#2683

Local Secret: Sakura at Zenpukuji

In a bid to get away from the crowds of Nakameguro, Ueno and Shinjuku, I found out about a minor sakura covered park in Nishiogikubo, about 20 minutes away from the station.

Zenpukuji is a miniaturized version of the famous Inokashira park, and has the same lovely cherry trees stretching over a duck-filled lake.

The walk to and from Zempukuji Park is pleasant, as the area is filled with antique stores, family run businesses and houses with beautifully tended gardens.

Last year my companion and I arrived after noon, but even so we got a spot right under a tree, next to the lake... anyone who has done hanami in a major city will understand how rare an occurrence this is!

The atmosphere was relaxed, but not rowdy, and there was even a bunch of musicians jamming nearby.

To get there, take the Chuo line to Nishiogikubo station.

The walk to the park is a bit long, but on the way there are several small bakeries and convenience stores, where you can stock up on snacks to nibble while enjoying the blossoms.

Want more ideas about fun things to do around Tokyo and Yokohama?
Then check out my blog: http://moveovergodzilla.blogspot.jp/

Chiara image

Chiara

Italy

Chiara's other advice

Kamata: The Most Beautiful Knives in Tokyo images

Kamata: The Most Beautiful Knives in Tokyo

Kappabashi, Tokyo's kitchenware wholesaler's district, is a treasure trove of gorgeous ceramics, unusual spices, pots and pans of all sizes and, of course, Japan's world-class knives.No place gli…

Dinner Cruises in Tokyo: Awesome Yakatabune images

Dinner Cruises in Tokyo: Awesome Yakatabune

Want to celebrate a special occasion, or experience an only-in-Japan cruise? Then look no further than the 'yakatabune'.These are the descendants of the 'pleasure boats' owned by the ancient nobi…

Kawagoe: The Perfect Day Trip from Tokyo images

Kawagoe: The Perfect Day Trip from Tokyo

Little Kawagoe, a short one hour train ride away from Shinjuku Station on the Seibu Line, is a wonderful spot to get away from the big city and feast your eyes on buildings from the Edo and Meiji era…

5 Offbeat Tips for Travelers images

5 Offbeat Tips for Travelers

Looking to get beneath the surface of Japan, instead of just seeing the main tourist spots? Well, here are a few tips:1- Read UpBesides Deep Japan, check out English language publications (li…

Fall in Japan: Top 5 Things to Do images

Fall in Japan: Top 5 Things to Do

I love fall, it is by far my favorite season! In Japan the profusion of Japanese maples and ginkgos also ensure that it is one of the most dramatic, beautiful seasons to visit.So, here are a few …

Crazy Colorful Nails: A very unique Japanese souvenir images

Crazy Colorful Nails: A very unique Japanese souvenir

For people who are interested in fashion and playing with their look, getting gel nails done in Japan is a must-try experience.Unlike a regular manicure, gel nails and art can last for up to 6 we…

You might also like

Hanami at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo images

Hanami at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo

The Japanese garden at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo is one of the best places to see all kinds of Japanese flowers throughout the year. Of course, it is also an excellent place to see sakura - cherry…

David image

David

Hanami Dango (Three-color dumpling) images

Hanami Dango (Three-color dumpling)

Sanshoku Dango (dango of three colors)is a skewered dango formed of one pink dumpling, one non-colored white dumpling and one green dumpling. Each color has a meaning : cherry blossom in spring, snow…

OKAKI-sun image

OKAKI-sun

Sakura in Jijyugaoka and Tokyo Institute of Technology images

Sakura in Jijyugaoka and Tokyo Institute of Technology

The “hanami” experience is highly recommended for those visiting Japan around this time. My family visits Jiyugaoka every year for Hanami. We went there last weekend and it was pretty as always! I wo…

EmiOnishi image

EmiOnishi

Spring in Japan is cherry blossom season images

Spring in Japan is cherry blossom season

Sakura – cherry blossom time“Sakura are all things cherry, everything cherry blossoms and cherry trees. Think of sakura as a season in Japan, the height of spring... Hanami, written with the char…

DeepJapan image

DeepJapan

Before you leave... images

Before you leave...

When staying at the park or street with cherry blossoms, you should not take up excessive amounts of space, especially if it is a popular location. Take a picnic sheet that will fit your friends and/…

RieS image

RieS

Kinuta Park as one of the best hanami park in Tokyo images

Kinuta Park as one of the best hanami park in Tokyo

My recommendation is Kinuta Park in Setagaya-ku, Tokyo. You can visit there by bus from Futako Tamagawa station of Tokyu Den'en Toshi Line or Yoga Station of Tokyu Den'en Toshi Line, or Seijyo Gakuen…

kurukurugurume image

kurukurugurume