Being under lockdown seems the new normal with some countries even taking legal measures against people leaving their homes unnecessarily. So the foreign community in Japan has become more and more puzzled over the measurements taken by the Japanese government. With their laissez-fair approach putting many of us on edge…

I guess, as most of us communicate with our family and friends overseas it is hard to compute that: A. so little is being done here in Japan and B. the epidemic seems to be under control. But voices are getting louder that the Tokyo Olympic Games are to blame for it. With the financial implications for both the Japanese government and the IOC, we wonder whether this is clouding their judgment.

So why has there been no spike in cases yet?

A growing number of us ask ourselves exactly this question these days. Well, many suspect the under testing to be a strategic effort to keep numbers low, because if not the risk of losing the Olympic Games could be a consequence.

And yes, there is a lot at stake with an enormous investment and contracts to be lost, but also cultural aspects do play an important role. With the enormous promise of showcasing today’s innovative and modern japan, not delivering on this promise would ultimately be seen as a failure. And in a culture were “losing face” is a huge issue, this is one thing the Japanese would really like to avoid. The question is at what cost?

What should we do and what does reality look like in Tokyo?

The WHO’s recommendation is still the same: Test test test!

So Japan, deliberately not following this advice seems weird. And the fact that there are no strict measures on self-isolation is sending a message that things are still ok. And with many people in Japan looking for guidance from the government, it seems a dangerous game.

“We have a simple message for all countries:
test
test
test.

Test every suspected #COVID19 case.

If they test positive, isolate them & find out who they have been in close contact with up to 2 days before they developed symptoms & test those people too”-@DrTedros #coronavirus

— World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) March 16, 2020

But many of us, mainly foreigners who follow international coverage have decided to self-isolate. And rightly so are avoiding crowded spaces as well as shun restaurants and bars. Nevertheless, on the streets, reality looks very different.

For example, taking a walk in Shinjuku’s entertainment district, one does not get the feeling anything has changed. With the streets and bars full of people. It is a strange feeling. And Cheery Blossom season now being in full swing, people seem even more careless.

Although the Meguro River Cherry Blossom Festival was officially canceled this year due to COVID-19, thousands of people have visited over this long weekend… ????????#meguro #CherryBlossoms #coronavirus #SocialDistancingNow #tokyo #japan #さくら pic.twitter.com/ykCvE27mKL

— obsessedwithjapan (@obsessedwithjap) March 22, 2020

Despite the cancellation of the big cherry blossom festivals in Tokyo, people flocked in their thousands to Meguro River this weekend. And yes, it was to be expected to some extent.

But entirely unexpected was the amount of people without masks, as well as many street vendors selling flutes of strawberry champagne and other treats. A somewhat alternate reality to what is happening to the rest of the world.

Last words…

It seems as if, japan has managed to magically dodge this Global crisis, or more realistically slowed down its course. Maybe due to its naturally high hygiene standards, the nature of its low touch culture and generally healthy population.

But as we move forward, with people becoming more and more negligent, we just may be dragging it out longer or, and I hope not, be hit by it soon…

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Normally tourists and locals would already be getting excited to meet for Hanami, the traditional cherry blossom viewing party. With blankets, plenty of food and drinks ready to enjoy Japan’s favorite season of the year. But due to the recent coronavirus outbreak, this will not be the case this year. With a large number of events being canceled and many places being closed in Tokyo, it does not come as a surprise these viewings would be next. And the sad news just being confirmed, as Tokyo’s biggest Cherry Blossom events, have now been officially canceled.

Which Festivals are affected?

Maybe the most Instagram famous one, Meguro’s Cherry Blossom Festival, attracting up to 3 million people will not be held this year. It’s famous Cherry Tree-lined river will not be decorated and you will be searching for its busy street vendors.

Of course, the Trees are still there and it may still be the number 1 location to take that perfect picture. Just this year without lanterns lighting up the beautiful flowers, creating a magical experience.

And the second famous Sakura spot, I am sad to say it, is Ueno Park. This one, especially popular with locals and with up to 4 million people visiting each year probably the biggest event will be missed. Sure, you will still find people here, but just not to the extent it would normally be. And again, there will be no decorations, food vendors or additional infrastructure provided this year to discourage visitors from gathering. All in another attempt to reduce the risk of virus transmission.

Last impressions

There you have it, with these two major cherry blossom festivals being canceled in Tokyo due to coronavirus, there is little optimism that the situation will change anytime soon.

The only good news, the Cherry Blossoms will still be there for you to enjoy, either way. Maybe this time in a more quiet environment or who knows, the comfort of your own home?

The post Major cherry blossom festivals are canceled in Tokyo due to coronavirus! appeared first on Obsessed with Japan.

It is a little off the beaten track, but only a 7min walk from Meguro station. To be honest, we found this by chance. But we are sure happy we did! One of the best surprises restaurant wise in Tokyo this month!

The shop is bright, spacious and airy and the staff is super friendly! They play chilled music, the perfect place to relax.

What to eat at Go Bring Slider?

The Menu is straight forward; 1-page of hot sliders and another 1-page of cold ones, drinks, that is it. Also great, you can get them both; Eat-in and take-out! 

It is kinda mixed English and Japanese. Titles are in English, everything else is Japanese. But honestly, from the name of the slider, you will know what it is. They even have some mock-up ones at the counter. We promise unless you have allergies, you can totally do it!

As you might have guessed by now, yes we totally love this place! Why? Well other than the nice atmosphere we have at least 3 more reasons why this Restaurant is one of our favorite in Meguro:

1. All their sliders are 300¥!
2. The brioche-like, toasted bun is soooo tasty!
3. They are small enough that you can eat a few ????

What did we actually get? As this was lunch we got two sliders and a juice for a total of 950¥ and we left a very happy customer!

For anyone visiting Impact Hub, a shared office space in Tokyo. Go Bring Slider is a total must-visit, as it’s just around the corner. And you really cannot find a better place around this part of Meguro!

Web

Only Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/go_bring_slider/

Address

〒153-0063 Tokyo, Meguro City, Meguro, 2 Chome−11−9 1F

Opening hours

Tuesday to Sunday 9 am – 8 pm

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Which different blends to choose from any coffee lover will be satisfied and if you are looking for a bite to eat with your brew they do that too!

We love their lunch deals, where you have 3 plates to choose from, each around 1000¥ and you can add a beverage of your liking. For example, a late for an extra 100¥, or go all out and spend another 250¥ and get dessert. We chose the chicken rice plate, which was a decent size. The wait was quick and the food tasty. If you have a sweet tooth, try their Macarons, they are just sooo good!

The staff is super nice too and as an extra plus, the menu is in English. So really nothing can go wrong here. The restaurant itself has maybe a handful of counter seats and a few tables. It’s cozy and quite photogenic. 

Bonds Cafe is definitely our go-to place if we are in a mood for a coffee near Meguro station, so if you are in the area go check it out.

Web

https://www.instagram.com/bonds_meguro/

Address

2 Chome-13-44 Kamiosaki, Shinagawa City, Tokyo 141-0021

Opening hours

Monday to Saturday 11 am – 10 pm, Sunday 11 am – 6 pm

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