As we’d previously visited the main sights of Tokyo on the way back from Oz a few years ago, our main aim (well Janet’s) was to see the cherry blossom (sakura) in bloom.
We decided to stay closer to Haneda airport between the city and Yokohama, as both were on our list. We were pleasantly surprised to find ourselves in a little suburb where everyone cycled on the carless streets, there were small shops and an abundance of small restaurants. We picked busiest 1 ( normally a good sign ) ordered 2 huge ramen, a gyoza, and 2 beers for less than £17. Bet you couldn’t do that in London.
So just 40 minutes on the train and we were in Central Tokyo. Our first evening we went to see the cherry blossom lit by lanterns along the Meguro River. It was really busy at the bridge so you had to wait your turn for your Insta banga shot but as we wandered along the river it became a more pleasant experience.
The next day we took a train 30 minutes out to Yokohama to see the place described in Lonely Planet as quaint with some old historic buildings. It is huge!
There is an odd original building remaining from before being heavily bombed in the war, but mostly very modern tower blocks. The harbour area had some nice park areas with cherry blossom trees so it was a nice walk.
We liked the idea of the park made on top of the cruise terminal.
China Town was pretty big with lots of weird and wonderful food on offer and we finished off the day with a craft ale tasting which proved to be quite strong (always a bit of a risky on an empty stomach).
Back to the cherry blossom hunt on our last day, we headed to the Imperial Palace East Gardens (nothing special) and onto Kitanomaru National Garden for the oblgatory picnic under a cherry blossom tree (we did find the best French bakery for an amazing baguette).
Next we walked around the Chidorigafuchi Moat which was sign posted for one way walking traffic and had lights set up the whole way along for evening viewing. It was very pretty and because mid-week, not too busy to enjoy the beauty.
If you didn’t mind a VERY long queue you could take a boat ride or a romantic swan pedalo!
We were happy to settle for photos of the boats. Hanami really is a huge attraction to both foreign tourists but also to many locals too. Some make it into a huge party but others take time to reflect on the fragility of life, a reminder we should savour every moment, as life can be taken away as quickly as the sakura blossom ends.
