Trip Report: Brand New Hyatt Regency Amsterdam

After navigating the crowded Amsterdam Metro, I arrived at the newly opened Hyatt Regency Amsterdam, which is located in the Plantage district, a residential area on the outskirts of downtown Amsterdam.

Upon checking in, I was informed that the lounge was still not opened. Instead I was offered a voucher for two drinks and a “snack” for my stay. Drinks in the mini bar were also complimentary. Considering the voucher was given once per stay, I considered this arrangement inadequate.

When inquiring about an upgrade to the Regency Suite, which is a benefit for Globalists, I was told there were no rooms available which was a bit odd considering the hotel was actively selling the Regency Suite on Hyatt.com

Trip Report: Cherry Blossoms At Shibuya Crossing & Rikugien

The bright sunlight hit my face as I woke up on my fifth day in Tokyo. With the temperature rising to low 70’s, much of Tokyo was finally starting to be in full bloom. As my dad was arriving into Tokyo around noon, I met up with a friend and headed to Rikugien, one of Tokyo’s most famous gardens, which had a gigantic weeping tree at its entrance.

Although there were only a few cheery blossom trees, the aesthetic design of the garden was spectacular, and I’d highly recommend anyone visiting Tokyo to stop by.

Day 5- Cherry Blossoms at Shibuya Crossing & Rikugien

The bright sunlight hit my face as I woke up on my fifth day in Tokyo. With the temperature rising to low 70’s, much of Tokyo was finally starting to be in full bloom.

As my dad was arriving into Tokyo around noon, I met up with a friend and headed to Rikugien, one of Tokyo’s most famous gardens, which had a gigantic weeping tree at its entrance.

Visitors admire large weeping cherry trees in full pink bloom, with branches supported by poles, at Rikugien Garden.

Although there were only a few cheery blossom trees, the aesthetic design of the garden was spectacular, and I’d highly recommend anyone visiting Tokyo to stop by.

A scenic view of Rikugien Garden with a pond, trees, and a small bridge under a blue sky.

White cherry blossoms bloom by a pond in Rikugien Garden.

Surprisingly, the garden was only moderately full, but by the time I left at around 10, there was a line forming outside filled with eager Japanese retirees. 

A uniformed Japanese police officer directs pedestrians on a sunny city street.

Line control officer- only in Japan

Afterwards, we headed to Asukayama Park, a local park containing hundreds of Cherry Blossoms located adjacent to one of the main rail arteries in Tokyo.

A winding garden path is lined with vibrant red bushes and delicate cherry blossom trees.

People admire blooming cherry blossom trees in a sunny park.

On the way up, you could see the JR trains & Shinkansen rolling past, with the blossoms providing a unique backdrop.

Cherry blossom branches frame a view of a green bullet train passing an elevated station with city buildings behind it.

The park was quite crowded with locals pouring out to enjoy the good weather and already early risers had set up their blue tarps to reserve the prime hanami spots for later on.

People relax on blue tarps beneath blooming cherry blossom trees in a Japanese garden.

I then headed back to the hotel to link up with my Dad, who just arrived from Narita. After a quick shower, we headed Chidorigafuchi, located on the moat surrounding the Imperial Palace.

A river filled with colorful boats flows between hills covered in cherry blossoms, with a city skyline in the distance.

Compared to my visit a few days ago, the blossoms were near full bloom and the crowds had swollen considerably. 

Cherry blossoms frame a moat with boats and people walking on the bank.

A smiling man with a camera stands among a crowd of people admiring cherry blossoms in a park.

I’d recommend avoiding coming to the area during the afternoon, as it’s so crowded that you’ll find yourself staring at more people then blossoms.

One of my bucket list items for our trip to Japan was to rent a boat to get a close up view of the blossoms along the moat. Facing a line that stretched over two hours, we decided to come back first thing in the morning.

Crowds of people stroll along a riverbank lined with cherry blossom trees in full bloom.

Get there early!

As we kept walking down the moat, the crowds thinned out considerably and finally we were able to soak in some of that Sakura Magic without being pushed around.

Cherry blossom trees surround a dark sculpture of three figures in a park.

A child plays on a playground under blooming cherry blossom trees with city buildings in the background.

People in business attire gather for a hanami picnic under blooming cherry trees.

Hanami

The chilly evening soon arrived and we went to Shinjuku’s infamous Kabukicho district. The bright lights compete for the viewer’s attention on the bars, restaurants, shops, and other seedier forms of entertainment.

A bustling Shibuya street scene at night, illuminated by colorful neon signs and large digital billboards.

A busy street in Tokyo's Kabukicho district at night, illuminated by a large red archway and numerous neon signs, with people crossing.

After our brief pit stop in Shinjuku, we headed to Shibuya’s famed Habicho pedestrian crossing. The Cherry Blossoms were starting to make an appearance, which made for some spectacular pictures!

Shibuya Crossing at night, illuminated by numerous bright billboards with people crossing the street.

Cherry blossoms in bloom at night over a bustling Shibuya Crossing, surrounded by bright neon signs.

Tip: Head to the nearby Starbucks for an unparalleled view, a small scene was shot from here in Lost In Translation.

A man holds a Starbucks drink, looking out a window at the illuminated Shibuya Crossing at night.

We ate dinner at Genki Sushi, a conveyor belt sushi place known for its REALLY cheap sushi, of questionable quality. Honestly, I felt like we should have splurged more, as the Sushi while palatable, was certainly no different than sushi in the states, albeit at a much cheaper price (two pieces of nigiri start at 100 yen).

A man uses a tablet to order food at a conveyor belt sushi restaurant.

As my dad had an early flight in, we headed back to hotel after dinner to catch some shut eye. My Dad’s first day in Tokyo had been hectic, but he said he felt he was in a type of wonderland, before passing out within 30 seconds. 

Trip Report: Sumida Park Cherry Blossoms

My friend left Tokyo early in the morning and with my dad flying in tomorrow, this meant I’d spend the day alone in Tokyo. With temperatures set to peak at a relatively balmy 61 degrees Fahrenheit (17 Celsius), I headed to Sumida Park, which is located in the northern part of Tokyo next to the Skytree Tower.

The blossoms were in complete full bloom within the park itself, and there was even an elderly man playing the Shamisen, a type of Japanese stringed instrument used to play folk songs.

Day 4: The Old Man and the Shamisen – Sumida Park Cherry Blossoms

My friend left Tokyo early in the morning and with my dad flying in tomorrow, this meant I’d spend the day alone in Tokyo. With temperatures set to peak at a relatively balmy 61 degrees Fahrenheit (17 Celsius), I headed to Sumida Park, which is located in the northern part of Tokyo next to the Skytree Tower. 

Tokyo Skytree rises above Sumida Park, where people enjoy the full bloom of cherry blossom trees.

The blossoms were in complete full bloom within the park itself, and there was even an elderly man playing the Shamisen, a type of Japanese stringed instrument used to play folk songs.

Sumida Park's cherry blossom trees in full bloom line a winding path with buildings in the background.

A Japanese couple in traditional wedding attire holds celebratory signs under cherry blossoms.

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Afterwards I headed to the riverside, which was flanked by almost fully blossomed cherry trees.

People walk along a path lined with blooming cherry trees and pink lanterns next to the Sumida River.

Children play on a wooden playground in Sumida Park under cherry blossoms, with the Tokyo Skytree in the background.

Tokyo Skytree towers over the Sumida River with a bridge, boats, and cherry blossoms along the bank.

The good weather seemed to lift everyone’s spirits, and I noticed the usually quiet atmosphere filled with joyous laughter from locals eating and drinking while enjoying Hanami.

People gather under cherry blossom trees with pink banners along the Sumida River.

I then headed to Chinzanso Garden, located along the Kanda River, which is relatively off the typical tourist trail.

Cherry blossoms bloom over a tranquil pond in Sumida Park, with a stone lantern and modern buildings in the background.

A traditional Japanese pagoda stands beside a cherry tree in full white bloom in a park.

The garden itself was nothing to special, as it had just a handful of cherry trees, but the Kanda River was flanked by two sets of fully bloomed trees.

Cherry blossoms line both banks of a canal in Sumida Park, with city buildings in the background.

Cherry blossom trees in full bloom line both sides of a canal, reflecting in the water.

The best part was the absence of tourists and the massive crowds that filled Tokyo’s more famous attractions.

Sumida Park cherry blossoms arch over a canal, with pink lanterns on the bank.

Sumida Park cherry blossoms in full bloom line a river with urban buildings in the background.

Afterwards I headed back to the hotel, as I didn’t bring a jacket and the temperature does drop once the sun starts setting. Overall, my stroll reminded me of a couple scenes from the movie Lost In Translation, and was a nice change of pace from frantically rushing from place to place.

Trip Report: Cherry Blossoms At The Imperial Moat (Chidorigafuchi) & Shinjuku Gyoen

It’s quickly becoming clear that there’s just no way of escaping the crowds in Tokyo. The main entrance to Sinjuku Gyoen was backed up for a couple hundred meters due to the draconian “security” check and the lack of manned counters.

The trees are in various stages of the bloom cycle, so the garden should be a good place to go if you’re coming a couple days after the full bloom.

Day 3: Cherry Blossoms at the Imperial Moat (Chidorigafuchi) & Shinjuku Gyoen

It’s quickly becoming clear that there’s just no way of escaping the crowds in Tokyo. The main entrance to Sinjuku Gyoen was backed up for a couple hundred meters due to the draconian “security” check and the lack of manned counters.

A large crowd of people queues at the entrance to Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden with bare trees and blooming cherry blossoms.

Insider Tip: To skip the long lines at the main gate, head to the Sentaguya entrance instead.

The trees are in various stages of the bloom cycle, so the garden should be a good place to go if you’re coming a couple days after the full bloom.

A lush garden with a pond, blooming cherry trees, and city buildings in the distance under a clear sky.

Unlike Ueno Park, there was plenty of space to stroll around, and the crowd density was noticeably lower.

Many people enjoy a sunny day in a wide park filled with blooming cherry blossom trees.

Many people admire cherry blossom trees in full bloom in a park, with a tall city building behind them.

A man stands in a park under blooming cherry blossom trees.

A large cherry blossom tree frames a park filled with people picnicking.

A large cherry tree in full bloom frames a park scene with people and other blossoming trees under a bright sky.

I’d still recommend coming right when the garden opens or arriving at 4:00 PM, as the crowds start heading for the exits.

Afterwards, we headed back to central Tokyo to stroll around the Chidorigafuchi area near the Imperial Palace.

Chidorigafuchi Imperial Moat lined with blooming cherry blossom trees.

Cherry blossom trees overhang the Imperial Moat, where people are rowing boats.

Many boats on Chidorigafuchi Moat, with banks covered in cherry blossoms and a distant city skyline.

There was an event going on nearby, and as a result pedestrian traffic came to a standstill due to the sheer mass of people trying to cross.

At night, the blossoms are illuminated, making this an extra special place to take a loved one. As you keep walking down the path lining around the Imperial Moat, the crowds do slowly thin out.

Boats on Chidorigafuchi Moat beneath blooming cherry trees.

People boat on the Imperial Moat under blooming cherry blossom trees.

We even spotted a local painter enjoying the landscape.

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Various couples were braving the wind and rented out paddle boats to row around the moat

Boats on the Chidorigafuchi Imperial Moat lined with blooming cherry blossom trees.

30 minute rentals are 800 yen, and the line looked quite reasonable.

Blooming cherry trees line the Chidorigafuchi Imperial Moat, where people enjoy paddle boats and walk along the banks.

Most people turn around after the boat entrance, but I’d recommend walking further down the river towards Hanzomon Station. 

Cherry blossom trees blooming around a pond with two statues, backed by city buildings.

People having a picnic on blue tarps under cherry blossom trees in a park.

Japanese Ingenuity 

A park playground sits beneath large trees full of white cherry blossoms.

As the sun began to set, we headed to the famous Shibuya pedestrian crossing to warm up.

A large crowd of people with umbrellas crossing a wet city street at night.

A person walks across a wet city intersection at night, surrounded by brightly lit buildings and neon signs.

Overall, the Chidorigafuchi is by far one of the most picturesque places for Sakura spotting. I’ll definitely head back in a few days when the blossoms are in complete full
bloom.

Trip Report: Cherry Blossoms At Ueno Park

The sun finally came out and Tokyo was finally treated to a bit of good weather. We decided to spend the afternoon at Ueno Park, where the Cherry Blossoms have almost reached full bloom. While the blossoms were gorgeous, let’s just say the crowd levels were a bit high.

Remarkably, the well mannered Japanese found a way to orderly move along the main pathway. As you snail along the main passageway, you’ll notice the side areas filled with the locals picnicking under the trees, known as Hanami. Numerous stands nearby were selling local food & drinks, we ended up snacking on various pieces of delicious Yakitori.

Day 2: Cherry Blossoms at Ueno Park & Yasukuni Shrine

The sun finally came
out and Tokyo was finally treated to a bit of good weather. We decided to spend the afternoon at Ueno Park, where the Cherry Blossoms have almost reached full bloom.

Crowds gather around a stunning weeping cherry blossom tree in full pink bloom at Ueno Park.

White cherry blossom branches hang over a park scene under a blue sky.

Crowds admire a large, blooming pink weeping cherry blossom tree in a park.

Delicate pink cherry blossoms bloom on tree branches.

White cherry blossoms blooming next to ornate traditional lanterns.

While the blossoms were gorgeous, let’s just say the crowd
levels were a bit high.

A large crowd walks under blooming cherry blossom trees in Ueno Park.

A path crowded with people beneath blooming cherry blossom trees.

A man gestures on a crowded city street with blooming pink cherry blossom trees and buildings in the background.

Crowds, Crowds, and
more Crowds

Remarkably, the well mannered Japanese found a way to orderly move along the main pathway. As you snail along the main passageway,
you’ll notice the side areas filled with the locals picnicking under the trees,
known as Hanami.

Crowds of people picnic under blooming cherry blossom trees in a park.

A large group of people having a hanami picnic under cherry blossoms at Ueno Park.

Numerous stands nearby were selling local food & drinks,
we ended up snacking on various pieces of delicious Yakitori.

Crowds of people and food stalls under blooming cherry blossom trees.

A street food vendor cooks various meat skewers on a large griddle.

For those not willing to camp out, the sitting area behind
some of food stands is your best bet to eat under the Cherry Blossoms.

Eating under the #cherryblossoms, while drinking a #Suntory #Highball. A great way to celebrate #sundayfunday at #uenopark in #Tokyo #Japan. #travel #picoftheday #tokyocameraclub #ueno #topmiles

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After a few hours, we headed to the Yasukuni Shrine. As
expected, the shrine was also packed with locals.

Large bronze torii gate at Yasukuni Shrine with many people below.

At least you’re able to take a closer look at the various
trees inside the shrine without being pushed by a herd of people.

Cherry blossoms in full bloom surround a traditional Japanese shrine building at Yasukuni Shrine, with visitors nearby.

Cherry blossoms bloom over a traditional Japanese shrine roof against a blue sky.

White cherry blossoms bloom from a mossy tree trunk, seen from below against a blurred sky.

Blossoms on a tree
trunk!

The temperatures do plummet once the sun goes down, so I’d suggest
bringing something warm along, even if the weather is perfect during the
afternoon.

Overall, it was no surprise that there was a sea of people at all major sites in Tokyo on a beautiful Sunday afternoon. However, the
atmosphere was amazing and it was nice seeing the usually stiff locals letting
loose.

A smiling young man in a denim jacket uses an outdoor charging station.

Nothing brings out a
smile like a selfie stand

Trip Report: Lost in Sakura – Chasing the Cherry…

Greetings from Tokyo! I’ve come to Japan for my second attempt at chasing the elusive and stunning cherry blossoms (known locally as Sakura) for the next two weeks. Usually there’s a bit of a time gap between taking a trip and actually post my trip report, but this time I’ll be posting a few of my favorite Sakura photos from each day in Japan.

Although the season started officially on March 21, it seems that I’ve arrived in Tokyo a few days early, as most of the trees have yet to blossom. However, a few places in Tokyo have already reached full bloom.