As Tokyo’s bone-chilling winter eases and warmer temperatures settle in, the city erupts into a splendour of powder-pink cherry blossoms. If you’re heading to the Nippon capital during this time of year, here are the top spots to participate in the Japanese custom of hanami.
Where: Sumida Park
Best For: Insta-snapping
Way back in 1717, just 100 cherry blossom trees were planted along the banks of the Sumida River; over the ensuing years hundreds more have been added and as a result, the 1.3km stretch has become one of the best places to admire the blooms. Two festivals take place annually – the Sumida Park Sakura-matsuri (runs until 8 Apr) and the Bokutei Sakura-matsuri (until 4 Apr) – and while this is one of Tokyo’s most popular Sakura destinations, you’ll be sure to find the perfect selfie spot. Go at night time to enjoy the dazzling illuminations, food stalls and lively atmos.
Mukojima, Sumida-ku
Where: Aoyama Cemetery
Best For: A serene escape
Can’t bear jostling with the selfie-stick wielding hordes? This centrally located cemetery is one of the city’s most tranquil and least crowded hanami hotspots. Okay, so it may be better known as a resting place, but it’s also bisected by a rod-straight road lined with countless sakura trees that blossom seasonally. Take a peaceful stroll around the petal-speckled headstones, or bring a blanket and settle in for the afternoon.
2-32-2 Minami Aoyama, Minato-ku
Where: Shinjuku Gyoen
Best For: Family frolics
If you’re Tokyo-bound with tots in tow, you’ll feel right at home in this sprawling green lung abuzz with local families enjoying the blossoms. A former Imperial garden, the 144-acre Shinjuku Gyoen is considered the city’s most beautiful park, and you’ll find plenty to entertain kids amid the lush gardens. Do as Tokyoites do and take a picnic – you can pick up gourmet goodies from Takashimaya department store, which is but a few metres west of the garden's Shinjuku gate entrance. Don’t miss the the picturesque Kyu Goryo Tei pavilion and be sure to go in the daytime as the park closes at dusk.
11 Naitocho / Shinjuku-ku
Where: Chidori-ga-Fuchi, Kokyogaien National Gardens
Best For: Romantic ambles
If you’re planning a spring sojourn with your beloved, up the romance ante with a float across the Imperial Palace moat in a rowing boat; Chidori-ga-Fuchi encircles the palace grounds underneath a blanket of heaving cherry boughs. Alternatively, take a saunter through the park’s east gardens and across the west bridges embellished with fabulous florals. Time your visit with dusk as come evening the flood lights switch on and the blossoms are magically illuminated.
Kudanminami, Chiyoda-ku
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