Hikarigaoka Park cherry blossoms in 2017
Hikarigaoka Park was my new place for cherry blossoms in 2017. Going there broke a tradition I once had. You see, until that year, I went to Shinjuku Gyoen at the start of the season. Every photographer in Tokyo went there, and so did I. It was my image of perfection because I didn’t know any better. But this time, I wanted something different.
It was pure Tokyo suburbia. Look at it on a map. It is in the middle of a sea of houses. Inside are tennis courts, a baseball field, a running track, a bird sanctuary, a gymnasium, and a kyudo range. It’s the kind of place where the locals hang out. They walk there, jog, kick a ball around with the kids, or even have a picnic. Once they finish, they go to the coffee shops at nearby malls. You wouldn’t find anything manicured there.
In spring, it changes. The focus moves to the cherry blossoms. I think you know. Japanese people love them. That’s to be expected because the trees are quite pretty. They look a little different to Shinjuku Gyoen’s, though.
Anyway, on the day I went, people were having picnics under Hikarigaoka Park’s cherry blossoms. The weather was nice and warm. It was a good afternoon. Unfortunately, the trees weren’t at their best.
I looked at these pictures again several years after I took them. Bicycles were everywhere. It made me realize how important they are. They are easier to use than cars for most people. Due to various reasons, most cars won’t be in a garage at the owner’s house. They’ll rent a spot somewhere.
Your car will only be a short walk away if you are lucky. I’ve also known people who had to catch trains to get to them, so they only use them on special occasions. Whichever case, for short trips, bicycles are far easier to use.
If you have ever been to Hikarigaoka Park to see the cherry blossoms, please let me know your thoughts. Of course, if you have been to any of Tokyo’s festivals for these lovely flowers, tell us that too. Questions and comments can always be left below.
Where are the Hikarigaoka Park cherry blossoms?
They are in Hikarigaoka Park. It is a ten-minute walk north of Hikarigaoka Station, which is on the Toei Oedo Line.
Rohan Gillett
Rohan has lived in Tokyo for 30+ years. He loves photography and okonomiyaki. Rohan walks the city in his free time.
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Article-related websites:
- Hikarigaoka Park (official website)