Flying Economy with Emirates Airlines, not a good experience

emirates logoMy sister-in-law works as a flight crew for the first class cabin in Emirates airlines. And since then, I always dream of flying with the airline not only to support her company but to experience the services of Emirates as well. So during the Golden Week holiday in Japan, we took Emirates airlines for our flight from Haneda to Paris as well as our return flight from Rome to Haneda with stop-over both in Dubai.

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Sakura 2016: Revisiting Koganei Park

Visit Date: 04/06/2016 (Best Time: early to mid April)

Koganei Park (小金井公園) with about 1,700 cherry trees planted around it is considered as one of the best Sakura Spots in Japan. The park is located in the western suburbs of Tokyo which is about 60-minutes away from Tokyo station.

The cherry blossoms in the park are already in full bloom, with some especially those that are located near the west entrance of the park are already past their peak with leaves already sprouting but are still beautiful to see.

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Sakura 2016: Showa Kinen Park

Visit Date: 03/31/2016 (Best Time: early to mid April)

Showa Kinen Park is located at the western suburbs of Tokyo, just about 60 minutes away from Tokyo station. The 163 hectares park located in Tachikawa used to be a Japanese military airbase and part of the airfield was established as a national park in 1983 as part of a project to commemorate the emperor’s Golden Jubilee.

The park has about 1,500 cherry trees located in 2 areas: one is in the Flower Tree Garden which is located to the east of Waterfowl Lake near the Nishi-Tachikawa Gate and the other is to the west of “Open Field”. The latter is the best spot for hanami parties.

Showa_Kinen_Park_01 The cherry trees create a wonderful canopy conducive for picnic and other activities.

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Sakura 2016: Shinjuku Gyoen

Visit Date: 03/30/2016 (Best Time: early to mid April)

Shinjuku Gyoen (新宿御苑) being located in central Tokyo, just about 1.5 kilometers or a short 20 minutes walk from Shinjuku Station, is one of the most popular parks in Tokyo.

The park has more than 1,500 cherry trees of more than 12 varieties which starts blooming from late March to late April or sometimes even until early May. With its long cherry blossom season, the park is also indeed one of Tokyo’s favorite and best cherry blossom spot in Japan.

Shinjuku_Gyoen_01 The blooming sakura trees adds colors to the various trees around the pond.

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Sakura 2016: Inokashira Park

Visit Date: 03/27/2016 (Best Time: early April)

Inokashira Park is a 43-hectares park located on the western side of Tokyo and sits on both Mitaka and Musashino cities. It is easily accessible via the lively Kichijoji neighborhood. It is estalished in 1917 and it is considered as one of the oldest park in Tokyo.

A large pond stretches across the park which has about 250 cherry trees lining its banks. The branches of the cherry trees spread and reflected over the water creates a stunning view during the cherry blossom season. Visitors can also enjoy the view from the water through the rented paddle and row boats.

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