Travel to Japan Tip | Tours & Atractions
Sakura Cherry Blossom Viewing in Japan
Sakura, or the event of viewing cherry blossoms, is a symbol of Japan and been loved by Japanese people for hundred's of years. Sakura begins blooming around the end of March in Tokyo, and Japan. This seasonal event tells us that spring has arrived!
In Japan, there's a traditional custom called Hanamki, also called Ohanami, which is flower viewing in the most literal sense, but more importantly simply means enjoying cherry blossoms. The origin of Hanami goes back to 9th century Kyoto, where nobles started the trend of celebrating the reading poems while looking at cherry blossoms. In the Edo period (16th to 18th Century), Hanami turned into a seasonal event for everyone to go to view the cherry blossoms, generally to enjoy oneself by drinking and eating under the cherry trees.
Hanami is still popular to this day and there remains many famous Sakura spots in Tokyo, as well as all over Japan. You might see people in business suits having Hanami under cherry trees after work in central Tokyo.
If you come to Japan in the Spring, this is a very good opportunity to enjoy Sakura.
When to view Sakura?
The Japan Metrological Agency forecasts when the cherry blossoms start blooming every year. They forecast in accordance with the climate and the condition based on a cherry flower called Someiyoshino, the most famous kind and synonymous with all cherry blossoms in Japan. You can find the forecast from 2009 here:
http://weathernews.com/jp/c/press/2009/090216.html http://www.jma.go.jp/jma/en/News/sakura2009.html
As for Tokyo, it is forecasted that the bloom will begin around March 20th
Where to view Sakura in Tokyo?
Since Sakura is so popular, you can find them often in the towns of Tokyo, on streets, at temples, shrines, gardens etc. Needless to say, there are many spots for enjoying Hanami too.
The list below is of Sakura spots where you can reach by a 10 minute, or so, walk form a transit station. As accessibility is good, why not drop by when you go sightseeing, or shopping, in Tokyo.
Famous and Historic Sightseeing Sports
See a map of locations to view Sakura in Tokyo ...
Ueno
A famous Sakura spot in Tokyo, having 400-year history and often pictured by Ukiyoe printing. It has more than 1100 cherry trees around Ueno Park and Shinobazu Pond. Only 3 min walk from Ueno Park Exit of JR Ueno Station.
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Ueno Zoo
Sumida River Park
Imperial Palace (Chidori-gafuchi)
Imperial Palace is one of the most popular Sakura spots in Tokyo. Especially, the moat called Chidorigafuchi is famous Hanami spots and gets crowded with many visitors coming from all over Japan.
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Sotobori Park
A park along by the Sotobori moat between JR Iidabashi and Ichigaya Station. It's known for the lane with a row of 700 Cherry blossoms.
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Shinjuku-gyoen
A large park having gardens in Japanese and western style. It has 1500 cherry trees in 75 kinds. It is only 5 min walk from JR Shinjyuku station. Admission fee is required. (200 Yen)
http://www.env.go.jp/garden/shinjukugyoen/english/index.html
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Yoyogi Park
A large park with lawn having more than 800 cherry trees. Yoyogi park is next to Meijijingu Shrine and is close to Harajuku and Omotesando shopping area.
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Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine
Kawakura is known as a small Kyoto near Tokyo and has many old temples. Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine is the symbol of Kamakura. From JR Kamakura Station to this Shrine, there is a lovely lane with cherry trees.
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Sakura sports that are popular for local people in Tokyo
Yanaka Cemetery
It's been said that people who had Hanami at this cemetery first were students of Art university nearby. It is now a popular Hanami spots loved by local Yanaka people. It's only 1 or 2 min walk from JR Nippori Station.
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Asukayama
It is a bit off of the central Tokyo, but Asukayama is one of the most famous Hanami Spots that has been loved by local people since 280 years ago.
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Koishikawa Shokubutsuen(Koishikawa Botanical Garden)
The slope called Harima-zaka, starting near Myougadani station of Marunouchi Subway Line, has 129 cherry trees. You can also enjoy beautiful Sakura at Koishikawa Shokubutsuen too. Admission fee is required at Koishikawa Shokubutsuen. (330 Yen)
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Inogashira Park
A large park located in the off central of Tokyo. It has more than 600 cherry trees sounding a pond. It is about 10-min walk from JR Kichijoji station. Kichijoji is a popular residential area having stylish shops. It is about 20 min ride from Shinjyuku to Kichijoji by JR Sobu line. http://www.inokashirabenzaiten.com/english.htm
Oshima Komatsugawa Park
A park with 1000 cherry trees with10 different varieties. This park was developed about 10 years ago along the Arakawa river.
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Kasai Rinkai Park
A large park located 1 station away from Tokyo Disney Land. This park has attractions like an aquarium and a Ferris wheel as well as 600 cherry tree's of 6 different varieties. http://www.tokyo-park.or.jp/english/park/detail_02.html#kasairinkai
Meguro River Side
It has more than 800 cherry tress along the Meguro stream between Meguro and Nakameguro (next to Ebisu.). There are stylish cafes along the river where you can enjoy coffee and Hanami.
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Tachiai Douro
A 1 km long street with a long arch of cherry blossoms starting near the Nishi-koyama Station of the Tokyu Meguro Line.
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