We headed straight across the street to the Aoyama cemetery to start our hanami (cherry blossom viewing).
I really love this cemetery, it's massive with all kinds of paths and stairs leading up and down, winding through the graves and gardens. Whenever we stay at Hardy Barracks, I always like to take a walk through the cemetery. Japanese cemeteries are very different from Amercian ones, and I just think they're so interesting, not to mention peaceful. The Aoyama cemetery also has a section for foreign burials.
I've never been in the spring, and had no idea it was actually a very popular place for hanami! When I read about it online, I knew it'd be the first hanami spot!
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The big patch of green in the bottom right is the southern half of Aoyoma bochi (the tan building in the very bottom corner is Hardy Barracks)
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Entering from the south, this nice brick street runs right through the center of the cemetery. It's a very popular street for walking, jogging and biking.>
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There were lots of people enjoying picnics under the blossoms>
There was even lots of cooking on grills and propane stoves, in the cemetery!!
Mori Tower through the cemetery blossoms>
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Now I love this cemetery even more! It was the perfect start to our whirlwind Tokyo hanami tour!
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5 comments:
Hi! Thanks for visiting my blog. About the chocolate factory... I honestly don't know a lot about it, because my Japanese friend set it up for us. She just called and made a reservation, so I don't think it was difficult to get in or anything. She set it up about three weeks before we went, so there may be a bit of a waiting list. It didn't cost anything, and the factory is not far from the train station (Musashi-Urawa Station on the Musashino Line). The kids did need to have a hat or something to cover their hair, and indoor shoes. If you have any other specific questions you can email me at sueinjapan (at) yahoo (dot) com. I will do my best to annswer!
Great pics Slime! You are really getting art-sy with your pics here lately. Not so sure about having a cook out it a cemetery, but when in Rome...
Beautiful trees too. I bet the photo's don't do them justice.
What a great hanami trip. Isn't it funny the attitude towards cemeteries here? I went to a fireworks night once where we all sat on the graves!! :O
Hi slime.
I just found your blog through a search for more info on Aoyama cemetery.
It's a great place. So quiet.
I added a link to your blog from my entry. I hope you don't mind. I missed hanami by a week. Looks like it was fun there.
Jon
Thanks for linking me Jon Allen! I love Aoyama bochi! Sorry you missed the sakura! Will you be around for them next spring?
I'm hoping to get to Seoul in September, any "Must See!" recommendations?
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