Oh, hanami: 3 spots to enjoy cherry blossoms in Tokyo like a local
If you’ve ever travelled to Japan in spring, chances are you were there for the beautiful cherry blossoms that come fleetingly between late March to early April. But these flowers are not just a device for tourism—many living in Japan take part in what is known as hanami or ohanami (お花見) which means “flower viewing”. A typical ohanami looks like a group of people getting together for a picnic under the sakura trees, and because spring is synonymous to new beginnings in many facets of Japan, having a hanami is a wonderful way to get to know your new counterparts, as well as to reunite with old friends and family.
It’s mankai (full bloom) in Shinjuku Gyoen! (Image credit: JR East / Kobori Akio)
No doubt that places like Shinjuku Gyoen (新宿御苑), Yoyogi Park (代々木公園), and Ueno Park (上野公園) are the usual popular spots for hanami in Tokyo, but if you’re looking to skip the crowds, here are three other spots—as recommended by our local friends in Tokyo—to enjoy the transient blooms of sakura in the lesser-known areas of Japan’s capital city.
1. Asukayama Park (飛鳥山公園)
(Image credit: JR East / Kobori Akio)
First up on our list is Asukayama Park in Kita Ward (北区 Kita-ku), known as the area’s long-time top spot for hanami—here’s a 350-year-old ukiyo-e by artist Kitao Shigemasa (北尾 重政) depicting three women having a tea party under the sakura trees in this very park! Despite being the area’s top spot though, it is still one of Tokyo’s best kept secrets as it shies away from the typical tourist crowds. Asukayama Park is situated within a minute’s walk away from Oji Station (王子駅 Ōji-eki), and it is home to more than 650 sakura trees that turn the park into shades of pink and white during springtime.
(Image credit: JR East / Kobori Akio)
One of the park’s most exciting features is the monorail that one can take up to the park free of charge. Apart from the greenery, Asukayama Park is home to a few museums and even has outdoor exhibitions of old train and tram models like the retired Toden 6080 and the D51853 steam locomotive train.
(Image credit: JR East / Kobori Akio)
Train enthusiasts will also find another good reason to visit Asukayama—the park’s close proximity to shinkansen and regular train tracks also means that there is a train-viewing deck atop the park that offers great vantage views for fellow toritetsu.
Asukayama Park (飛鳥山公園)
Address: 1-1-3 Oji, Kita-ku, Tokyo 114-0002
Nearest station: Oji Station (王子駅)
Access: 1-minute walk from the station’s South Exit
Opening hours: 24 hours
Admission fee: Free
Tel: +81 3-3908-9275
2. Sumida Park (隅田公園)
(Image credit: JR East / Kobori Akio)
Sumida Park may not be the first park that comes to mind for hanami or spring—this park is usually much more popular in summer when the Sumida River Fireworks Festival (隅田川花火大会 Sumidagawa Hanabitaikai) takes place. But this scenic park that stretches along both sides of the Sumida River (隅田川 Sumidagawa), has always been one of the local favourites for hanami, with many Tokyoites from this generation and before frolicking under the 450-over blooming cherry trees for centuries.
(Image credit: JR East / Kobori Akio)
Besides, which other riverside park in Tokyo is able to give you spectacular views of Japan’s tallest skyscraper amongst cherry blossoms? The Tokyo Skytree (東京スカイツリー) peeking brashly between the sakura trees offers great photo opportunities, even more so when both trees are lit up at night. If enjoying a hanami isn’t quite your thing, you can opt for a ride on the waterbus along the Sumida River and cruise alongside hanami-goers.
Sumida Park (隅田公園)
Address: 1 Hanakawado, Taito-ku, Tokyo 111-0033
Nearest station: Asakusa Station (浅草駅)
Access: 5-minute walk from the station
Opening hours: 24 hours
Admission fee: Free
Tel: +81 3-5246-1321
3. Ikegami Honmon-ji Temple (池上本門寺)
(Image credit: mymotherinjapan)
Not quite a park but equally popular amongst locals for hanami is Ikegami Honmon-ji Temple. Its complex is located in central Ota Ward (大田区 Ōta-ku), a 10-minute stroll from Ikegami Station (池上駅 Ikegami-eki). The temple dates from the end of the 13th century, when famed Buddhist devotee Nichiren Shonin (日蓮聖人 The Sage Nichiren) constructed the religious site. While much of the original structure was destroyed during an air raid on 15 April 1945, the complex still boasts several buildings dating back over four centuries.
(Image credit: mymotherinjapan)
In early spring, the traditional Japanese garden on the temple’s edge is a hidden spot for cherry (桜 sakura) and plum (梅 ume) blossoms. The temple holds several events throughout the year, including a spectacular lantern festival from 11–13 October that commemorates the date of Nichiren’s passing. For the rest of the year, the grounds are a quiet escape for local residents from the bustle of the surrounding city.
Ikegami Honmon-ji Temple (池上本門寺)
Address: 1-1-1 Ikegami, Ota-ku, Tokyo 146-8576
Nearest station: Ikegami Station (池上駅)
Access: 10-minute walk from the station
Opening hours: 24 hours
Admission fee: Free
Tel: +81 3-3752-2331
With travel restrictions to Japan still in place, experiencing hanami can seem like a dream especially for those of us living in hot and humid Singapore. But what if I told you that we’re celebrating hanami right here in Singapore?!
Ohanami Night at JAPAN RAIL CAFE
JAPAN RAIL CAFE Singapore is throwing an Ohanami Night party on 12 April (Tuesday) and you are invited! It’s been a while since physical events were held in-cafe (27 months, in fact), so why not get together for this special night? Participants just need to simply sign up ($20/pax) at this Peatix link and visit JAPAN RAIL CAFE at 6–8pm to receive a Chirashizushi Ekiben, a glass of Mutsu Hassen Sake (陸奥八仙), and a goodie bag of snacks and door gifts!
Chirashizushi is a springtime specialty of scattered sushi, and the ekiben that you receive will be in the shape of a cute ALFA-X experimental shinkansen case which you can bring home! And for those who are missing the sakura season, there will also be a mini presentation on hanami and a kanpai session!
Ohanami Night at JAPAN RAIL CAFE
12 Apr (Tue), 6-8pm
$20 nett per pax
You may wish to join anytime between 6-8pm. However, please be seated by 6:50pm if you wish to join the presentation.
Tickets here | RSVP here
Let’s embrace the celebration of spring with these hanami spots in mind!
Header image credit: Kobori Akio / @mymotherinjapan
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Sue Lynn
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