7 Best Tokyo Hanami Spots
Spring has come. If you’re currently doing your internship or will do internship in Tokyo this spring, make sure not to miss Hanami—cherry blossoms viewing. Hanami season starts in late March and lasts about a week. The exact dates can be vary depending on the weather. That’s why it’s better to start preparing your Hanami plan. There are so many parks, streets, and rivers with cherry blossoms in Tokyo. The following are the most popular Tokyo Hanami spots.
Ueno Park
Image source: japan-guide.com
Ueno Park is one of the best Hanami spots if you want to see a huge Hanami party. Ueno Park has long been a traditional favorite and, therefore, one of the more crowded areas during the season. The park has around 1000 sakura trees lining its central pathway and surrounding Shinobazu Pond. Not to mention that it has several sakura varieties and has some trees that bloom earlier than other places around the city.
Shinjuku Park
Image source: verbalisteducation.com
Shinjuku Park is placed near Shinjuku with 1,500 cherry trees. The park has more than a dozen varieties of Sakura. It has an entrance fee and limited hours. The park rules are strict and alcohol is forbidden here. But don’t worry, there are plenty of bars and pubs in the surrounding area if you want to drinking. It's not much of a party spot and tends to attract families. If you wishing to just relax beneath the trees, Shinjuku Park will be one of the best Hanami spots. The atmosphere is calm and peaceful in this park.
Meguro River
Image source: worldfortravel.com
Meguro River is a winding river not too far from Shibuya Station. Even though there's not much party space, this place still becomes one fo the best Hanami spots in Tokyo. There are around 800 sakura trees here and the trees are lit up at night as part of the Nakameguro Sakura Festival. It's a good place for a walk. There are several shops, cafes and restaurants in the area. Plus, temporary food and drink stalls, are plentiful. It can become extremely crowded after sundown, so be sure to arrive early for optimal viewing.
Sumida Park
Image source: tripadvisor.co.za
The park stretches for a few hundred meters along both sides of Sumida River with views of the Tokyo Sky Tree. This becomes one of the best Hanami spots because it offers good views. You can also enjoy Hanami from boats that cruise the river. In the evening, the sakura tree are lit up. There are some food stands around.
Yoyogi Park
Image source: wmsaj.com
Yoyogi Park is only five minute walk from Harajuku Station. There are over 600 sakura trees in here. The park tends to be a wild spot year round and this only intensifies during sakura season. It offers a pleasant picnic opportunities. However, there are only few food stands available.
Rikugien Garden
Image source: japan-guide.com
This park is considered as one of Tokyo's best gardens. It is spacious and has great landscape. The garden extends its hours into the evening and illuminates several sakura trees in Hanami season.
Hamarikyu Garden
Image source: blog.beaconstac.com
Hamarikyu is an Edo-era garden that's centered around a large pond and surrounded by a salt water moat. The garden is also surrounded by the skyscrapers of the Shiodome business district. Hamarikyu Gardens has dozens of sakura and often holds an illumination event in season.