Cherry blossoms in Tokyo

Part 1: Ueno Park

Ueno Park is one of the most popular places to have cherry blossoms parties (hanami parties) in Tokyo. Early in the morning, people will lay out large groundsheets (usually blue in colour) to chope their hanami spot. The miraculous thing is that there's no need to stay there in person, no one will take your spot or move your groundsheet.

Some people even camp overnight after their hanami party

A big group having a sumptuous hanami lunch party

My uncle and I took part in a free Japanese tea ceremony. During a tea ceremony, you are basically served a sweet Japanese cake and powdered green tea (matcha), which is very thick and slightly bitter. It is a very formal ceremony with many rules to be obeyed, but this being a free one, it was very casual.

Many food stalls were also set up

Part 2: Chidorigafuchi

On the way there, we popped into the nearby infamous Yasukuni shrine. There was a long line of people outside.

Chidorigafuchi is the area around the moat of the imperial palace. Cherry trees are planted along the banks of the moat and you can rent a boat and row along the moat to admire the cherry blossoms. It's a really pretty place to go for sakura viewing.

Me rowing, my aunt and uncle enjoying the view. Despite a somewhat alarming start ("oh no, how to veer left, we're gonna crash!!"), my canoeing skills came in handy and the ride went fine...didn't lang gar at all ok

Check out this funny signboard..."it is strictly forbidden to smoke while walking"...haha, stand still if you wanna smoke!