The cherry blossom is an event in Japan. It takes place in spring, during a single week of the year, since the flowers are so ephemeral that fall from the trees without even have withered. The Japanese revere them because they say they represent the beauty and transience of life. And that is why they pay them tribute in the party called Hanami, which involves meeting with family and friends and having a picnic or walk at the foot of the cherry trees.
If you are lucky enough to travel to Japan in April, and will coincide with the week of cherry blossom, these are the best places in Tokyo where you can contemplate and celebrate your own Hanami :
- Ueno Park: is one of the most famous and lively places in Tokyo to see the cherry blossoms. Every year , from late March to early April, coinciding with the Cherry Blossom Festival , various events are held and is rich in animation.
- Shinjuku Imperial Garden (Shinjukugyoen): has more than 1300 cherry trees of 65 different species. The good thing is that having so many species, flowering lasts longer, so you will be able to enjoy it for almost the whole month of April.
- Sumida Park: the largest concentration of cherry trees is on the banks of river Sumidagawa, among Sakurabashi and Azumabashi bridges. It is a very popular place for locals to celebrate the festival from late March to early April.
- Showa Kinen-koen Park: located on the outskirts of Tokyo (can be reached with JR Ome Line) it contains about 1,500 cherry trees of 31 species. It is especially nice the " Garden of the cherry " (Sakura -no- sono), situated at the central area of the park. The good thing about this park is that besides the cherry, you can also contemplate other species like tulips, which bloom at the same time.
- The moat of the Imperial Palace (Chidorigafuchi): there is a 700m walk which is truly spectacular. It is located northwest of the Imperial Palace (about 5 min walk from Hanzomon or Kudanshita stations). In addition, you can take a boat and see them directly from the water. During the celebration of the Festival the pier is open at night .
- The Meguro- gawa river: there is a walk of about 4km between Horaibashi and Tenjinbashi bridges where the cherry on both sides form a pale pink bow that closes over the water. During the Cherry Festival in Nakameguro (early April), the lanterns are lit and the walk is really nice.
