Along with the chrysanthemum, sakura (桜 or cherry blossoms) is one of Japan’s most famous flowers―and one of the most-loved. Also the flower embossed on the back of the one hundred yen coin, sakura trees bloom for all of around one week out of the whole year–even less if it rains. Every year, traditionally between mid-March to mid-April, explosions of pale pink cascade through the country, south to north, leaving a trail of delicate petal confetti. This fleeting beauty is not only appreciated but also celebrated in Japan, where people lay out picnic sheets underneath the blossoms to enjoy leisurely lunches. Called ohanami (お花見), the activity literally translates to flower-viewing and can occur during the daytime and at night if trees are specially lit. Yozakura (夜桜) or night-time cherry blossoms are stunningly picturesque―even slightly eerie―and are not to be missed.

With the 2008 ohanami season right around the corner, it’s time to dust off those picnic mats and start packing you favorite snacks and beverages! Keep in mind that not all places allow alcohol or even eating (many places are strictly for walking through and enjoying the blossoms), and that you’ll want to bundle up as it’s still quite chilly. Here are Spinshell’s recommendation within Tokyo, so gather around with family and friends and take part in this once-a-year celebration!

Kokuei Showa Kinen Koen （国営昭和記念公園）

Address: 3173 Midori-cho, Tachikawa-shi
Nearest station: Nishi-Tachikawa station (JR)
Tel: 042-528-1751
Open: 9:30 － 17:00
Notes: Bathrooms available, pets allowed.
Why we recommend it: This park is about as big as London’s Hyde Park (about 40 times bigger than the Tokyo Dome). There are play areas for children, routes for bicycles and a Japanese garden with bonsai exhibitions.

Ueno Onshi Koen (上野恩賜公園)

Address: Ueno Kouen, Taito-ku
Nearest station: Ueno station (JR)
Tel: 03-3833-0030 (Ueno Tourist Federation)
Open: 5:00 － 23:00
Notes: Bathrooms available.
Why we recommend it: If you want to see yozakura, this is the place. There are bonbori paper lanterns lit at night to add to the atmosphere. Some recommended spots for ohanami are along Sakura-dori (桜通り, near the fountain) or the inner-garden of the Tokyo National Museum (国立博物館 or Kokuritsu Hakubutsukan)(separate admission fee). Another great spot is alongside the Shinobazu-no-ike (忍ばずの池 or Shinobazu Pond) or, during the day, on it: Rent a rowboat and enjoy the view!

Photo courtesy of Mr. Hajime Suga

Inokashira Onshi Koen (井の頭恩賜公園)

Address: 1-18-31 Goten-yama, Musashino-shi
Nearest station: Kichijyoji station (JR), Inokashira Kouen station (Keio)
Tel: 0422-47-6900
Open: All the time
Notes: No eating/drinking anywhere after 22:00. Bathrooms available, pets allowed.
Why we recommend it: Unfazed by the fast-paced changes of the city, stepping into this 90 year-old park will transport you back in time. You can row boats in the large pond; the park is also a great place to check out local artists and performers exhibiting their work. Kitchijoji is also a fun neighborhood to explore.

Sendaiborikawa Koen (仙台堀川公園)

Address: From Higashisuna 1-chome to Toyo 6-chome
Nearest station: Minami Sunamachi station (metro)
Tel: 03-3647-3312 (Koto City Department of Business, Commerce and Sightseeing)
Open: All the time
Notes: Pets allowed, allowed to reserve places in advance.
Why we recommend it: The largest hydro-park in Tokyo, hundreds of sakura trees are planted along a boulevard about 900 meters long. This park is a popular destination for both daytime and nighttime ohanami.

Photo courtesy of Koto City Public Relations and Public Hearing Division

Koganei Koen (小金井公園)

Address: 1-13-1 Sekino-cho, Kotganei-shi
Nearest station: Koganei station (JR). From Koganei station, take the Seibu bus headed for Kiyose Station South Exit (清瀬駅南口”Kiyose Eki Minami-guchi”) and get off at Koganei Koen East Exit (小金井公園西口 “Koganei Koen Nishi-guchi”).
Tel: 042-385-5611
Open: All the time
Notes: There is a barbeque area. Bathrooms available.
Why we recommend it: The 50-plus year old someiyoshino cherry blossom tree (ソメイヨシノ) at the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum (江戸東京たてもの園前広場 or Tokyo Edo Tatemono-en-mae Hiroba) is magnificent when in full bloom.

Shiba Koen（芝公園）

Address: Shiba Koen 1-4 cho-me, Minato-ku
Nearest station: Shiba Koen station (metro)
Tel: 03-3431-4359
Open: All the time
Notes: Bathrooms available, pets allowed
Why we recommend it: Shiba Koen has one of the best views of Tokyo Tower in the city. Go at night to fully enjoy the awesome view of pale pink petals against the neon orange tower.

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Related articles:

1. Finding Cherry Blossoms
2. Edible Sakura
3. How to find places in Japan by address
4. Ladies Day
5. Shaken or Stirred: Tokyo Gentlemen’s Guide

Tags: cherry blossom viewing, ohanami, parks in tokyo, picnic, sakura

This entry was posted on Wednesday, March 19th, 2008 at 21:32 and is filed under You Should Know. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.