In Japan one of the biggest events of the year is called Hanami or flower viewing, especially sakura tree flowers. Not only do the trees signal the arrival of spring, but they do it in majestic style.
While there are several streets, parks, gardens in and around the city, my favorite viewing area is along the Meguro river. Stretching for several miles, the river is lined with sakura trees, shops, bars & restaurants. Hanami is a massive event here as people come to enjoy the pink & white cherry blossoms. Let me take you on a tour of that route.
Starting at the overhead expressway it's about a 1.6km walk along the river to Naka Meguro Station, a trendy, recently re-developed area near Shibuya.
After crossing the street you're greeted with the first trees. They're not as dense as just a few hundred feet further down the road, but If you are like me this is nice. You can easily juxtapose the trees with the concrete jungle.
Looking back.
Even buds sprout from former branches on the trunk.
My favorite shots are the long shots and/or the juxtaposing natural with man made.
Along the river there are multiple bridges that give you the opportunity to get nice long shots. As you get closer to Naka Meguro station those bridges become more and more crowded with sight seers.
After walking for about 5 minutes you begin to run into the vendors and shops selling goods along the route.
There is a premium Starbucks here for specialty coffee, but the most popular vendors are alcoholic drinks. Even the famous department store Don Quixote gets in on the fun.
I couldn't resist a Hoegaarden Belgian White beer.
Continuing on, the trees really begin to get thick, forming a partial canopy over the river as they reach for sunlight & moisture.
There are so many trees along this route, but this one I always remember.
It has three dead branches that look like hand reaching out in a final grasp.
This was a beautiful flower, but unfortunately the lighting was poor.
Crossing the bridge the crowds get bigger.
An entrepreneuring foreigner sets up his rooftop camping related business across the way.
Another person looking for the best shot.
This wine bar, Marzac 7, is always a hot spot for hanami themed drinks & champagne.
A river below me, a sea above.
Now we have arrived at the bridge just before the station. Security stands guard here to usher traffic and to make sure you aren't congregating.
This Naka Meguro Gate Tower, and easily recognizable landmark.
While I don't want to live in that tower, if there is anywhere I could move to in Tokyo, this is where it would be. This area used to be a bit of a backwater. My DJ friend had a club here 20 years ago and I would often play there. It has drastically changed since those days.
It's a very festive atmosphere down here, despite the COVID restrictions.
The strawberry champagne must flow!
A plane heading for Haneda airport passes overhead reminding me I'll be heading back to America soon.
We are coming to the end of this hanami. A few last shots before we go back to doing other things though.
I hope you have the chance to visit Tokyo for hanami. It really is something to experience. If you do make it here, late March is usually when these blooms occur. Maybe we will run into each other. Until then, thanks for reading.
Previous Tokyo Travel blogs can be viewed at the following links and of course on pinmapple.com.
#7 Faret Art Park @rt395/return-to-faret-art-park
#6 Odawara Castle @rt395/odawara-castle-japan-tokyo-travel
#5 Return To Tokyo Tower @rt395/return-to-tokyo-tower-tokyo
#4 Cool Town Kichijoji @rt395/cool-town-kichijoji-tokyo-travel-4
#3 Inokashira Park @rt395/inokashira-park-in-kichijoji-tokyo
#2 Shibuya Sky @rt395/shibuya-sky-47-stories-above-tokyo-tokyo-travel-2
#1 Tokyo Tower @rt395/tokyo-travel-1-tokyo-tower-is-for-lovers