O
n our first day in Tokyo, we headed first to Chidori-ga-fuchi Park to see more of the sakura. The average full bloom of the cherry trees in Tokyo started earlier than in Osaka. Hence, when we reached the city, the flowers are already starting to shed its petals.
That doesn’t make it any less beautiful though.
You see, sakura is a huge thing in Japan for several reasons. Locals gather and enjoy hanami (sakura viewing) with families and friends. Activists employ them for propaganda. Many festivals and celebrations take place during the blooming season. The flowers are used in any form of art — painted on walls, drawn in anime and manga, or designed in kimonos and dinnerware!
My most favorite part is that sakura flowers symbolize the momentary nature of life. It reminds us that every beginning has an end. And that life is short, but it can still be both beautiful and meaningful. Sounds poetic, isn’t it?
Depending on the weather, the sakura flowers only last for about a week. When strong winds start blowing, thousands of cherry blossom petals fall from the trees like snow. It’s a breathtaking view that makes it all even more special!
Come sunset, we rented a boat and cruised along the moat of Chidori-ga-fuchi. Looking up at all those cherry trees dangling over the water surface is a whole different kind of fairytale. It’s beautiful beyond words. It felt like we’re having our own romantic “The Notebook” moment.
I always feel grateful for moments and experiences like this. When we’re not traveling, my introvert self just loves staying at home. And most of the time, we’re both occupied with work and errands. So it’s really precious when the hubby and I get to spend time together without distractions.
It reminded me of us talking about how we wanted to consciously fill our lives with memories and moments like this because we don’t know what tomorrow will bring. ❤️
Chidori-ga-fuchi Park is a short walk from Kudanshita Station (5 minutes). It attracts a lot of tourists and visitors, and it’s one of the prettiest viewing spots for cherry blossoms in Tokyo.
Boat rental is 500 yen for 30 minutes. Opens from 11:00 to 17:30.
Sakuras make everything beautiful down to the last petal, don’t you think? :)
