Daily Photo: Winter Picnic in Shinjuku Gyoen
January 28, 2009 · Print This Article
I cannot say how many times I have visited Shinjuku Gyoen in 6 years of living in Shinjuku, t least 20. I’ve visited it in all seasons. Obviously the busiest time is hanami (cherry blossom viewing) season and the autumn foliage season. However, my personal favorite time may be in January, when even on a Saturday the park is largely empty and I can wonder about its trees and fields of dead grass unhindered by distractions. I have fond memories of other January visits. One was the last time I saw a friend and co-worker. And now, this final January visit, will also be my last visit ever to the park. It’s my favorite park in all of Tokyo by far and one of the best things about living in Shinjuku (though I wish Shinjuku Ward residents could get in for free).
About the above photo in particular, the couple in the distance were two of only a handful of people enjoying the warm-ish afternoon winter sunshine in the park that day.
KIT USED: Nikon D80 with Nikkor AF ED 80-200m F2.8D lens
EXIF DATA:
- LOST 6×12 “Everybody Loves Hugo”
- Ong-bak The Thai Warrior [2003] review
- LOST 6×08 “Recon”
- LOST 6×04 “The Substitute”
- Kiki, our newest family member
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I remember when I was leaving Tokyo. Those are some bittersweet memories.
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Jason Collin Reply:
February 11th, 2009 at 11:24 AM
Tom I’m feeling mostly sweet about leaving. After 6 years here I’ve pretty much done all I wanted to, more than once even.
The only slight bittersweet feeling is I’ve started to make some photography contacts here and I’ll have to start over in the U.S.
Other than that, I’m ready to decompress after living in a metropolis for so long.
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Many thanks for posting this – yes, the Gyoen is somewhat bleak in December, but delightful in the spring with the cherry blossom …. one of Shinjuku’s many redeeming features. I used to like the narrow street that runs round it, outside the fence, too. The ideal jogging track for Yotsuya or Shinjuku 3-chome dwellers.
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Jason Collin Reply:
February 11th, 2009 at 11:25 AM
Thanks for commenting.
Yeah, I know that road around the park, it’s nice for cycling as well. A very tranquil roadway.
I think Shinjuku Gyoen is the best place for cherry blossoms too. It’s the least rowdy major viewing area in the city.
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