night at the mint

During one week every year, the Osaka Mint opens its electrified and barbed-wire gates to allow the public to enter and enjoy the hundreds of stunning cherry blossom trees, the riverside, and countless stalls selling usual festival foods and drinks, (such as octopus tentacle on a stick and alcohol). Going at night is really something because you get to see the place all aglow with lights and lanterns and cell phones. Cherry blossom viewing is a serious, serious thing here.