Somei-yoshino cherry blossoms in the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, Kitanomaru Park, Chidorigafuchi, Yasukuni Shrine, and other spots around Palaceside Building have bloomed as if impatient for spring. On the 6th a chill returned—temperatures like late March. Sunny weather is expected for the 7th and 8th weekend, with considerable crowds anticipated.
In Kitanomaru Park, separate from Somei-yoshino, beni-shidare branches bear literally crimson five-petaled flowers. Beni-shidare is a selection from Edo-higan with weeping branches and deep flower color. Many ancient and famous trees exceed a thousand years. In Tokyo they begin blooming from late March.
Famous beni-shidare include Miharu Takizakura in Koriyama, Fukushima, suffering from the nuclear disaster, and one at Hoonji in Motomiya.
Around the Imperial Palace—the so-called Palaceside—flowers are in full bloom, spring at its peak. University entrance ceremonies proceed daily at Budokan; passenger traffic has surged at Tokyo Metro Kudanshita and Takebashi stations. Though the 8th is Sunday, Palaceside Building opens specially. Use first-floor and basement-first-floor shops for lunch or tea time.