The summer was hot, the winter warm and the flowers bloomed early. When the times are deviant, nature adapts, not to stand apart.
The signs of Spring might have been early, but the accompanied joys were not. Tokyo is still under a state of emergency, restaurants close early, public gatherings are discouraged and many of the parks are closed.
Tokyo has a lot of viewing spots, places where people gather for the Cherry Blossom viewing parties(called Hanami 花見). But the pandemic has put an end to the parties, this year there will be no rush to get up early mornings , park oneself below a tree effectively reserving a place for the party.
In normal times, when companies used to have staff parties during the season, the job of reserving or capturing the space fell on the new employee. That employee this year, if he or she was lucky enough to find a job, can probably relax. Their work future doesn’t depend on their ability to get up early morning and sit under a tree.
This year I decided to visit a few spots around Tokyo and capture the blossoms.
Yasukuni Shrine(靖国神社）
The Yasukuni Shrine is located near the Kudanshita station, a few minutes walk from the Indian Embassy. It’s a Shinto Shrine founded by Emperor Meiji in 1869 and commemorates those who died in the service of Japan
The ‘Index Tree’ which the Meteorological Agency uses to predict kaika(first blossom) mankai(full bloom) is located in this shrine. Though the first bloom has been predicted, the full bloom was yet to happen, on the Saturday I visited the shrine.
Chidori-ga-fuchi Moat（千鳥ケ淵）
The moat, located on the North-West side of the Imperial Palace, and on the other side of the road to the Yasukuni Shrine, is a hub of activity during the Cherry Blossom bloom. It provides probably the most scenic and picturesque spot for enjoying the bloom. Unfortunately this year, quite a few of the walkways have been closed and there were no boats on the moat. The light-up events were cancelled and we could enjoy the views, from a distance.
Iidabashi(飯田橋）
Even though Iidabashi is not mentioned as a viewing, I knew from memory that the railway tracks near the Iidabashi station had a few cherry blossom trees. Since they are located right next to the tracks, viewing parties are out of question, but they make for great pictures. Flowers and trains or trains of flowers sound poetical and look as much.
Hibiya Park( 日比谷公園）
Hibiya is almost the centre of the city, located close to the Government and the Financial District, you are never far from money and power, when you are in Hibiya.
The park is supposed to have around 40 Cherry Blossom trees, but only one was in full bloom and few others in various stages of getting there.
Kasai Rinkai Park（葛西臨海公園）
The Kasai Rinkai Park, has aCherry Blossom lined walking path with a smattering of trees around the train station.
If you are wondering why I chose this Saturday for the pictures and not later, there are a few reasons. It is expected to rain from Sunday through Monday. A busier than usual work schedule puts weekday photography out of question and with rains predicted during the next week , they flowers might not be there if I wait till the next week.
Spring is here but the joys might be subdued. The beauty of the blossoms is all you need for that extra spring in your step!!!
