Lakbayer – Page 11

Autumn 2015: Karuizawa

Visit Date: 11/01/2015 (Best viewing Time: mid October to early November)

Karuizawa is an upmarket mountain resort situated at the foot of the active volcano, Mt. Asama in Nagano Prefecture. The town is surrounded by various mountains with different trees like birch, lark, and pine trees giving it a breezy atmosphere. It also boast iconic architecture such as the Mikasa Hotel, Karuizawa Stone Church and St. Paul Church as well as natural scenery like the Shiraito Waterfall, Kumoba Pond, Onioshidashi Park, and Usui Observation deck.

Karuizawa is one of the popular autumn destination as it possesses a beautiful foliage.

Karuizawa A beautiful autumn spot along the Kumoba pond.

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Autumn 2015: Showa Kinen Park

Visit Date: 10/09/2015 (Best viewing Time: early November to early December)

The Showa Memorial Park 昭和記念公園 located in Tachikawa, which is about 60 minutes from Tokyo Station, is a massive park that is very popular in spring and autumn. The park has gorgeous flowers particularly sakura (cherry flower), tulips, and poppies in spring and vibrant fall colors.

As of today, the park has already started to show autumn colors, although still at the very early stage. The cherry trees have turned orange while some of the maple trees are starting to turn orange and the ginkgo trees are already showing some yellow.

Showakinen_2015-10-09_01 Cherry trees along the dry canal.

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花火 Hanabi 2015 – Summer Fireworks Festival

Hanabi Matsuri or Firework Festivals are held all over Japan during the summer season as it had been a fundamental part in Japanese culture. Firework displays give color to the night sky and create a lively summer season. The festive atmosphere attracts hundred of thousands of spectators coming from all over the country and visitors as well. Most Japanese men and women attend this event wearing the traditional yukata, summer kimono or jinbei.

Below is a list of some of the 2015 Hanabi schedule:

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Sakura 2015: Showa Kinen Park

Visit Date: 04/05/2015 (Best Time: early to mid April)

Showa Kinen Park which is just about 60-minutes away from central Tokyo is indeed one of the best hanami spot with its 1,500 cherry trees and spacious lawns. The cherry trees in the park bloom a few days later than central Tokyo too, so it was at its peak during our visit.

Due to the ‘cloudy with some rain’ weather forecast, there were not much people picnicking in the Cherry Blossom Garden during our visit and we have plenty of space to choose from.

People picnicking and having fun around the clusters of cherry trees.

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Sakura 2015: Aoyama Cemetery 青山霊園

Visit Date: 04/02/2015 (Best Time: early April)

Aoyama Cemetery (青山霊園) is Japan’s first public cemetery. The straight road leading to the cemetery is lined up by hundreds of cherry trees. The area may be associated with the dead but observing the blooming cherry trees from a cemetery provides a unique experience.

The cherry trees along the side of the road are in full bloom.

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