Perhaps because of harsh cold, red and white plums on Umezono-zaka in the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace remain buds; visiting tourists look slightly disappointed. Yet harusazanka and camellia are in full bloom, delicately arrayed under clear blue sky in sunlight.
Get off at Takebashi Station on the Tozai Line. Cross the crosswalk before Palaceside Building to enter via Hirakawa-mon. Free admission. After strolling the East Gardens, lunch or afternoon tea at Palaceside Building is the classic course.
Closed Mondays and Fridays—a pity. Senior couples who come only to turn back with dismay are a common sight. One wishes the Imperial Household Agency would be more flexible...