A Breath of Springtime at Rikugien Garden

March 26th, it was time for some serious sakura viewing. So off I went. On the way I passed by ろぜしろ道り, which translates to Rosé White Street. 

My destination however, was one of the best known for sakura gardens in Tokyo. 

Besides that, 六義園, Garden in Bunkyo is famous for being one of the most beautiful Edo style strolling gardens, with lush trees and sparkling water features.

In 2018 I had visited Rikugien at night because they light up the sakura trees. 

It was extremely crowded. Because of the virus, the garden was not holding the night time viewings. So I did not know how crowded it would be during the day. If it was bad, I planned on not staying. 

Thankfully the garden was very uncrowded. Even around the beautiful weeping sakura tree. And almost everyone was wearing a mask. It made my time in the garden relaxing and enjoyable.

And what a beautiful tree it is.

I looked forward to seeing the rest of the garden, since I had only been there before at night, and much was hidden in the dark. I hope to share a bit of this lovely place in my next post.

A Little Rain Ice and Snow Sakura Viewing

I had never spent time in Ueno Park before. There is a lot to see here. However if it is raining with ice and snow, it can be a little difficult. But I still wanted to see something besides the museum. When I was on the second floor we could see snow flakes falling into their Japanese style garden. 

That may have made me want to get out even more. Along with these views of blooming sakura trees. As to the cones, there were a lot of them. For days when the weather isn't so dark and gloomy. Because Ueno Park is a prime destination for hanami, sakura viewing parties. And from all the cones with poles, a lot of people must come here. 

But with this weather there were no crowds. That also made me want to wander along these avenues of beautiful trees. 

Some were strung with lights for night viewing. 

You will have to pardon the spots on some photographs. Like I said, rain plus ice plus snow made for a very wet walk in the park. But seeing snow flakes fall, that was joyful. 

There are sakura trees in many places in Ueno Park, not just along the walk ways. 

 So walk with me in the rain, under these trees.

Some of these trees have been here for a long time. Occasionally with the help of supports. 

Springtime in Shinjuku

What they say about sakura in Japan is true. At least in Tokyo. If you see sakura trees blooming, you will find a crowd of people beneath it.

Not even in full bloom there were many people beneath the trees of Shinjuku Gyoen taking selfies. Sighting a bird in the branches overhead, I felt more inclined to photograph it.

Glad he's visible against the bright blue sky.

Along with the pink sakura.

It was just the start of the bloom but even then the flowers were irresistible.

There are around 1500 sakura trees in Shinjuku Gyoen. Being able to see the different shades of colors from various varieties next to each other adds to the beauty.

It must be magical when all the trees are in bloom.

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March also means ume or plum trees bloom. I saw less of those at the park but they were still pretty riotous with blossoms.

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A few other plants were blooming. This is a popular ornamental bush not only in Japan but in America. It may be Spiera Ogon, Mellow Yellow.

As I headed towards the main gate to leave, these magnolia trees were getting a bit of attention also.

So through the main gate I went back to Shinjuku station to take a train or two to Harajuku. Which will be my next post.