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Chidorigafuchi Green Way (Chidorigafuchi Moat)

A 700-meter promenade along the moat of the Imperial Palace. Surrounded by nature so rich that it is hard to believe it is in the heart of Tokyo, it is the perfect spot for a leisurely stroll.

• Kudanshita, Tokyo Dome
• Tourist Attractions

Chidorigafuchi Green Way is one of Tokyo’s classic cherry blossom spots. When the sakura are in full bloom on both sides, walking along the moat feels like watching cherry blossoms cascade down like a waterfall. During the day, the sight of small boats gently drifting on the water is incredibly relaxing.

However, once night falls and the cherry blossoms are lit up, that peaceful feeling seems to belong only to the people out on the water. On the shore, the real photography battle is just getting started. The nighttime sakura were beautiful, but the competition for photo spots along the bank was so intense that after quickly pressing the shutter a few times, I decided to leave the battlefield early and head home!

Sagano Bamboo Grove Trail

The delightful scenery attracted noble families and poets who built their homes in Sagano. Sagano bamboo trail spans about 400m (437 yards) from Nonomiya Shrine, via Tenryuji Temple’s north gate to Okochi Sanso cottage.

• Kyoto
• Tourist Attractions

I stayed overnight in Arashiyama and happened to catch the nighttime illumination event, so I walked into the bamboo grove after dark.

The bamboo path, which is usually packed with people, was much quieter at night. Lights illuminated the bamboo along the way. When the wind blew through the grove, the bamboo kept creaking as the stalks bumped into each other. Together with the sound of light rain hitting my umbrella, it felt like a symphony of nature.

There were fewer people, but the overall atmosphere was mysterious. It’s a nighttime walk that takes a little courage.

Tokyo Midtown

Tokyo Midtown is a complex “city” featuring 6 buildings and wide spaces of greenery. This complex encompasses a variety of shops, restaurants, offices, green spaces, a hotel and a museum.

• Akasaka, Roppongi, Azabu-Juban
• Commercial Buildings

Among Tokyo’s cherry blossom spots, which one best captures the city’s urban atmosphere? I’d say it’s definitely Tokyo Midtown.
The cherry blossoms bloom right in the heart of the city, surrounded by tall buildings. During the day, they have a refined and charming beauty, and walking through the area feels stylish and elegant. But once night falls, the lights illuminate the cherry blossom avenue, reflecting beautifully with the lights from the buildings and instantly turning the scene into a dazzling cityscape.
I stayed from daytime until night and got to see the cherry blossoms in completely different moods. Every minute was worth it.

Amanohashidate Shrine

Amanohashidate, one of Japan’s Three Scenic Views, is a breathtaking natural sandbar stretching 3.6 kilometers in an elegant arc, covered with lush pine trees. Known as "Hashidate Myojin," Amanohashidate Shrine is located about a 10-minute walk from the rotating bridge and the Otenbashi Bridge, quietly nestled among the pine-lined path.

• Kyoto
• Shrines & Temples

Walking from the rotating bridge toward the long sandbar, Amanohashidate Shrine is tucked away along the path. The shrine is smaller and more delicate than I expected, but the atmosphere is wonderfully quiet. The torii gate standing by the sea felt a little lonely against the cloudy sky.

The weather wasn’t great when I visited, but walking between the shade of the pines and the sea breeze, then coming across this shrine and torii gate, actually made me feel like this kind of weather suited the place even better.

Kamogawa (Kyoto)

Kamogawa has its head in Mt. Sajikigatake, runs through Kyoto north to south, and merges into Katsura River in Toba. Near Shijo, there is downtown such as Gion on the east side and Kawaramachi on the west, the main commercial area representing Kyoto.

• Kyoto
• Nature Spots

I took a walk to the area near Shijo Ohashi Bridge on the Kamogawa River and went down the steps. The famous “evenly spaced seating” was right in front of me. Couples, students out for a walk—everyone really seemed to have an unspoken agreement to sit at just the right distance from each other.

The weather was perfect, so I joined in too. I originally planned to stay for just 10 minutes, but with the gentle breeze, chatting with my friend and zoning out while looking at the river, I ended up sitting there for half an hour. It became the most relaxing and memorable part of my trip to Kyoto.