For those looking to enjoy Yozakura (夜桜, lit-up cherry blossoms), there are literally dozens of places to visit in the next two weeks. Below are some of the more popular ones in the Kanto Area.
Chidorigafuchi, Kitanomaru Park and Yasukuni Shrine
Chidorigafuchi is the North Eastern moat of the Imperial Palace. Together with Kitanomaru Park, it is one of the most popular hanami spots in Tokyo. If you go during the day, you can enjoy viewing the cherry blossoms from boats available for rent. The lights are on from 6:30 to 10:00 p.m. A Yozakura Noh will be held from April 2 to 4 at Yasukuni Shrine. The closest station is the subway Kudanshita Station.
Sumida Park and Sumida River
Cherry blossoms line both sides of Sumida River, which is best viewed from cruise boats. Nighttime trips will be made from March 31st to April 6th. The boats depart Asakusa from around 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. The 45-minute cruise costs ¥1200, reservations may be required. The park is a few steps from Asakusa Station.
Ueno Park is one of the noisiest and most crowded hanami spots. The park boasts of 1,300 cherry trees. Lights will be turned on in the early evening.
Tokyo Tower, Ark Hills and Roponggi Hills
Around the Roponggi Area, the lit-up cherry blossoms can be viewed with Tokyo Tower in the background. There will be a Sakura Tunnel from the Sakura-saka to the Spain-saka in Ark Hills.
The Shidare-zakura of Rikugien is one of the most spectacular around the Tokyo area, especially when lit up. Yozakura is from March 20 to 30. The park is located about 5 minutes from Kamagome Station on the Namboku Line.
Hamarikyu Gardens is located along the Sumida River. The Suijo-bus from Asakusa ports at the garden gates. It is also 7 minutes away from Shiodome Station. Yoshino-sakura will be lit up from April 3 to 6, while Yae-zakura will be lit up from April 12 to 20.
Photos via: Let’s Enjoy Tokyo, Tokyo Parks, Date Navi , Sozai-Free
It really is a great time of the year to be lucky enough living in Japan.
Hi Neil!
Yes, you’re right. One good reason I’ve found myself staying longer than originally planned…
It’s so gorgeous there, I want to go to Japan one day. I noticed they light up the trees at night. Very nice. I wish they do that in Vancouver, Canada where there are some cherry blossoms too.
Thanks for commenting, yp2m!
Yeah, I love the lighted up cherry blossoms… Truly something worth seeing…
Would be nice if they did the same in other countries, too. They also light up the maple leaves in autumn, and snow scenes. It’s really nice to look at…
lovely photos! did you take them? i STILL havent been to one of those yet….. LOL
Hi jyankee!
Actually, they’re photos from professional photographers. I borrowed them and the credits are at the bottom of the post. I wish I could take pictures that well, though.
Now might be a good time to plan that trip… light-ups start this weekend…
Nice pics. I went to the one near Yasukuni shrine on Sunday. It was breathtakingly beautiful. I’ve loaded a few pics on my blog. If only the flowers lasted a little longer!
Thanks for visiting and commenting, ruolngulworld!
I’m planning to visit that shrine sometime this week, too! I wish I had enough time to visit all these places… but as it is, I can only visit a few parks/places a year… if only the flowers did last a little longer…
i am a funatic of japan culture and i luv Japan one day i will live in japan
i think is a very beaty cuntry !!! but one of my favorite thngs is anime and manga i’m crazy about it
finally cherryblossom is a very beaty tree ! lol
Thanks for dropping by, snake! And thanks for taking the time to comment!
Japan is indeed a very beautiful country with a very interesting pop culture.