An alternative to viewing the cherry blossoms is Ueno Park on the east side of the Ymanote loop. Unlike Shinjuku, admission is free, they highlight the areas of interest on the map, and for many, they allow alcohol
Here is the tree lined path that I seen many postcards are based on. It also looks like the party is still going on
Many are still setting up their tarps and cardboard for a day/night of eating and drinking under the cherry blossoms
Then theres the rest of us who came to take a look and walk amongst the pink blossoms
Off to the side, areas are set up for smaller groupd to stake their places. I cant read japanese but I think Isaw a sign about 8 people or less. Not as pleasent as being under the trees but still nice
There is path that leads across the pond that is also line with sakura
Some tents are set up in a flea market type space where vendors were selling a number of different items old and new
Bisecting the pond, the continuing path is lined with yatai. Since Ive already eaten, I wasnt going to eat anymore. All those noodles wont let me eat anymore. However, had I known ahead of time, I could have planned for it
Oden! Different items cost differently but most werre 200 to 300 yenn a piece
Some places here and there provided tables and chairs to sit on but everyone would make their own space wherever they can
Yakitori
Takoyaki
Hard to see but there are 2 directions of movement in this narrow space. Same as you would see in local traffic. Left is going, right is coming.
Ayu fish being cooked over an open pit. Few were partaking of this in the afternoon but many were huddled around it in the evening
Three different flavors of dango. Original(white) and green tea(green) but I forget the third pink one. And thats not even half of it. I didnt go down the other side with just as many stalls
Deep fried sweet potato
This area of the pond has boats you can rent to tool around the pond. Peddle boats, swan boats and row boats. The path contines with more cherry blossoms
The watercraft are in so much demand today with the sunny cool weather. It looks like all craft are in the water but the demand outpacing the supply of boats
Feed the bird that live in the city and of course they will flock to you
