Tokyo's cherry blossom spots

From: Chasing the cherry blossoms across spring Japan

Cherry trees arching over the Meguro River

Ueno Onshi Park has cherries from kanzakura blooming in February to Kanzan at its best in mid-to-late April, and draws close to 3.3 million visits in the blossom season. The Chidorigafuchi Greenway runs about 700 meters, lined with some 230 cherry trees, led by Somei-yoshino, and has a ward-run boat pier. The Meguro River's cherry trees began when local people planted both banks during river works in the early Showa era; today there are about 800, said to be the third generation after replanting. At the foot of Kototoi Bridge in Sumida Park stands a monument to the song "Hana," with lyrics by Hagoromo Takeshima and music by Rentaro Taki, erected in 1956.

Sources: kensetsu.metro.tokyo.lg.jp visit-chiyoda.tokyo city.meguro.tokyo.jp t-navi.city.taito.lg.jp

This moment in the journey

The Showa-born cherries of the Meguro River

Then the Meguro River, popular with young people for its many stylish cafés and restaurants. At a shop by the river, strawberries were being dropped one by one into slender glasses.

A sparkling strawberry drink with a skewer of berries on top: I held it up against the blossoms for a photo. Branches from both banks met over the water, and the bridge was packed with people.

These cherry trees were born in the Showa era. They began, I learned, when local people planted both banks during river works in the early Showa years. They have grown up alongside the development of this modern part of Tokyo.

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