Cherry Blossom season in Tokyo: Places to have a Hanami picnic

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I am not someone who is aggressively researching gardens on my travels but Tokyo Cherry Blossom season changes you. It seems that everyday I find a new reason to never leave Japan but the last few months sealed the deal. It consisted less of crowded tourists and more of serene, peaceful, and gorgeous places to have a Hanami picnic.

What is Hanami?

Hanami in Japan is the custom of viewing and admiring flowers. Hanami often includes having a picnic below the trees with food and drinks. If you plan to partake on your trip to Japan, Japan monthly web magazine has some great items to bring and rules to respect those around you. This tradition is over 1,000 years old and is still widely practiced today.  Not only is it relaxing and breathtaking but the meaning behind Sakura is pretty powerful and a great reminder to all of us. Cherry Blossoms bloom for a short amount of time, being a metaphor for how fleeting life can be. It is so much more than a picnic beneath trees, but a time to be in the moment, in the now. How many of us need to be more present? *Waves hands widely*.

A time to be still, eat amazing food and appreciate the beauty and life around you? Sign me up.

Hanami Picnic Spots

How much time do you have? Because in my opinion, they are all around you! (Not in a creepy way). I was walking to a coffee place a few weeks ago and just about shouted with joy as I came across an untouched Cherry Blossom spot draped over a river. Go off the unbeaten path and you will find magic.

Seeeee – magic!

Are you headed to Japan and want to slow down one travel day and partake in the custom of viewing Sakura? I have some insights for you to truly enjoy this season. These spots lend themselves to be great places for a Hanami picnic and embrace gazing at the spectacular Japanese Cherry Blossom Trees.

Inokashira Park & Yoyogi Park (hot spots)

If you love crowds or as I put a positive twist on it “community”, these places are for you. Grab a Chu Hi (Strong zero) and some 7/11 gyoza and head to a grassy patch. Inokashira Park has beautiful scenery with a pond, and romantic vibes in the form of couples in swan boats. You will also be close to the hip neighborhood of Kichojiji if that is on your list to explore. Yoyogi Park is located close to many Tokyo tourist attractions, and although crowded, can be very fun (and entertaining). It is incredible how extra people can be with their picnics. Real tables, portable karaoke and a whole liquor cabinet are all things I may or may not have seen….Both may not be the most peaceful, but are stunning when Sakura is in full bloom.

Kyu Shiba Rikyu Garden

If you plan on visiting the Tokyo Tower or the Zojoji Temple head to the Kyu Shiba Rikyu Garden and find a perfect place to unwind with minimal crowds. It is also an ideal opportunity for admiring Japanese gardens. Scattered with people sitting on benches while on a lunch break, I envied that they get many more springs here. If my office breaks had this scenery, I may take a few breaks….Situated in the middle of concrete buildings, it is the an ideal location to escape the city.

Yokohama (find your off beat path)

If you happen to be itching for some day trips out of Tokyo, areas around the city will also be beautifully in bloom (such as Kamakura and Yokohama). Some fellow friends/bloggers of mine went off the tourist grid and found the most stunning place to Hanami. Rows of Tulips and a Sakura sky above us. We went to a local grocery store and grabbed Sushi, soba noodles, spring rolls, gyoza and beyond for our perfect Hanami picnic. Finding places like this is easier than you think – get lost and enjoy.

top | jeans | shoes (similar) | hat (similar)

 

Shukuragawa Stream (Local Vibe)

A tiny stream through a cozy and quaint area of Tokyo, Shukuragawa is the perfect place to scope out a picnic spot, people watch as they paint the Sakura and see kids playing with their families. Two quick stops for lunch and sweet Hanami treats and you will be ready to settle in for a beautiful day. Gusts of wind created a blizzard of Sakura, perfecting the already way too scenic vision.

Have you enjoyed the tradition of Hanami with great food and even better company? Let me know in the comments below! Sending Sakura petals your way!

Ready for your Hanami picnic in Tokyo? PIN IT below!

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