Japan in DC

My first experience in DC was far from great. Coming from a big city like Chicago it was hard to adjust to a smaller place. But DC improved a lot these two last years. Areas that before were dodgy are now booming and there are plenty of new places.

The city is finally experiencing some good times. But I still miss the Chicago's skyline and Midwest kindness. 

DC is a charming city and you can walk almost everywhere. The cherry blossom makes it even more beautiful. During the first weeks of spring, the cherry trees start blooming and the Mall area turns pink. Seeing it from my rooftop, it looks like sweet cotton.

My favorite spot to see the blooming is around the Potomac river at night, close to the Jefferson Memorial or around the pool in the Lincoln Memorial. The sunset light makes it even more spectacular. And it's not so crowded at night... Still lots of people.

BTW, it's not supposed to touch, shake or take flowers or step in the roots. If you go to the Mall, you'll see lots of people doing these stupid things that cause serious damage in the trees. 

Another highlight during the spring is the Sakura Matsuri Street Festival ($10/pp), in Pennsylvania St. 

This is the moment to have some Japanese food and buy a Hello Kitty (cash only). 
There you can find shops, food stalls, food demonstrations and performances. And  people wearing customs. 

The only issue is the crowd of people and lines for food, it looks like Shibuya at rush hour. 
My advise is to go on the early side to avoid it.

Another nice thing about this time of the year is the street performances. There are many events happening in order to celebrate the cherry blossom and they are for free.