Note that this photo is a posed shot. You are supposed to cycling anti-clockwise around the lake! Haha If you are deciding between taking the train to Kawaguchiko or driving, you can check out the car rental prices at https://www.nipponrentacar.co.jp/english/user-guide/reservations.html and train prices at http://www.hyperdia.com/ It depends on whether you’re staying overnight at Kawaguchiko and the number of people travelling. Remember to add toll fees of about ¥4200 one way. We decided to rent a car but forgot about the toll fees so it ended up being more expensive. I’d say if you’re staying for one night and there are at least 3 of you, renting a car is a good option. If there are two of you and you want more freedom to move around (such as going to neighbouring places like Oshino Hakkai, Chureito Pagoda, Yamanakako etc) it is also better to rent a car. You should also be warned that traffic is congested upon leaving and arriving at Tokyo. We parked our car at our ryokan Kozan
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Tokyo Hanami
花見 hanami literally means flower-viewing and it's a really big deal in Japan. When I saw it for the first time, I can totally understand why 桜の美しさが日本人の心を捕らえる (the beauty of sakura has captured the hearts of Japanese). No words can describe the beauty of an entire park in full bloom or 桜吹雪 sakura fubuki sakura petals raining on you.
Here are some of my favourite Sakura-viewing spots in Tokyo =)
1. Chidorigafuchi Park 千鳥ケ淵
Chidorigafuchi Park near the Imperial Palace has got to be my number one hanami spot. The palace moat, lined with sakura trees, transforms into a dreamy pink stream when the petals fall onto the water surface. You can also rent and row your own boat along the moat to enjoy a different view of sakura. Definitely highly recommended!
It's rather strenuous!
Melody enjoying the view from the boat
Nearest station:
10 min walk from Kudanshita station
You can couple the trip there with a visit to the Imperial Shrine of Yasukuni Shrine that commemorates those who perished in service of Japan in wars (including WWII hence the controversies surrounding this shrine).
Picnic: no
2. Aoyama Cemetery 青山霊園
At Aoyama Cemetery, you can enjoy rows of sakura without the crowd since most people find it rather morbid. Initially I felt the same way but to my surprise, it was not morbid or eerie at all but really peaceful and surreal. An added bonus is finding the resting place of Hachiko, where he is finally reunited with Professor Ueno.
No photobombers
Hachiko's grave
Nearest station:
10 min walk from Gaienmae station
Picnic: please, no >.<
3. Meguro River 目黒川
Between Naka-meguro station and Meguro station is a breath-taking 2km stretch of sakura trees lining Megurogawa. It is best to arrive just before it turns dark to enjoy the magnificent sight before the meguro river sakura festival 目黒川桜まつりillunimation at night. We started from Naka-meguro station at about 4:30PM and strolled all the way to Meguro station where there are restaurants (the famous Afuri ramen is there) you can dine in.
Nearest station: Naka-meguro station and JR Meguro station
Picnic: no
4. Sumida River 隅田川
The sakura view from Sumida River is quite spectacular because you can capture Tokyo Sky Tree in the same frame. You may even opt to rent a kimono at Asakusa and stroll along the river in style. There are cafes along the river where you can take a break and enjoy a cuppa while admiring the sakura.
Nearest station: 10 min walk from Asakusa subway station Picnic: yes but it seems that you need to reserve spots with special mats. 5. Shinjuku Gardens
If you're looking for picnic spots, Shinjuku Gardens offers the best picnic experience in my opinion. Thanks to the sprawling compound, you can definitely find a nice spot to enjoy your obento and sakura viewing. After the satisfying meal, you can continue strolling around the vast garden to enjoy different varieties of sakura.
Nearest station:
10 min walk from JR Shinjuku station
Picnic: Yes! Highly recommended! You can buy food from Shinjuku station or convenience stores along the way or even at the garden itself.
6. Ueno Park With more than 1000 sakura trees, it's no wonder that Ueno Park is one of the top spots for hanami and picnic. It is super crowded but everyone respects one another's space so it's OK.
Not a homeless person but some lowest ranking sarariman (salary man) tasked to reserve a spot for the department hanami picnic... poor thing... haha
Nearest station: 5 min from JR Ueno station
Picnic: yes!
7. Hama Rikyu Imperial Garden 浜離宮恩賜庭園
We stayed at Tokyo Conrad and this garden was just across the road from the hotel. It's not as luscious as Ueno Park or Shinjuku Gardens but if you want some peace and quiet away from the crowds, this park is a nice place to chill and enjoy sakura-viewing.
Note that this photo is a posed shot. You are supposed to cycling anti-clockwise around the lake! Haha If you are deciding between taking the train to Kawaguchiko or driving, you can check out the car rental prices at https://www.nipponrentacar.co.jp/english/user-guide/reservations.html and train prices at http://www.hyperdia.com/ It depends on whether you’re staying overnight at Kawaguchiko and the number of people travelling. Remember to add toll fees of about ¥4200 one way. We decided to rent a car but forgot about the toll fees so it ended up being more expensive. I’d say if you’re staying for one night and there are at least 3 of you, renting a car is a good option. If there are two of you and you want more freedom to move around (such as going to neighbouring places like Oshino Hakkai, Chureito Pagoda, Yamanakako etc) it is also better to rent a car. You should also be warned that traffic is congested upon leaving and arriving at Tokyo. We parked our car at our ryokan Kozan
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