Cherry Blossoms in Downtown Tokyo (#4)

Tokyo Midtown Tower was built on the land where Japan's military headquarters - think Pentagon - stood less than a decade ago. The developers, bless their hearts, set aside ten acres of that land for a park. It boggles my mind that this urban oasis is just three years old. Takako decided we ought to stroll through the park before visiting her painting at the art museum.


There are several varnished wood boxes dotted across the landscape between the skyscraper and the path leading to the park. Takako lifted the lid off one of the boxes so we could peek inside. "These are whirlpool baths. The water is turned on in warm weather so people can soak their aching feet." I file this away for future reference.



The park also offers public art, a playground, an open field, and a traditional Japanese garden with a shaded seating area.




And in Japan of course no park is complete without cherry trees.