Sunday the 8th was slightly chilly yet perfect hanami weather with cherries in full bloom. Famous cherry spots across the city were packed. Many held back last year after the earthquake; this year they came out in force, and every group was in high spirits.
On the final day of Chiyoda Ward's "Chiyoda Sakura Festival," crowds gathered at Yasukuni Shrine, Chidorigafuchi, Kitanomaru Park, the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, and other renowned spots. Groups spread blue-sky parties in plazas and open ground, or lounged on vinyl sheets admiring blossoms.
Chiyoda Ward ran free shuttle bus "Sakura Festival-go" toward Jimbocho, Kudan, and Takebashi on the 7th (Sat.) and this day, scheduled every 15 minutes. On the 8th, Meiji University's entrance ceremony at nearby Budokan caused traffic jams on the route and delays. Still hugely popular—many buses ran full. At the new Palaceside Building stop "Takebashi
Mainichi Newspapers Front," long lines formed and some were left behind. Palaceside Building opened specially; restaurants, cafes, convenience stores, and many shops served hanami visitors.