4 Places to experience the tradition & magic of cherry blossom season in Japan
The cherry blossom season is a magical time for families to visit Japan. It’s a great way to see the beauty of this country, awash in the delicate, pink petals of the Japanese cherry tree, or sakura. The anticipation builds well before the season begins with retailers selling everything cherry blossom, including sakura lattes, donuts, snacks, and even sakura ice cream! Flowers first bloom in the south (Okinawa) in late March; the trail of pink pushes north (Hokkaido) by early May.
KidTripster Tip: Did you know that the original cherry trees planted around Washington D.C.’s Tidal Basin were a gift of friendship to the people of the United States from the people of Japan back in 1912? For more on seeing those blossoms, click here.
Tradition calls for co-workers, family, and friends to gather on mats under the sakura blooms for a picnic, or hanami. You’ll see many people enjoying the blossoms in parks and public gardens during the season. It’s even considered good luck to have a cherry blossom land in your drink! Grab a mat at the local 100 yen store, pack a picnic, and experience the centuries-old tradition of hanami with your family.
Here are my recommendations for the best bloom experiences for families visiting Tokyo.
1. Ueno Park
One of many beautiful places to view sakura is Ueno Park in Tokyo. The annual Cherry Blossom Festival is held each year in late March to early April with over 600 cherry blossom trees in all their glory. Don’t miss the nighttime sakura viewing with the illumination of 1,000 lanterns.
At the park, you’ll also find the 35-acre Ueno Zoo with over 200 animals (including giant pandas!), as well as the National Science Museum which has a fabulous kids’ play area; tickets are free but must be secured in advance.
Shinobazu Pond is a relaxing place for families to catch their breath and take pictures. The large natural pond is partially covered in lotus plants. You can rent swan boats for a small fee.
The University of Japan, the country’s top university and equivalent to Harvard, also is found within the park.
2. Imperial Palace
The Imperial Palace is located in central Tokyo and is home to the Emperor and Empress of Japan. Free tours of the Palace are available in Japanese with English audio; the tour is best suited to older children. Reservations must be made in advance through the Imperial Household Agency’s website. Strolling through the grounds is a perfect way to spend some tranquil time surrounded by sakura trees and Japanese history.
Another popular spot for cherry blossom viewing is Chidori-ga-fuchi, one of the 12 moats surrounding the Palace.
KidTripster Tip: All this walking around will surely make both young and old thirsty and hungry! There are vending machines located everywhere you turn on city streets and parks. Don’t hesitate to use them. Beverages from hot coffee to water to apple juice (some even have beer!) range in price from 80 to 130 yen. Japan also has many French bakeries easily found on street corners. For a small amount of yen, your family will be fueled for more sightseeing! To be honest, my three kids enjoy the snacks at least as much as the blossoms!
Want other suggestions for Japanese Eats? Check out our KidTripster Teen’s favorites here.
3. Meguro River
Meguro River is a top hanami spot in Tokyo for viewing night sakura, or yozakura. With over 800 sakura trees lining the concrete canal, it’s a beautiful spot for photos. The famous Nakameguro Sakura Festival is held here every year in early April. Vendors sell pink sparkling wine and appetizers.
4. Roppongi Hills
You’ll find many cafes, restaurants, and movie theaters (with English subtitles) in this trendy section of Tokyo, called Roppongi Hills. If you’d like to see the cherry blossom from a different vantage point, you can take the free elevators to the top of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Offices building (TMGO), which has two towers and two observation decks on the 45th floor. The Park Hyatt Tokyo, the hotel featured in the movie Lost in Translation, is also nearby. Stop by a “sushi-go-round” for a cheap, fun way to eat sushi from a conveyor belt. It’s easy to order in English and an experience you’ll never forget!
KidTripster Tip: All these prime blossom venues are easily assessable via Tokyo’s uber efficient subway system.
Janet Wagner Youtt is a Honolulu, Hawaii-based writer and mother to 17-year-old twin daughters and a 13-year-old son. As a Navy spouse, she has had the opportunity to live all over the USA and most recently, spent two years in Japan teaching English to Japanese students. She’s an instructor in the Wet Hens sailing program, which teaches military spouses to sail.
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