On my way back from visiting an accounting office in Kudanshita, I stopped by Yasukuni Shrine. This was just a few days after I had been to Chidorigafuchi over the weekend.
By the way, do you know how the official cherry blossom blooming declaration is made in Tokyo? The Japan Meteorological Agency uses a designated sample tree located within the grounds of Yasukuni Shrine. The “blooming day” is announced on the first day when at least five or six blossoms are open, while the “full bloom day” is declared when about 80% or more of the buds have opened.
And here it is—the famous sample tree itself. To my surprise, it wasn’t such a large tree.
After Yasukuni Shrine, I also dropped by Chidorigafuchi, which I had just visited recently.
Since it was a weekday evening, the area was relatively quiet. Perhaps it would have been much more crowded once the illumination started.
All in all, I was able to fully enjoy the cherry blossoms in full bloom this year. Hopefully, I’ll be able to go out for hanami again next spring.