The cherry blossoms have bloomed! What a joy to admire these trees so dear to the Japanese. This beauty is fleeting, but there are still a few days left to enjoy the spectacle that Mother Nature offers us. Here are 5 places to admire the cherry blossoms. 桜 in the Japanese capital!
In our previous article, we listed the most popular spots to enjoy cherry blossom viewing and gave you practical tips for a Japanese-style picnic. Feel free to reread that article if you're planning a hanami (cherry blossom viewing experience) (note that some parks have restricted access to their lawns and some matsuri festivals have been cancelled).
We are adding to the previous list here. Riverbanks, parks, streets: the sakura 桜 They are everywhere, to everyone's delight!
The Nakameguro River
Nakameguro is located just two stops from Shibuya. Its river is lined on both sides with cherry trees, so much so that it sometimes seems as if the trees are merging to form a walkway around the river. Stunning (but beware of the crowds)! More info here.
Edogawabashi Park
Located in Bunkyo Ward, a few stops from Ikebukuro, Edogawabashi is brimming with cherry blossoms lining the Kanda River. Tip: You can rent a bicycle to ride along the path while enjoying the view! More info here.
Inokashira Park
This time, we're heading to West Tokyo. This well-known park is the perfect spot for a picnic in the shade of the cherry blossoms. You can also rent paddle boats, but beware if you're a couple! Local legend says that any couple who paddle boats here will break up… You can combine your stroll through the park with a visit to the unmissable Ghibli Museum, which is right next door! More info here.
Shibuya Cherry Blossom Street
It might be surprising that a district as urban as Shibuya is home to a cherry blossom spot, and yet! Just a 3-minute walk from the station, the aptly named Sakuradori (Cherry Blossom Street) is a small path lined with cherry trees. The alley is quite short (about 100 meters) but it's worth a visit if you're in the area, especially in the evening when it's illuminated.
Access: 3 minutes from Shibuya station. Take the South exit of the JR station and cross the main street via the pedestrian bridge.
Kasai Rinkai Park
Less well-known to the general public, this park is the second largest public garden in Tokyo. Located in Tokyo Bay, by the sea (and not far from Tokyo Disneyland), it's the perfect place to spend a pleasant afternoon as a couple, with friends, or with family. More info here.
