Browse Month

June 2016

Japan: Rikugien garden’s weeping cherry blossom tree

By Mithun Divakaran
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Jun 22, 2016
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Japan, Travel

Date: 30th March 2015

The last time I tried to visit Rikugien garden, I was too late. They weren’t allowing anymore people to queue up. This time I arrived earlier, got off at Komagome Station and rushed towards the entrance. Luckily, the lines were still open.

Line to get inside Rikugien Tokyo — But the line was long — both in front of me and behind me

Sakura tree at night Tokyo city — In the mean time, I had a sakura tree across the road to look at

It took me nearly 20 minutes to get inside. There was an entry fee of 300 yen but I was happy to finally get in this time.

Rikugien garden sakura Tokyo — These are the dates for the special viewing of the famous ‘Weeping Sakura Tree’

Inside Rikugien garden at night Tokyo — It was pitch dark with only a few lights illuminating a few trees

Trees at night Rikugien Tokyo — I had my tripod with me

Rikugi-en means “Garden of the Six Principles of Poetry” — which comes from the idea of the six elements in waka poetry, while ‘en’ (as in gyuen) means garden. Continue reading “Japan: Rikugien garden’s weeping cherry blossom tree” »

Japan: Cherry blossoms in full bloom at Ueno Park

By Mithun Divakaran
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Jun 17, 2016
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Japan, Travel

Date: 30th March 2015

After I visited Akihabara for the second time, I then decided to head to Ueno Park. I had been there a few days ago, but I was disappointed to see that the cherry blossom trees weren’t fully in bloom. I worried I wouldn’t see it fully bloomed before leaving Japan.

Ueno park pathway Japan — At first glance, I assumed things hadn’t improved

Sakura trees Ueno park Tokyo — But as I walked closer, I could see some trees certainly had more flowers this time around

Ueno park shrine evening sun Tokyo — The evening sunlight was quite nice so I went up to the shrine to take some photos

Funny tree shape Ueno park — I wonder if they wrapped this tree’s trunks so that it stays in this shape

Ueno park in the evening — I love the sunlight between 4PM-6 PM, it’s great for photography

Sakura in full bloom Ueno park — As I walked further, the trees here were much bigger and thicker in cherry blossom flowers

Continue reading “Japan: Cherry blossoms in full bloom at Ueno Park” »

Japan: Visiting Akihabara a second time, because why not?

By Mithun Divakaran
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Jun 10, 2016
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Japan, Travel

Date: 30th March 2015

My second last full day in Japan. I had to make the most of it and do all my shopping today as I would be visiting Hakone tomorrow. I also had to visit Rikugien at night (after I failed to get during my first visit). But before all that, I had to switch hostels. Where I was staying, Khaosan Tokyo Laboratory, didn’t have availability for the next two nights. So I had booked at a brand new hostel called Space Hostel.