Hanami: Embracing the Cherry Blossoms
Cherry blossom season in Tokyo’s Ueno Park is a rite of passage for any self-respecting visitor to Japan. Our pals at TokyoCheapo placed it top of their list of sakura-seeing parks for a reason – its hanami is world-renowned and the surrounding area is full of great places to spend a day.
Here’s our top picks for one of Japan’s best springtime spots.
Ueno Park
With over a thousand cherry trees lining its central pathways, Ueno Park becomes a sea of pink during spring. Locals and tourists gather for picnics, enjoy seasonal treats, and celebrate under the blooming canopies. The atmosphere is festive, with food stalls offering a variety of Japanese street foods, from savoury yakitori to sweet mochi.
Cultural Sites in the Park
Beyond the blossoms, Ueno Park houses several cultural landmarks:
- Tokyo Metropolitan Art Musem: If the natural beuaty of the sakura isn’t enough, check out the contemporary collection on display at one of the city’s very best art museums. If surrealism’s your thing (you have come to Japan, after all!), there’s a Juan Miró exhibition that starts in March.
- Ueno Tōshō-gū Shrine: Dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, gold foil-decorated shrine is a testament to Edo-period architecture. Great for a moment of serenity away from the crowds.
- Kiyomizu Kannon-dō: If this temple reminds you of historic Kyoto, that’s because it’s modelled after the famous Kiyomizu-dera!
The Best Cafés to Rest and Refresh
Here’s where we’d refuel after a long day of sight-seeing (and Instagram photo-ops).
- Everyone’s Café: Previously known as Ueno no Mori Park Side Café, this is a great spot for some western-inspired dishes as well as Japanese standards. The locally-sourced green tea is a must-try.
- Kayaba Coffee: This historic café has been keeping park-goers caffeinated since 1938. Inside, it’s a real mix of old and new – modern-day Japan in microcosm.
Retail Therapy at Ameya-Yokocho Market
Just south of Ueno Park you’ll find Ameya-Yokocho, a busy market street full of independent shops and eateries. Here, you can get yourself a huge array of local goods (some artisan, some less so), from fresh produce and seafood to clothing and accessories. Great for some off-the-beaten-track souvenirs.
Sharing Your Experience
Of course we’d say this, but a day of sakura-spotting needs a reliable SIM service so that you can share your snaps with friends and family back home. After all, if it’s not on the gram, did it even happen?
We’ve been keeping Japan tourists and long-term residents alike connected for many years now, and our super-popular Tourist eSIMs make it simple to get online as soon as your plane lands. Find your perfect eSIM here!
