For those of you interested in a semester in Tokyo, or travelling to Japan in general, I’m sure Sakura (Cherry Blossoms) will be at the top of your Insta-worthy bucket-list.
So, I thought I’d share some of my favourite spots that I was lucky enough to visit during sakura season.
Shinjuku-Gyoen
Shinjuku-Gyoen National Garden is a premier and popular destination for Sakura viewing during the spring season (or at least, premier by the entry fee). This tranquil park in the middle of a chaotic Shinjuku is a well manicured space featuring a wide variety of over 1000 cherry blossom trees (from white to pink, and early to late blooming).
The vibrant pink and white blossoms create a serene and calming atmosphere, making Shinjuku-Gyoen a popular spot for Hanami (flower viewing – usually a picnic under the trees) for tourists and locals alike.
Please, for your sake, visit on a weekday, as the congestion during the weekends requires a ticket booking, often sold out within minutes.
About the price, don’t worry too much, as us students can proudly show our 学生証 – Gakusēshō (Student ID Card) and get a sizable discount!!
Please see the official website for more information: https://www.env.go.jp/garden/shinjukugyoen/english/index.html
Nakameguro and Meguro River
Another popular spot among Sakura lovers is Nakameguro. Taking the Red Toyoko line to Nakameguro station and you will see a crowd of people walking along the river. This area is loved by locals and toursits alike; not solely for sakura but also for the variety of stores and cafes along the riverfront. Popular spots include “I’m Donut” (no mystery what they sell) which has a line out the door within seconds of opening (akin to first years at Bar 101 during O-Week), and Starbucks Reserve. My personal favourite is the YZ Store which sells clothing from some of my favourite brands, and the Snoopy Cafe. With a variety of restaurants and cafes, Nakameguro is the perfect place for a dinner with friends, cocktails or a study date (of which I’ve had two out of three, but I’ll let you guess which).
I didn’t visit Meguro River during peak bloom, but from what I heard it was chaotic and beautiful, from bustling crowds to white blossoms adorning the trees and falling onto the road in the rain.
Kyoto
Uhhhh Cyrus.. aren’t you in Tokyo? Yeah I know, but I had the chance to visit Kyoto during the sakura season this year, and honestly, it knocked Tokyo out of the park when it came to cherry blossoms. If you get a chance, I recommend visiting Kyoto in late March/Early April, in line with the season. If you can brave your way through tourists and a few elbows to your side on a Kyoto Bus (which when packed is like the tin of sardines in the back of your cupboard that you won’t ever eat), I wouldn’t pass up the opportunity to be surrounded by sakura as you visit the variety of areas in Japan’s old capital.
Also, students can get a 20% discount on Shinkansen (bullet train) fares for distances over 100km, with a special certificate available on the university website (not just for Keio), so please make use of this on your travels 🙂
I had the privilege to stay in my friend’s house in Kyoto, near the Philosopher’s Path and Ginkakuji (the silver temple – Kinkakuji’s less popular younger sibling). Even a residential neighbourhood is littered with vibrant flowers, making every glimpse like a painting.
When visiting Kyoto, renting a bike via the Luup app was the highlight of my experience. Similar to apps in NZ like Lime or Beam, Luup allows users (with a Japanese Phone Number) to rent an electric bike or scooter. Kyoto is a bikeable city above anything else, with bus the primary mode of public transportation. It was also possible to attach my debit card to pay via the app.
Cycling among the paths of Kamogawa (Kamo-river), and sitting under the blossom trees while enjoying (?) some interesting flavoured Lawson fried chicken is a experience I wouldn’t trade for anything. So if you feel, give it a try!
My Advice
Now, while beautiful, Sakura attract Tiktokers, Instafluencers and tourists like moths to flame, so I recommend going early or on weekdays to avoid the crowds!
Don’t plan trips based on when you think blossoms will arrive. Due to prolonged cold weather, sakura bloom was delayed by around 2 weeks, leaving many tourists upset and disappointed. Please check official websites for blooming calendars.
Tiktok. Do not trust anything you see here, or at least take it with a grain of salt. Many influencers were uploading videos of previous years, claiming blooming had started, only for many to be disappointed when visiting Yoyogi Park only to find nothing (I was one of many).
Everyone is trying to get a photo, so please be considerate of others~
Most of all, have fun and get that pic!