Hanami, the overarching term for enjoying the cherry blossoms in Japan, usually runs from the end of March until mid April in Tokyo. Every year, I get to enjoy it in some shape of form: some years a lot, while others not so much due to being busy at work.
This year, I managed to enjoy the sakura a fair bit, especially since I work in Meguro and was able to walk along the quiet river each morning before the tourist droves arrived. I was also lucky enough to picnic in Daikanyama with friends, as well as at Kinuta Park in Setagaya with Miss IKIMASHO. Kinuta turned out to be an amazing experience, and I will be back there next year for sure. With its enormous trees, and weaving, low-lying branches, it felt like a fairytale.
This morning, while cycling near Komazawa, I saw some sakura petals still blowing in the wind. The streets continue to be littered with pink flowers, though by next week I imagine they will all be gone for another year. The end of hanami usually signals warmer temperatures, and looking at the forecast for this week, it will rise to 20°C and most likely not drop under this again until November.
Mid-afternoon on a weekend means Nakameguro is packed, with policemen usually trying their best to control the crowds who want to walk down the river.
Thankfully there are none of these crowds in the early morning on my way to work, allowing me to appreciate the tunnel of flowers…
And the river filled with flowers.
Hanami in Daikanyama with friends meant a snack overload…
And bodies everywhere
Pink petals against a blue sky
The blue and pink of hanami season
These blossoms were actually from Kamakura a few weeks earlier
The beautiful thing about sakura season in Japan is that you don’t necessarily have to go to a park to enjoy it. The parks are mainly for the social aspect of it all, and meeting with friends. If you just want quiet time virtually every street will have a few trees scattered about the place.
A mammoth wall of trees in Kinuta Park
Families and friends enjoying the sakura
Lying down looking up at the trees, the sun splitting through the branches.
Lunch under a cherry blossom tree
In Kinuta Park the tree branches sweep right down to the ground meaning you can be fully immersed in what feels like a maze of flowers.
🌸💕
A group of girls had brought their rabbits to the park for a photo shoot
I couldn’t resist 🐰
I hope these pictures bring back happy memories for you if you have ever seen sakura in Japan, or inspire you to visit the country in the future. While it can be a busy period to visit Japan, if you do a little research you can find some quiet and wonderful spots to enjoy the blossoms. ❤ Justin (IKIMASHO!)
IKIMASHO! 