as long as it’s cherry blossom season?
Lee says
It often seems that way. So long as there’s no obstruction or danger, nobody seems to bother.
Linette says
Japan is awesome.
winnie says
Well prepared with some food and a bottle of white wine a while sitting on a small mat along the street.
They really enjoying!
I will feel too cold if I am sitting there!
Lee says
Yes, they were all set for a very pleasant afternoon. It was pretty warm that afternoon, so you’d have been fine.
Jake says
People were pretty much wrecked, drinking in the park at 8 am on a Sunday morning. Or perhaps it was still Saturday night.
Lee says
Yeah, this year was a big one. Never in my life have I seen such huge queues for the men’s toilets.
Kyohei says
Hey I’ve just found this blog, and I like it!!
Anyway good to see the people drinking under the Sakura tree in Tokyo.
Here in Furano, Hokkaido Sakura doesn’t bloom until the middle of May…. and it’s not as thick as Someiyoshino(the most common Sakura in mainland), but we have pinky Yamazakura.
Nice post anyway 😉