Cherry blossom @Kitazawagawa footpath: March 24, 2018

Tokyo declared full open of its cherry trees today.

It is 10 days earlier than usual.

I walked around some places in Setagaya ward including Kitazawagawa footpath and  Hanegi Park  to enjoy cherry blossom.

There were many people there. People　enjoyed drinkng and eating in the Hanegi park.

The creek of Kitazawagawa footpath was covered with fresh green.

Pussy willow was also open.

They had the Vernal Equinox Day two days ago (on March 21)

It is spring.

Rapeseed flower @ Hama-rikyu Gardens: March 11, 2018

Rapeseed flower is seen as one of the symbols of spring in Japan.

It has been described in various poems and novels. Old painters drew the yellow flower. Songs covered them.

I visited Hama-rikyu Gardens to see the flower.

There spread a yellow field of rapeseed flower in the garden. I saw skyscrapers stood behind it. (See als the top photo)

Many visitors enjoyed the season.

There are ume (Japanese apricot) trees outside of the rapeseed field. fUme flowered remained.

The Gardens were originally built by one of the Tokugawa Shogun families in the 17^th century.

The pond is filled with the sea water. I found many water birds.

The surrounding areas were re-developed in the last 30 years.

Ume Blossom＠Hanegi Park: March 3-10, 2018

Beginning in late January, the ume (Japanese apricot) blossom continues through March in Tokyo.

I made several visits to Hanegi Park in Setagaya Ward.

Many people – men and women, the young and the old, Japanese and foreigners – enjoyed red and white flowers.

Dogs were also enjoying their times.

The sunshine is getting brighter. The season is turning to spring.