Iidobashi

Sakura at JR stations

Of all the sakura throughout Tokyo, I especially like the ones at train stations. The rail lines are the central arteries for transit and the core of many neighborhoods. You are always entering and leaving the stations, particularly if you do not drive.

For residential areas like Nakano, they are at the center of multiple shopping streets (shoutengai) and bar districts. They are also meeting places. In bigger districts like Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, Tokyo Station, Shinagawa, and Shibuya, the station is the central place with the tallest office buildings, hotels, departments stores, and entertainment districts, not to mention connections with suburban towns and distant cities.

Above is a cherry tree at Iidobashi station. I love how the tree is framed by the dusk sky, the office tower and street light. Below are two images of Nakano station, with its busy north exit framed by rows of pink lanterns (chyouchin) and a tree at the end of the plaza.