In Tokyo, although the temperature rises and falls sharply on cold days with sleet, on the relatively sunny spring equinox day, I went to Shinjuku Gyoen, where the cherry blossoms are now start in best blooming time. Early-blooming varieties such as Yoko or Higan varieties are in full bloom. Takato Kohigan is a rare variety in Tokyo. Kohigan represents varieties that bloom small flowers around the spring equinox. Takto-kohigan, Takato is derived from Takato Town, Nagano Prefecture, the hometown of the Naito clan, feudal lord in Edo era, the original owner of this garden. Somei-yoshino cherry tree is also beginning … Continue reading Beginning of cherry season in Tokyo, Shinjuku-Gyoen