2009/03/26 - Tokyo Report
by francois
Shinjuku Gyoen
March 26, 2009 - just opened (less than 10%)
Shinjuku Gyoen is a public park and former botanical garden with more than a thousand cherry trees of approximately 70 varieties. The garden is very large, and contrasts with the dense urban development of Shinjuku that surrounds it.
Most cherry trees have only a very small number of blossoms currently open and are likely to require another 3 to 6 days to reach full bloom. Scattered through the park are some trees of early blooming varieties, which are already in bloom and attract many photographers and picnickers.
The NTT Docomo Tower seen behind the just opening flowers
Flowers on the verge of opening
Some photographers focus on one of the few trees with many flowers
Ueno Park
March 26, 2009 - opening (10-50%)
Ueno Park is one of Tokyo's most popular cherry blossom spots. This was quite apparent today, as large crowds had already gathered despite the fact that the cherry blossoms were still rather far from being at their peak.
About 10 to 30 percent of the blossoms along the street leading to the Tokyo National Museum have already opened, while trees around Shinobazu Pond are less advanced.
Trees line the path to the Tokyo National Museum
Quite a few buds have opened
Sumida Park
March 26, 2009 - just opened (less than 10%)
Sumida Park is located along the Sumida River in the Asakusa district. The area around Sensoji Temple was quite busy, as it normally is, but Sumida Park was almost deserted.
The trees that line the river will turn beautiful light pink later on and will attract people eager to see the cherry blossoms. However, currently it is still a little bit early for cherry blossom viewing, as the trees here have only just started to open their blossoms.
The Sumida River and the cherry trees lining it
Flowers are mostly still closed
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