Sakura Shots - Shinjuku Gyoen
April 7, 2008 by Marie
Shinjuku Gyoen is another popular Tokyo Hanami destination. It is a large park with three garden types: a traditional Japanese garden, an English landscape garden and a symmetrical arranged French garden. It would take an estimated hour and a half to fully cover the gardens.
When I got there, there were already people enjoying the blossoms. People were picnicking on the wide lawns and a few were even painting pictures. The Shinjuku skyscrapers could be seen beyond the cherry blossoms, and it made for a pleasant view, instead of harming the landscape scene. Too bad the weather wasn’t the greatest…
A lot of people also had there cameras out, though, most of them with huge lenses and heavy-duty tripods. Unlike the other parks, there was a lack of crowds on that day I went. Although there were a lot of people, it was less than I anticipated.
After the cherry blossoms, I expect the garden will be covered in other blooms. The closest station is probably Shinjuku-gyoenmae. But there are exits to Sendagaya and Shinjuku, too.
I went to Shinjukugyoen two two Sundays ago at the peak of the season, but it rained most of the day. Glad to see the weather was better for you.
Went to Kitanomaru park this Sunday for a last-chance Hanami and had a great time. The weather was perfect.
Great photos Marie … as quick as the season came, it’s gone again.
Thanks for visiting, billywest! And thanks for the comment!
I know that Sunday, we had to hold our Hanami BBQ Party indoors because of the rain…
Glad you enjoyed Kitanomaru and Chidorigafuchi! It’s my favorite Hanami spot.
Thanks for the compliments, Neil!
It was too short, as usual… but then it makes the season a little more special.
The season moves up towards Tohuku, Hokkaido, though, so in some ways, it’s still a whole month or so…