4. Ueno Park
Ueno is one of Tokyo’s spacious public park and most famous for the Hanami Season or the Cherry Blossom Festival. The park has almost 1000 cherry blossom trees that can be located along the central pathway, tunneling you as dawdle inside the park. You’ll be amazed by the number of people who reserve spots here even before the Hanami season just so they could have a picnic or drink sake here with friends or family to celebrate the cherry blossom festival.
Once you enter Ueno, you will see this huge pond called Shinobazu Pond. They say that this pond actually holds a great deal of history during the past as it often appears in history and in works of art. I believe the pond also hosts several types of bird and fish species but I was only about to see a raft of ducks that time around
The Shinobazu Pond
Some of the things that you would immediately see upon arriving at Ueno
I think you should know that Ueno park houses a number of museums such as the Tokyo National Museum, National Science Museum, the Metropolitan Art Museum, etc. but we only had so much time so we headed directly to one of the most famous attractions of Ueno Park, the Ueno Zoo. The admission ticket to the Ueno Zoo costs 600 Yen and is open from 9:30am to 5:00pm. The Ueno Zoo is Japan’s oldest zoo and one of its popular residents is the giant panda bear. Though this is a zoo, this place is considered one of the most famous places to observe the cherry blossom trees.
Cherry blossoms trees almost covering the sky
It’s actually kind of refreshing to enter this superb sanctuary maybe because it doesn’t exude the tourist trap vibe that we usually get in heavily crowded places. Being a local chill spot rather than a tourist attraction, it really gives off that good family atmosphere. Also, seeing all the locals just drinking and having a good time could really be contagious so if you have time, just find a spot, open a bottle of sake, and just have a great time!
5. Shinjuku Gyoen Park
Saving the best for last, Shinjuku Gyoen Park is by far the most beautiful park I’ve ever been too, hands down! Do visit during the cherry blossom season and you’ll understand what I mean when I say the “most beautiful”. For your information, the park is open from 9am to 4pm every Tuesday through Sunday. Admission only costs $2 for adults, less for students and children.
A nature’s haven in the middle of an urban jungle
I was so stunned the moment I saw the vast lands filled with cherry blossoms of different variations. Cherry blossom overload! Aside from the cherry blossoms, various types of plants and flowers scatter all over the park, each holding their own unique beauty. I tell you, this place is a paradise for photographers. Every corner that you set your eyes on, there will always be something worth taking a photo of. My camera definitely felt fulfilled that day, and I certainly was.
A photographer taking photos of the cherry blossoms
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A local family having picnic under the cherry blossom trees
Go deeper into the park and you will lots of cherry blossom trees scattered around the pond
I just love the idea of having a garden like this in the middle of a huge city
Cherry blossom trees in various shades of pink
Trust me when I say that the beauty of these Cherry Blossoms are truly unparalleled. It was, and still is, one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever laid my eyes on. So I really recommend you to visit these places if you want to have an unforgettable experience in Tokyo. There are still numerous places all over Tokyo that you could check out but in my opinion, these are really some of the best spots to celebrate the Hanami Season.
WhenInManila, just book a ticket to Tokyo, Japan during Spring season, and join in the festivities of the Cherry Blossom Festival!
Tokyo, Japan: The Search for the Best Places to See the Cherry Blossoms
