Japan, Tokyo Part 2: Shinjuku Gyoen National Park

We didn't want to waste a second of our two days in Tokyo so after visiting Harajuku, we headed straight to Shinjuku Gyoen National Park. We planned our trip around cherry blossom season but you never know if the blossoms will open early or late that year or if you'll miss them altogether. We were lucky in Tokyo as the blossoms were just opening while we were there. Gyoen National Park was beautiful, I took a million photos and only left at 5pm because security guards were yelling through megaphones for us to leave as the park was closed! I apologise if this blog post is cherry blossom overload. It was a luxury to not have children with me and to be able to take my time taking photos. 

I even thought the little cherry blossom buds were beautiful.

The pinks were so vibrant, especially against the overcast sky we had that day.

The crowds were huge, full of tourists and locals picnicking under the trees.

This was one of my favourite settings

As the sun started to set, the light coming through the trees was beautiful (we were being yelled at to leave by this stage!).

We didn't go home from here - we got into a taxi and went straight to a lantern festival. Another joy of not having children travelling with you is that you can keep sight seeing all day and not have to stop for meals, naps, tantrums, snacks etc etc.