Today’s course
We will go to see “Sample Somei-Yoshino cherry tree of Tokyo ” used by the Japan Meteorological Agency to declare the blooming of cherry blossoms. We will start from Aoyama-itchome station and walk to Yasukuni Shrine. It is a one-hour walk.
Akasaka Post Office
It is a large post office located in Akasaka.
Embassy of Canada
The Canadian Embassy building was designed by a design team led by Canadian architect Raymond Moriyama, and opened in 1991.
Embassy of Canada
Japanese confectionery “Toraya”
Toraya is a Japanese confectionery founded in Kyoto in the late Muromachi period (1336-1573). 1586, Toraya was a purveyor to the Kyoto Imperial Palace, and has a history of over 500 years.1 It expanded to Tokyo in 869.
temple elementary school (during the Edo period)
Akasaka-mitsuke Station
Akasaka-mitsuke Station is served by the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line and Marunouchi Line. This is Exit A.
Benkei moat
This is an artificial moat built to defend the old Edo Castle. The stone walls are still in place, giving it the feel of the Edo period. This photo was taken from Benkei Bridge. Benkei is named after Benkei Kozaemon, a master carpenter of Edo Castle.
Kioi Terrace
This terrace is located at the Tokyo Garden Terrace.
Tokyo Garden Terrace
Akasaka Prince Classic House
This is a Tudor-style Western-style building, built in 1930 and designated as a Tangible Cultural Property by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government in 2011. It was recently renovated based on materials from the time of its construction and reborn as the Akasaka Prince Classic House, complete with restaurant and other facilities.
Kojimachi Junior High School
Kojimachi Junior High School is a public junior high school that opened in 1947, about the same time the war ended. It is said that many important figures in the political and business worlds and their teachers and students attended the school.
Yasukuni Shrine
Yasukuni Shrine is said to have been created in 1869. It is one of the largest shrines in Tokyo.
Yasukuni Shrine
Sample Somei-Yoshino cherry tree
In spring, the Japan Meteorological Agency declares the “blooming of cherry blossoms” throughout Japan. The cherry trees observed by the JMA are called “Sample cherry tree” . This tree is a “Someiyoshino,” a type of cherry tree, and is the sample tree for Tokyo. This cherry tree is located in the precincts of Yasukuni Shrine and has served as a sample tree for more than half a century since 1966. When five or six buds bloom on this tree, Tokyo is declared in bloom. After the blooming, the cherry trees in Tokyo will be in full bloom within a week or so.
