Visited Japan for 25 days in April for Spring flowers in Kanto region, followed by sakura in northern Tohoku and Hakodate. Returned to Tokyo during the second half of golden week for a break. Visited western Izu, the Open-Air Museum in Hakone and Fuji Shibazakura Park before leaving Japan.

Hitachi Seaside Park

In our original plan we had intended to visit in early May. But in this year temperatures have been warmer since late March so sakura and other spring flowers have reached full bloom 7 to 10 days earlier than average.  Based on the blooming status, we made last minute changes in early April to stay in Tokyo for few days.  This has turned out to be a right call.

While based in Tokyo, we visited this park for blue nemophila in full bloom.  Though it was on a weekday, it was quite crowded.   The park was huge and the 4.5 million nemophila were grown in Miharashi-no-oka (a small hill) of 35,000 sqm.  Though we have seen the same in other Tokyo parks, nothing compares to its scale and density.

Next we headed to the tulip fields which were gorgeous as well.  Luckily we visited in mid-April otherwise they would have pelted in late April.

===>  Part 2  ===>