Tokyo: Approaching Full Bloom

Following on from our two previous Tokyo reports, today I went back to two of our regular spots: Ueno Park and Shinjuku Gyoen. Both parks were looking pretty, and nearing their best viewing periods.

Despite the warm weather in the week prior, today was comparatively very cold, reaching a high of just 11 C. Along with the chilly weather, strong winds and rain are also forecast for the coming days. However, the cherry blossoms tend to be stronger in these first few days of blooming, so we don't expect it to affect the best viewing period too much. We expect the best viewing period to continue for about a week.

My first visit of the day was to a Ueno Park. Over half of the flowers are now in bloom, leaving only some top branches with unopened flowers. The park overall is very pretty, marking the beginning of its period for best viewing, but there are still a considerable number of trees not quite at their full potential yet, especially along the path across Shinobazu Pond.

Food stalls and other festival events are in full swing, and will continue until April 6 (daily until 21:00). Lanterns are lit in the upper part of the park until April 6 (daily until 21:00), while the trees are illuminated around Shinobazu Pond until April 13 (daily until 22:00).

Since my previous visit to Shinjuku Gyoen not even a week ago, the park has transformed quite noticeably. All of the Somei Yoshino trees - the most common variety of cherry - are now in various states of bloom around the park, with many very nearly at full bloom. Around half of the flowers on the Somei Yoshino trees in the park's Landscape Garden are in bloom, while the ones in the Cherry Tree Area by Sendagaya Rest House are a bit further along, and surrounded by other varieties in different colors and stages.

Note that this year reservations are required to enter the park during cherry blossom season on Saturdays and Sundays from March 22 to April 6 between 10:00 and 16:00.