Cherry Blossoms are now in full bloom. There are many places to view Cherry Blossoms. One of the famous places is Kamonyama Park near JR Sakuragi-cho Station. It is on the hill of Noge, where is about 15 minutes walk from the station.
This park was built in 1885 to commemorate Ii Naosuke, master chief of Tokugawa Shogunate for his contributions to conclude the Treaty of Amity and Commerce with the United States. Following the treaty, trading seaport was open in Yokohama. The park was built on the hill of Noge where the port is observed. The statue of Ii Naosuke stands in the park looking towards the port. Unfortunately, you cannot see the port from the park as high-rise buildings in Minato Mirai district surround it now. The name of the park "Kamon" is after Ii's official title in the Imperial Court.
In the park of about 24,727 m2, about 200 cherry trees have been planted. At this time of year, people in the neighborhood come to view cherry blossoms and throw a viewing party under the trees. Some come to the park early in the morning to place a blue tarp to keep their place. They bring foods and drinks and enjoy them viewing blossoms with friends or families. It is common sight across the country.
In front of the park is Minato Mirai district. There was a shipyard in the area. Now it has been replaced by high rises and you cannot see the port from the park.
It was about 11 o'clock in the morning. Number of visitors were not many yet.
But there were some empty blue tarps or marks. That means the ground will be occupied with visitors soon.
Some come to the park early in the morning and place a tarp or draw a line to claim their territories :)
The bronze statue of Ii Naosuke is in the park. He was the master chief of the Tokugawa shogunate. He took initiates to conclude the treaty with the United States and end its closed door policy. Trading port was open in Yokohama following the treaty. He was later assassinated by a group of rebels who opposed it.