TJ
In a world where we’re constantly online and chasing the next dopamine hit, it’s easy to forget to be present — to pause, look around, and appreciate the beauty of the physical world around us. I know this blog is mostly about the future of digital consumer technology, but to truly appreciate the future we're building, we also need to stay grounded in the real, tangible moments that give life meaning. Going forward, I’ll also be writing more about the things I enjoy in the physical world — travel, food, art — the experiences that ground and inspire me beyond the screen.
Sakura, or cherry blossoms, are a reminder of that. They show us that life moves fast, beauty is fleeting, and meaning can be found in the brief, unexpected moments… if we’re paying attention.
There’s even a word for this in Japanese: mono no aware. It’s the idea of finding beauty in impermanence — that quiet, bittersweet awareness you feel when something is so good, you know it can’t last. That’s cherry blossom season. Blink, and it’s gone.
But while it lasts, Japan goes all out. Parks and riversides transform into dreamscapes. Strangers become friends under a canopy of pink. Bento boxes get packed. Drinks are poured. The whole country slows down just enough to breathe it all in.
If you’re thinking about chasing that sakura magic, here are a few places in Japan that are well worth the trip:
Meguro River
A perfect urban stroll, especially at night when lanterns light up the trees. Expect crowds, but the energy is worth it.
Shinjuku Gyoen
A peaceful oasis in the middle of the city with wide lawns and over a thousand cherry trees. Less chaotic, more picnic-friendly.
Ueno Park
Loud, lively, and full of street food. Classic hanami vibes.
Chidorigafuchi
Rent a rowboat and drift beneath the blossoms along the moat surrounding the Imperial Palace.
Philosopher’s Path
A quiet, contemplative walk along a canal lined with hundreds of sakura trees. One of the most peaceful spots in the city.
Maruyama Park
Known for its massive weeping cherry tree, especially stunning when illuminated at night.
Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Unreal views from the temple deck overlooking sakura trees and the Kyoto skyline. Perhaps my favorite temple in all of Kyoto.
Osaka Castle
Over 3,000 cherry trees surround the historic Osaka Castle. Classic views with that perfect blend of nature and architecture.
Kema Sakuranomiya Park
A long stretch along the Okawa River lined with cherry trees — ideal for a riverside walk or bike ride. Chill, local, underrated.
Sakura season isn’t just something you see — it’s something you feel. It reminds you to pause, look up, and appreciate the moment, especially because it won’t last. The bloom only graces us for a few fleeting days.
If you’re planning a trip, bring a bento, gather some friends, and take the time to be present.
To commemorate my time experiencing sakura across Japan this year, I minted a few photos onchain via Rodeo. While the blossoms fade, minting onchain lets these memories live forever — etched into the blockchain for eternity.
