Shinjuku Gyoen is one of Tokyo’s premier cherry blossom viewing spots, with nearly 1,000 cherry trees of more than 65 varieties planted across its expansive lawns. From the early-blooming kanzakura and Kawazu cherry trees to the final display of Somei Yoshino and double-flowered cherry blossoms, the different varieties bloom one after another. The garden combines Japanese, English landscape, and French formal garden designs, creating enchanting scenery. Every spring, visitors and local residents bring picnic blankets and sit beneath the cherry trees, enjoying food and the romantic views while taking in the feeling of spring in Tokyo.
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden | Review by Linda Liao
Other Reviews by Linda Liao
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Sengan-en
Sengan-en is a Japanese garden made for the Shimadzu family estate by Mitsuhisa Shimadzu in 1658. The grounds boast a sprawling 50,000 square meters in total. The garden itself uses the “borrowed scenery” technique, incorporating Kagoshima’s coveted spots like the volcano Sakurajima and Kinko Bay as a natural backdrop.
Sengan-en is a historic garden in Kagoshima that is well worth visiting. It was once a villa of the Shimadzu family, lords of the Satsuma Domain. The entire grounds are nestled between the mountains and the sea, skillfully blending Japanese garden design with magnificent natural scenery. As you stroll around, you can admire sights such as the Kyokusui Garden, the residence, bamboo groves, and old stone lanterns, with every corner exuding a rich sense of history. Most impressive of all is the majestic view of Sakurajima volcano from the garden. Together with Kinko Bay in the foreground, it looks like a grand landscape painting of mountains and sea. I couldn't help but envy the life of the Shimadzu daimyo, who had such an exceptionally beautiful place to live.
I also have a special attachment to Sengan-en because it was one of the filming locations for the NHK historical drama “Atsuhime.” Aoi Miyazaki's nuanced and masterful performance vividly portrayed Atsuhime's strong, intelligent, and extraordinary life, leaving a deep impression on me. Many scenes from the drama were filmed at Sengan-en. Walking through the grounds in person this time felt like stepping back into that era along with the story, adding a sense of familiarity and emotion to the garden scenery before me. If you also like “Atsuhime,” I highly recommend planning a visit to Sengan-en to experience the settings from the historical drama and the former splendor of the Satsuma Domain for yourself.
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Shin-Marunouchi Building
Among the skyscrapers of Tokyo, a commercial complex with a stylish black exterior as its basic theme stands out. It is known by the nickname Shin-Marubiru.
This modern commercial building is home to many fashionable clothing stores, lifestyle shops, specialty gift shops, and popular restaurants. You can find everything from international brands to local Japanese designs, making it a great place to shop or enjoy a meal. The building is near Marunouchi Naka-dori, an elegant and stylish street lined with many international luxury boutiques. In fall and winter, the leaves gradually turn rich shades of yellow, orange, and red, while Christmas lights add an even more romantic atmosphere. If you have a chance to visit Tokyo Station, I recommend setting aside some time to explore this area and experience Tokyo's unique urban charm.
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Onomichi Ramen Ichibankan
Onomichi Ramen specialty restaurant, located in front of Sumiyoshi Shrine along Onomichi Kaigan-dori (coastal road). It is a restaurant that originated from a product, originally sold through mail order, and which became a hot topic of conversation.
When visiting Onomichi, of course you can't miss its most iconic local dish, Onomichi ramen! It features a soy sauce broth made with chicken bones and small fish from the Seto Inland Sea, paired with chewy, flat noodles. Most distinctive are the bits of pork back fat floating on the surface, adding a rich aroma. This style can be traced back to the street food stall culture before World War II. After the war, it gradually developed into a local specialty and now has a history of nearly 100 years.
I had originally set my sights on the well-known Ichibankan, but unexpectedly found it closed on Friday, its regular day off. I had to quickly change my plans and search online for another well-reviewed restaurant, and finally decided to go to Kuukai. The classic soy sauce broth was rich but not greasy, and the thick slices of chashu paired with my favorite bamboo shoots made for a very satisfying meal. The restaurant also serves a special lemon Onomichi ramen, with a refreshing fruity aroma that adds a different flavor to the traditional broth. Only 20 bowls are available each day, so come early if you want to try it! Best of all, I was lucky enough to get a window seat, where I enjoyed piping-hot ramen while taking in the view of Onomichi Port and quietly spent a lovely lunchtime.
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