This is my second posting about Sakura in Tokyo. In the previous article, I have introduced Ueno Park and Koishikawa Korakuen. You can access the previous article here.
Due to the recent major earthquake and tsunami that struck North-East Japan on 11 March 2011, this posting has been delayed. I wish all of the affected victims the best of luck in recovering their homes and loved ones.
If you wonder what is the current condition in Japan and is it fine to visit Japan at this moment, you can visit this webpage for a more detailed information about the effect of the disaster on the tourism industry in Japan by clicking here.
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| Chidorigafuchi 千鳥ヶ淵 |
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| Meguro River 目黒川 |
Chidorigafuchi 千鳥ヶ淵
Chidorigafuchi is the northern part of the moat of Tokyo Imperial Palace. You can walk the line of cherry trees while enjoying the cherry trees on the opposite bank of the moat, at the palace side. If you want to get really close to the cherry trees, you can also rent a rowing boat to enjoy the Sakura flowers from the water. Chidorigafuchi is just across the street from Yasakuni Shrine. It can be access by getting off the Kudanshita Station on the Hanzomon, Tozai and Shinjuku Subway Lines.
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| Chidorigafuchi, sakura at early bloom on March 28, 2010 |
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| Walking along the tunnel of Sakura trees - early bloom |
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| Tunnel of Sakura Trees |
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| Sakura trees at Chidorigafuchi |
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| Entering Chidorigafuchi from the Gate of the Imperial Palace |
One advice for visiting Chidorigafuchi is to go there very early in the morning to avoid the crowd especially during full bloom period. This is a very popular sakura viewing venue and it can be packed with tons of people, potentially affecting you mood to enjoy the beautiful flowers.
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| The crowd at Chidorigafuchi during full bloom period on 03 April 2010 |
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| Boat rowing at Chidarigafuchi |
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| Boat rowing at Chidarigafuchi |
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| Sakura viewing on the rowing boat at Chidarigafuchi |
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| The crowd during full bloom in Chidorigafuchi |
Meguro River 目黒川
Meguro river has about 800 cherry trees lined up on both sides of the Meguro River bank. Here, you can walk along the river, enjoying the beautiful sakura flowers and at the same time, try out some local foods that are available along the river. There are shops and restaurants along the river. The trees will be lit up in the evening during the Nakameguro Sakura Festival. I have been to Meguro River twice and had not met with a very huge crowd like the ones I had in Chidorigafuchi. So my advice is to put this location as your third or fourth Sakura viewing location of the day. Meguro river can be accessed by getting off at Naka-Meguro station on the Hibiya Subway Line.
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| Sakura trees along the banks of Meguro River |
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| Lanterns during the Nakameguro Sakura Festival |
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| Train with Sakura from Meguro River |
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| Evening Lighting of the Sakura Trees at Meguro River |
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| Meguro River in the evening |
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| Lantern for Nakameguro Sakura Festival |
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| Nakameguro Sakura Festival |
In the next posting, I will put up the final 3 Sakura viewing venues around Tokyo. So, stay tuned. I hope you enjoyed my Sakura series.
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| Coming up next... |
Click here to access my first article of Sakura in Tokyo - Ueno Park & Koishikawa Korakuen.
Update: Click here to access my third article of Sakura in Tokyo - Yasukuni Shrine, Shinjuku Gyoen & Inokashira Park.
Update 2: Sakura in Kisarazu
