The public opening of Inui-dori at the Imperial Palace, marking His Majesty the Emperor’s 80th birthday, drew many visitors again on the third day, the 6th, to enjoy the cherries at their peak. The weather was unsettled and there were showers, but the line hardly broke; 81,820 people came by closing after 3:00 p.m.
Attendance was 54,140 on the first day, the 4th, and 90,990 on the 5th. The opening lets the public walk about 750 meters from Sakashita-mon on the Tokyo Station side to Inui-mon on the Nippon Budokan side, a stretch normally closed. It began last Friday the 4th and runs through tomorrow, Tuesday the 8th. Hours are 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (entry until 3:00).
The few hundred meters from Sakashita-mon past the Imperial Household Agency buildings to Inui-mon is commonly called Inui-dori. Along it stand 58 somei-yoshino and yaezakura cherries and 33 maples. Late March to early April brings cherries; around November, autumn color. The Imperial Guard normally checks those who pass the two gates; only agency staff and related persons may use the road. Partial access has been allowed on the Emperor’s Birthday and at New Year’s public greetings; opening for cherry viewing is a first. The agency is considering a similar opening of about five days in autumn, morning to evening.
A colleague went on the first day, the 4th, in the lunch hour. The line was long, but visitors without bags were checked lightly and moved through smoothly.
After seeing the cherries and the crowds, on the way back from Inui-mon to Palaceside Building, a surprise near Hirakawa-mon: a raccoon dog (photo below). It looked this way by the stone wall and trotted off, the colleague said. A charming tanuki; it may become a favorite at Hirakawa-mon.