Fluttering Sakura and the Best Locations to Soak in the Dazzling Sight

 

Spring in Japan is synonymous with blooming cherry blossoms, with pink petals wafting on a breeze that carries them across quaint streets and picturesque parks. Given the significance of Sakura in Japanese culture and their poetic symbolism, cherry blossom viewing is a veritable festival in the country, with tourists and locals vying for the best spots to view them. If you’re looking to soak in the stunning yet soothing beauty of Sakura, make sure to check out these pretty areas. 

Ueno Park 

Branches swaying in the wind, shedding the petals which take root along their hardened ridges, form the idyllic landscape of Ueno Park come cherry blossom season. Bathed in hues of pink, the park is a marvel to behold when Sakura are at their peak, evoking a sense of awe in onlookers who specifically set up camp here to catch a glimpse of the magical sight. Ueno is also known for the illuminations that accentuate the beauty of this truly lovely phenomenon, reaffirming the prominence of the park’s annual cherry blossom festival. 

Shinjuku Gyoen 

Descending to drape the surface of Shinjuku Gyoen’s ponds in a blanket of pink and stirring the artistic inclinations of many, cherry blossoms are the prevalent attraction here between the months of March and April. Lounge under a cherry tree and watch the petals serenely floating by on pristine ripples or tip your head up to gaze at the blossoms sprouting along the boughs of towering stands. In close proximity to the garden is Blue Note Tokyo, where you can enjoy jazz performances after a fulfilling hanami experience.  

Chidorigafuchi                                              

Hop into a boat and glide along a tranquil waterway as numerous cherry trees loom over the glistening channel to present a postcard-perfect visage. The moat skirting the Imperial Palace has established itself as a prime hanami spot owing to the blooms that flank it. A walkway spanning its length provides plenty of opportunities for leisurely strolls amid a cascade of pink petals, and photographers will relish the chance to capture this ethereal sight that has spurred countless poets and songwriters into penning touching verses.  

Inokashira Park

While Inokashira Park is spectacular any time of the year, it is especially spellbinding during the Sakura season. Drawing hanami enthusiasts from far and wide, the park transforms into a sea of pink and white, inviting groups of people to unroll a picnic mat and unwind beneath the shade of cherry trees. Within park grounds, visitors will also find the renowned Ghibli Museum, a must-visit attraction should you happen to find yourself in the vicinity. 

Sumida Park 

Backdropped by the majestic Tokyo Skytree, Sumida Park unfolds along its namesake river and captivates visitors with a string of cherry trees adorned in blooming pink blossoms. A preferred hanami spot for many owing to its convenient location, the park is thronged by locals and tourists alike. Coming alive during the cherry blossom season, the park is also the site of the annual Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival.

Author Name
Haya Shaikh