Visiting Tokyo in Cherry Blossom Season: What to Know and Where to Stay
The annual Tokyo cherry blossom festival is an unforgettable sight to behold. Whether you plan to visit Japan for personal or professional reasons, it is always wise to make the most of what these spring events have to offer.
Understanding Cherry Blossom Season in Tokyo
So, what exactly is the cherry blossom event? This is a unique time of the year when cherry blossom trees throughout Tokyo begin to bloom, resulting in an unforgettable sight that brings the city to life. Countless tourists travel to witness such a fleeting experience, and knowing where to stay is just as important as appreciating when to arrive. We will examine these topics immediately below.
When to Visit for the Best Cherry Blossom Experience
We should note that a cherry blossom bloom will only last for between seven and 14 days. So, it is crucial to create a travel itinerary accordingly. Most experts agree that arriving in late March (immediately before the festival) is the best way to ensure that nothing is missed.
Top Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots in Tokyo
Readers may be interested to learn that the cherry trees will bloom in different times throughout Japan. We will obviously be focusing on Tokyo (and the surrounding local destinations) for the sake of this article.
Ueno Park
Ueno Park is an excellent location to consider, as a food festival is held here during the same time as the cherry blossoms bloom. We recommend Ueno Park if you are hoping to discover the culinary nuances of Tokyo during your stay.
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
In terms of variety, Shinjuku National Garden aims to please. There are more than 60 species of cherry blossom trees within its confines, and a large greenhouse is the best way to avoid any inclement weather.
Meguro River
The Meguro River emerges from the Nakameguro district and offers a convenient viewing spot not far from Tokyo city center. This is also a perfect location to walk along one of its many bridges and even plan an entire day's adventure with the family.
Chidorigafuchi Moat
While it is possible to walk along the shores of this river, there are also boat tours that can provide an entirely unique perspective of the cherry blossoms in all their glory. Note that many choose a boat excursion to witness hanami, a cultural pastime that will be discussed a bit later.
Sumida Park
Sumida Park is a final recommendation, and this area is often cited as one of the most unique places for tourists to experience firsthand. Sumida Park contains over 500 well-maintained trees, and visiting here during a cool April evening will also provide amazing panoramic views of nearby Tokyo Skytree.
Where to Stay in Tokyo During Cherry Blossom Season
We can now see that there are a number of ways in which you can view this breathtaking festival. However, it is also important to explore your different accommodation options so that no unexpected surprises take place during your upcoming adventure. Let's delve a bit deeper.
Best Neighborhoods for Cherry Blossom Sightseeing
The good news is that, theoretically, it is possible to stay in many different areas throughout Tokyo. However, some neighborhoods are more convenient than others when it comes to viewing the cherry blossom festival with ease. We will now examine some popular viewing locations.
Asakusa
Asakusa is a nice option for those who hope to avoid the throngs of tourists found throughout the city center. Asakusa is divided by the Sumida-gawa River, and could be the best location if you will be taking a family trip to Tokyo.
Shibuya
Shibuya is considered to be one of the most modern Tokyo hubs, and it is known for its bustling business district. This borough will provide a host of public transportation options to reach all of the cherry blossom festival locations mentioned in the previous section.
Ginza
Ginza is known for its Western-themed shopping district (one of the first in Japan), and the hotels here tend to be reasonably priced. There are also a number of international restaurants here if you happen to be looking for a taste of home alongside traditional Japanese culture.
Recommended Hotels and Ryokans
There are many options when it comes to accommodations in and around Tokyo. These are generally classified as hotels and "Ryokans". Ryokans are traditional Japanese inns, and they often provide a more immersive cultural experience. Hotels are instead mainly geared towards the international travel community. Having said this, quality boutique hotels boast the best of both worlds. As a general rule of thumb, Ryokans tend to be slightly more expensive than boutique hotels, a practical concern for those who happen to be on a budget.
Cherry Blossom Festivals and Events
Regardless of the boutique hotel you choose, the sheer number of cherry blossom events provides plenty of ways to enjoy the city in style. As these festivals take place between March and April, they can also accommodate different travel plans. Let's move on to highlight some popular options.
Ueno Sakura Matsuri
This first Tokyo cherry blossom festival will provide visitors with an up-close-and-personal view of no fewer than 800 blossoming trees. Each tree is lit with a traditional Japanese lantern, so get ready for a truly mesmerizing experience.
Nakameguro Sakura Festival
Also known as the Meguro River Cherry Blossom Festival, this event takes place between 29 and 30 March. Food trucks, lanterns that float down the Meguro River, and even live sumo wrestling are some notable highlights, certain to punctuate any trip. This is also an excellent way to discover the nuances of Japanese culture.
Chiyoda Cherry Blossom Festival
The Chiyoda Cherry Blossom festival is one of the longest-running events; spanning from 12 March to 23 April (although these dates are subject to change). One interesting possibility involves renting a small sailboat that can be used to view the blossoming trees nestled along the Chiyoda moat.
Participating in any one of these events is an excellent way to become familiar with the culture of Japan. The local attendees are quite friendly, all venues are found within close proximity to the city, and they can certainly contribute to a visit that provides lifelong memories.
Tips for Planning Your Trip
Now that we have examined the cultural and aesthetic aspects of the annual Tokyo cherry blossom festival, it is time to discuss some practical options so that no problems are encountered during your trip.
Booking Accommodation and Flights in Advance
We should first stress that the Tokyo cherry blossom festival attracts millions of visitors every year. This is why reserving flights at least eight weeks in advance is the best way to encounter flexible itineraries.
This is just as true when discussing choosing where to stay. While the city of Tokyo may represent a convenient option, remember that you can visit other cities to obtain an even more well-rounded travel experience. Furthermore, boutique hotels in Kyoto and other surrounding cities may actually be less booked when compared to Tokyo properties.
Navigating Tokyo During Peak Season
The sheer size of Tokyo can be daunting for first-time travelers. The best way to ensure a smooth trip is to stay at a hotel that is relatively close to the cherry blossom festivals that you hope to attend. It could also be wise to download an app that displays a map of Tokyo before your adventure begins.
Local Customs and Etiquette During Hanami
Hanami (cherry blossom blooming in Japanese) is steeped in culture, and Tokyo citizens are extremely proud of these annual festivals. This is why etiquette is important. Be mindful of others' personal space, never litter, and (naturally) respect the natural environment.
Experiencing Hanami: The Art of Cherry Blossom Viewing
Another factor to keep in mind involves the personal significance of the Japanese cherry blossom festivals. Cherry blossom trees are said to represent new beginnings, hope, and the decidedly ephemeral definition of life itself. This is why Japan treats these gatherings with such reverence.
What to Pack for Cherry Blossom Season
How can you plan your adventure while taking the weather into account? Similar to other countries within the Northern Hemisphere, this time of the year can usher in brisk spring days and chilly evenings. Rain is also not out of the question. So, be sure to pack a variety of clothes, paying particular emphasis on layers. An umbrella may also be wise to include in your luggage. As you will likely walk considerable distances, a pair of comfortable shoes is also important.
Enjoying Japanese Cuisine During Cherry Blossom Season
Taking a day to discover Japanese cherry blossom festivals will surely work up an appetite, and local cuisine is a great way to satisfy this hunger. We will now examine a handful of popular Japanese foods.
Seasonal Delicacies to Try
While there are many dishes to enjoy, a few will appeal to tourists from all destinations. These include Sakura Mochi (cherry blossom leaves wrapped around rice), Sakura Manju (freshly cooked buns topped with red bean paste), and Sakura Taiyaki (a sweet cake baked in the shape of a fish). You can also ask Tokyo locals for additional advice or search online for further inspiration.
Picnic Ideas for Hanami
Picnics during the hanami season are understandably popular, and you can enjoy plenty of locations throughout the city. Some venues to explore in greater detail include Ueno Park, Sumida Park, and the shores of the Meguro River. Once again, do not hesitate to try local foods sold by street vendors. There are plenty of palate-tempting flavors to discover!
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Tokyo in Cherry Blossom Season
Do Japanese cherry blossom trees always bloom on time?
Japan's cherry blossoms tend to bloom between late March and early April. However, weather conditions may slightly affect this window.
Will I have to pay to attend the annual Japanese cherry blossom festivals?
The majority of festivals are open to the public at no cost. When in doubt, navigate to the official website of the event in question to learn more.
What types of public transportation are available in Tokyo?
Like other modern cities, you can access options such as buses, taxis, and train services. Bicycle rentals are additional options if you are looking for more of an adventure or you wish to explore nearby surroundings.
