Spring blossoms and an old-friends lunch at Inshotei in Ueno
Most of the cherry blossoms had finished by the time Haruru met friends from middle school in Ueno Park, but some weeping cherry blossoms were still there. One of her friends had booked lunch at Inshotei, giving them a quiet place to catch up.
From haruru.1002’s account shared in April 2022, edited with permission.
A little spring colour left in the park
The remaining weeping cherry blossoms were part of a pleasant day out. Haruru also saw the statue of Saigo Takamori again after many years.
Her photographs keep the walk and the meal together: the blossoms first, then the dishes laid out for lunch.
Lunch and conversation in a private room
In the private room her friend had reserved, they could take their time over lunch and talk about their school days. Haruru enjoyed each of the dishes.
She noted the bean rice and red miso soup, which came with the option of refills on that visit. The chawanmushi with sesame tofu was a particular favourite.
Fu-manju and something to take home
Dessert was fu-manju, a sweet wrapped in a green leaf, which she also enjoyed.
At the end of the outing, she gave everyone sweet-potato cake and seasonal kogomi fern shoots to take home.
Sources for this account
Haruru’s account shared on 9 April 2022. Inshotei is named in her own caption. The restaurant’s official English site is referenced for its name only; the meal and service details come from her past account.