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Big cherry blossom tree Rikugien garden

Japan: Rikugien garden’s weeping cherry blossom tree

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” »

Little girl on shoulder Ueno park

Japan: Cherry blossoms in full bloom at Ueno Park

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” »

Akihabara road panorama Tokyo

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

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.

Space hostel building Tokyo Japan
It was situated in a neighbourhood called Taito-ku, not too far from Asakusa
Lobby Space Hostel Tokyo Japan
This is the ground floor lobby. You leave your footwear near the door and then enter
Space Hostel kitchen Tokyo Japan
The kitchen is also on the ground floor
Bunk beds Space Hostel Tokyo Japan
A bed in the mixed dorm cost me ¥3200 (Rs. 1600/€24/$27) per night
Bathrooms Space Hostel Tokyo Japan
Shared bathroom and toilets are on the same floor. Multiple shower rooms, wash basins and enough toilets for everyone.
Rooftop Space Hostel Tokyo Japan
Space Hostel’s open rooftop is where you would have to come if you wish to smoke

Based on first impressions, the hostel was very good. Of course, it’s also very new, so that helps with cleanliness.

Continue reading “Japan: Visiting Akihabara a second time, because why not?” »

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