Flowers are Blooming: It’s Springtime!
UPDATED LAST FEB. 28, 2019
Just a mere mention of flowers starting to bloom, seeing trees starting to have their green leaves back and hearing birds chirping, singing and looking happy, these are the signs that comfortable and nicer weather is coming. When we talk about springtime, whether you are in Europe or Western countries, there’s only one country you will ever think of that has the most beautiful scenery. Japan is very popular in that aspect. Here, spring is their most exciting season that signifies new beginnings when it comes to business, opening of school year, new activities, meetings etc. And one of the best during this season is that everyone is expecting to see cherry blossoms bloom. It starts to bloom from the southern parts of Japan all the way up to the northern part from March till April. Some of the places to look for when doing hanami are as follows:
Yokohama
Negishi Forest Park – Hanami starts in end of March. This is a free admission park. A former horse race track and golf course, Negishi Forest Park is one of Yokohama’s most pleasant cherry blossom spots, and considered as one of the largest parks in Yokohama with a surface area covering over 1,800 square meters where it features wide lawns and a forest with a considerable number of cherry trees.
Spring is a great time to come and admire hundreds of cherry blossom trees perfect to escape the city and enjoy the genuine peace and tranquility of the environment.
Ookagawa River – Where you will find more than 100 cherry blossom trees that decorate the river banks on both sides, which is so pleasant for viewing creating one of the most outstanding cherry blossom viewing sights in Yokohama.
Tokyo
Zojoji Temple – Located in Shibakoen Minato-ku, it is the chief temple of the Jodo-Buddist sect. The front gate of Zojoji mesmerizes passersby as majestic and magnificent wooden gate that has been designated by the state as an important cultural property.
The Bodhi temple of the Tokugawa family with cherry blossom trees numbering to 400 pieces or more around Yoshino cherry tree.
A special worship of the Tokugawa family tomb is done at the cherry blossom season every year. Zojoji is the family temple of Tokugawa wherein you will find over 400 trees that creates beautiful scenery with Tokyo Tower in the background.
Kyu shiba Rikkyu Garden – Located behind Hamamatsucho Station, it is one of the most serene and quiet viewing spots in central Tokyo. Visitors and families flock in this nice place for a quiet picnic. A beautiful classic Japanese landscape oasis surrounded by tall buildings but charmed with many typical Japanese garden elements such as man-made hills, lanterns, bridges, pond, trees, strolling paths, etc.