2011/04/07 - Nagoya Report
by schauwecker
Today I made this year's only cherry blossom related visit to Nagoya, checking out three of the city's many attractive hanami spots. Furthermore, I took the opportunity to drop by a new railway museum, which had opened on March 14 just outside of central Nagoya.
Nagoya Castle
April 7, 2011 - full bloom
Cherry trees around Nagoya Castle have reached full bloom, and some have even started to drop some of their petals. They were at their best today and should remain so for a few days to come.
Nagoya Castle
Full bloom at Nagoya Castle
Nagoya Castle
A row of weeping cherry trees at Nagoya Castle
The reconstruction of the palace buildings (to be completed by 2018) and the renovation of one of the castle turrets (to be completed in 2014) had a small impact on the visit. While a crane over the turret did not contribute positively to the atmosphere, the reconstruction of the palace is done in such a way that visitors are able to observe some of the works.
Observing the reconstruction of the palace buildings at Nagoya Castle
Tsuruma Park
April 7, 2011 - full bloom
Full bloom has also been reached at Tsuruma Park, a public park popular for hanami picnics and parties. Lots of people were enjoying lunch or were reserving spots for a party in the evening.
Tsuruma Park
Full bloom at Tsuruma Park
Tsuruma Park
Yamazakigawa Riverside
April 7, 2011 - full bloom
I finished cherry blossom reporting at the Yamazakigawa Riverside, one of Nagoya's most pleasant hanami spots. Hundreds of trees lined the Yamazaki River for over two kilometers, making it into the list of Japan's 100 best cherry blossom spots.
Yamazakigawa Riverside
There were still some closed buds visible on the trees along the Yamazakigawa Riverside, but overall I estimate that the 80% mark has been surpassed, which we consider full bloom.
Most blossoms are open along the Yamazakigawa Riverside
Cherry blossom tunnel along the Yamazakigawa Riverside
On a cherry blossom unrelated detour, I made a quick visit to the SCMAGLEV and Railway Park, a railway museum by JR Central, which had been newly opened less than a month ago near Nagoya Port, a 25 minute train ride from Nagoya Station by the Aonami Line.
SCMAGLEV and Railway Park
The museum's main attraction is a collection of regular and experimental railway and maglev cars and engines from the past and present with an emphasis on rolling stock operated along the Tokaido Shinkansen. Further attractions are multiple simulators, a diorama and historic exhibits.
A line up of shinkansen trains and a small girl
A steam locomotive, experimental shinkansen and maglev train on display
Miniature Nagoya Station at the railway diorama
Very realistic N700 shinkansen driving simulator
A train conductor simulator for opening and closing doors
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