Parks and Sakura Viewing in Tokyo
Hanami (cherry blossom viewing) is a uniquely Japanese pastime. It also happens to be one of many free things to do in Tokyo.
I mentioned the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, Yoyogi Park, Sumida Riverside Park, and Hama Rikyu Gardens above, all of which are great hanami spots.
The most popular hanami spot in Tokyo is Ueno Park. It may be worth clearing your whole day to spend here because the huge park has museums, temples, and even a zoo. There are regular free walking tours in Ueno Park — check the schedule here to join a tour.
Even though it’s on the small side, Happoen Garden packs a lot of punch. There’s a koi pond. There’s a bonsai area with plants that are hundreds of years old. There’s a tea house where you can take part in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony for only 850 yen. If you’re lucky, you may even spot a wedding taking place here.
In the mood for something regal? Do your sakura viewing on grounds of the Tokyo Imperial Palace. The royal family does use this palace, so access into the inner grounds is restricted. However, the palace is surrounded by a big park, complete with a moat called Chidorigafuchi where you can rent a rowboat and enjoy the view while floating on the water.
Loved it! We’ll be in Tokyo next week, very handy! Thanks!
You’re welcome! Have fun in Tokyo. :)
This is super helpful with ideas and maps! This is going to help us big time in how to spend our time in Tokyo! Thanks so much for putting this together!
My pleasure, Megan! I did so much research for my own trip to Tokyo that it would’ve been a waste to not write it all down and share it. :)
I absolutely love your guide and will follow it during my stay in Tokyo next August. All the best in the world for you :)
Thank you, Paulina! Glad you like it! :)
Hello, I love you blog. How many hours did it take to visit places in 1 neighborhood? For example, all the places you mentioned to visit in Shibuya. I am going to Japan next week for 4 days. Thank you :)
Hi Leanna, I’m not sure if this will reach you in time, but it depends. The route in Shinjuku, for example, would take a whole day, especially if you go shopping or sit at a bar for a couple of hours. For me the other routes take maybe half a day, so I could do two neighborhoods if I spend the entire day exploring. It gets tiring though, so bring good walking shoes!
Thank you for this guide !
It will be very useful :)
Glad to have helped! :)