Imperial Palace’s Inui Street Opened to Cherry Blossom Viewing

March 30, 2019

Tokyo- A throng of spectators enjoyed viewing cherry blossoms on Inui Street at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on Saturday as the street was opened to the public.

Inui Street, which stretches about 750 meters from Sakashita gate to Inui gate, is lined with 103 cherry trees of 31 varieties.

The street has been opened to the public in the cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons since 2014 to commemorate Emperor Akihito's 80th birthday in the previous year.

The latest public viewing, which will continue until April 7, is the last in the current Heisei era, which will come to a close on April 30 with the Emperor's abdication.

In view of favorable responses from visitors, the Imperial Household Agency is discussing plans to continue the event after the new era begins on May 1.

Many visitors to Inui Street expressed gratitude to Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko.

"I'm deeply impressed as I came here for the first time," Kyoko Matsumoto, 64 from Chikushino, Fukuoka Prefecture, southwestern Japan, who visited the street with her daughter.

"I'd like to thank Their Majesties for their substantial services for the sake of the people," she said. Jiji Press