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Cherry blossoms herald the arrival of spring in Chuo Ward
Spring 2024 has finally arrived in Tokyo, and in Chuo Ward. The past winter was historically warm, and we experienced exceptionally mild days in February of this year. Many, myself included, likely anticipated cherry blossoms appearing much earlier than usual. In fact, the Japan Meteorological Agency declared last year's cherry blossoms to have bloomed on March 14th. Therefore, people expected that this year’s cherry blossoms would bloom on March 14th or even earlier. Contrary to expectations, however, March of this year was colder, and the cherry blossoms appeared to enter a dormancy period once again. As of the end of last week, the cherry blossoms were hardly in bloom, but finally, they burst into full bloom this week, 13 days later than the previous year. Unfortunately, this week has been cloudy, but many people have been spotted enjoying the cherry blossoms throughout Chuo Ward. For this blog, I decided to focus on the places where you can admire beautiful cherry blossoms in Chuo Ward.
Hamacho Park in Hamacho
Hamacho Park is the largest park in Chuo Ward, adjacent to Meijiza, one of the major drama theaters. It is located near the Ningyocho area or Higashi Nihonbashi area. The park was bustling with many people enjoying "Ohanami" parties under the cherry blossoms, presumably with family members, friends, lovers, or colleagues.
Hamacho Ryokudo Park in Ningyocho
A canal once flowed through the Ningyocho area. Hamacho Ryokudo Park was created after the canal was filled in. There are numerous cherry trees in this long and narrow park. Some people were admiring the cherry trees, while others were capturing the moment with their phones, reveling in the full bloom of the cherry blossoms. Hamacho Ryokudo Park is near Amazake Yokocho Street in Ningyocho, where you can enjoy strolling with feeling the downtown atmosphere.
Cherry Blossom Tunnel in Shinkawa
There are plenty of excellent spots to view cherry blossoms along the Sumida River, and Shinkawa area is one of them. A row of cherry trees lines the west bank of the Sumida River between Eitai Bridge and Chuo Ohashi Bridge. Walking here feels like strolling through a tunnel of cherry blossoms.
The beautiful row of cherry trees in Tsukuda
Another fantastic place to view cherry blossoms is along the east bank of the Sumida River near Chuo Ohashi Bridge. This view is from the east end of the Chuo Ohashi Bridge, looking downstream toward the east bank. The area was teeming with many people enjoying "Ohanami" parties.
Nihonbashi Bridge in Nihonbashi
There are some cherry blossoms adjacent to Nihonbashi Bridge. The first picture showcases the cherry tree in front of Nihonbashi Police Box, and the next picture showcases the cherry tree in front of Nihonbashi Tourism Information. The cherry blossoms were a delightful sight for passersby.
In closing
Unfortunately, cherry blossoms in Tokyo will have fallen in a few days. No one can stop the cherry blossoms from falling. But that is why cherry blossoms are beautiful. If someone invented a cherry blossom that bloomed all year round, would you want to see it? I am not interested. I think Japanese people feel that cherry blossoms are beautiful because they bloom for a limited time, just like life. In northern Japan, the cherry blossoms will be in full bloom from now on. If you have a chance to visit northern Japan, I hope you will enjoy the beautiful cherry blossoms.